Step-by-step: IVF & ICSI

What are IVF and ICSI?

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a well-established fertility treatment for married couples, in which eggs are collected from the ovaries, fertilised with sperm in a highly controlled laboratory environment, embryos are cultured in an incubator, and then transferred into the uterus.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a specialised form of IVF, where a single sperm is injected directly into a mature egg. This technique is typically recommended when male factor infertility is present, including low sperm count, reduced sperm motility or surgically retrieved sperm. 

IVF and ICSI are among the most effective fertility treatments available today and are recommended when simpler fertility treatments are unlikely to succeed or have been unsuccessful. 

At Child Fertility, your care is led by renowned fertility specialist Professor Tim Child and a team including Oxford-trained specialists. We guide you through each stage of treatment with clear explanations, so you always understand what to expect.

Who may benefit from IVF or ICSI?

Your fertility specialist may recommend IVF or ICSI in situations such as:

• Unexplained infertility
• Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
• Severe male factor infertility
• Endometriosis
• Ovulation disorders
• Previous unsuccessful fertility treatments, including IUI 
• Advanced maternal age
• Use of surgically retrieved sperm

Your specialist will assess your individual circumstances and recommend the most appropriate treatment approach.

Step-by-step IVF & ICSI process

Step 1: Initial consultation and fertility assessment

Your journey begins with a detailed fertility consultation. Your specialist will review your medical history, discuss your goals, and recommend any necessary tests.

This may include:

• Hormone blood tests (such as AMH and ovarian reserve markers) 
• Pelvic ultrasound scan, including antral follicle count 
• Semen analysis

This stage helps tailor treatment precisely to your needs. 

Step 2: Ovarian stimulation

To improve the chances of success, injectable hormone medication is used to encourage the ovaries to develop multiple eggs during one cycle, rather than the single egg typically released naturally each month.

As the eggs mature, they develop inside small fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries called follicles. The aim of stimulation is to help several follicles grow to the right size, increasing the number of mature eggs available for collection.

Over approximately 10–14 days, your clinic will carefully monitor your response through:

• Regular ultrasound scans to measure follicle growth
• Hormone blood tests to assess how your body is responding
• Medication adjustments if needed to optimise results

Step 3: Egg collection

Once enough follicles have reached the optimal size, your specialist will schedule egg collection to retrieve the mature eggs developing within them. 

This is a carefully managed procedure that is performed under sedation.

Using ultrasound guidance, a fine needle is used to gently retrieve the eggs from the follicles within the ovaries. The procedure typically takes 15–20 minutes, and most patients go home the same day.

Step 4: Fertilisation (IVF or ICSI)

In the laboratory:

• IVF: Each egg is combined with around 100,000 prepared sperm, allowing fertilisation to occur naturally
• ICSI: A single sperm is injected directly inside each mature egg

The fertilised eggs are then cultured under carefully monitored laboratory conditions. 

Step 5: Embryo development and selection

Embryos are closely monitored over several days, usually to the blastocyst stage (day 5–6), allowing embryologists to assess their development. Embryo culture occurs in time-lapse incubators with AI technology to assist in embryo selection.

Your specialist will select the most suitable embryo(s) for transfer based on quality and your individual treatment plan.

If PGT is being performed, blastocyst-stage embryos are biopsied on days 5-6 and then frozen while the analysis is undertaken and the results are awaited. When the results are available, the embryos are thawed and transferred in a frozen embryo transfer cycle. 

Step 6: Embryo transfer

A selected embryo is placed into the uterus using a fine catheter.

This is a simple procedure that usually does not require anaesthesia and takes only a few minutes.

Step 7: The two-week wait

After the transfer, you will wait around 10–14 days before taking a pregnancy test.

Your care team will guide you on what to expect and how to manage this period. This period can feel emotionally intense, and specialist support can be invaluable. 

What does IVF or ICSI feel like?

Most patients tolerate treatment well, though temporary side effects can include: 

• Mild bloating or abdominal discomfort during stimulation
• Light cramping after egg collection or embryo transfer

Your specialist will guide you on managing any symptoms and ensuring your comfort throughout the process.

Success rates of IVF and ICSI

IVF and ICSI are among the most effective fertility treatments available, with success influenced by both individual health factors and the expertise of your clinical team. 

Key factors include:

• Age
• Egg and sperm quality
• Underlying fertility diagnosis
• Embryo quality

Success is also supported by advanced laboratory techniques, carefully tailored treatment protocols, and close monitoring throughout each stage. Patients can further support outcomes by following treatment guidance closely and maintaining overall health.

While no treatment can guarantee pregnancy, IVF and ICSI generally offer higher success rates than less advanced fertility treatments.

Your specialist will discuss your personalised likelihood of success before starting treatment.

How many IVF cycles might be needed?

Some couples conceive during their first cycle, while others may need more than one attempt.

The number of cycles needed depends on your individual response to treatment and overall fertility factors. Your specialist will guide you on what to expect in your case.

Your IVF journey in Saudi Arabia

At Child Fertility, your care is structured, personalised, and closely guided at every step.

We focus on:

• Personalised treatment plans
• Clear communication at every stage
• Strict confidentiality

Our aim is to make a complex process feel more manageable and understood.

Planning your next step with Child Fertility

If you are considering IVF or ICSI, the first step is a consultation with a fertility specialist. This allows you to understand your options and decide on the most appropriate path forward.

When you feel ready, our team is here to guide you through each stage with clarity and support.