The IVF process, step by step
Ovarian stimulation
Medications stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, rather than the single egg of a natural cycle.
Egg retrieval
A minor surgical procedure retrieves the mature eggs.
Fertilization
Eggs are fertilized with sperm in a lab setting.
Embryo development and optional genetic testing
Resulting embryos develop for several days; PGT-A (chromosomal screening) or PGT-M (specific genetic disease screening) can be performed at this stage.
Embryo transfer
A selected embryo is transferred into the uterus, either in the same cycle (fresh transfer) or a later cycle (frozen transfer).
This explainer, and all IVF content across this network, is scoped strictly to PGT-A (chromosomal) and PGT-M (specific genetic disease) screening — not family balancing.
Why cycle counts vary
Not every cycle results in a successful pregnancy — success rates depend heavily on age and individual factors, which is why many patients require more than one cycle. This variability is a genuine biological reality, not a marketing gap.
See colombianivf.com for Colombia-specific IVF provider information.
The Takeaway
IVF is a multi-stage biological process with inherent variability — understanding each stage helps set realistic expectations before you begin.