IVF begins with the prescription of fertility drugs in order to increase the number of ovarian eggs that will develop.

With the help of these fertility drugs, the ovaries typically produce between 2 and 25 eggs. The growth of the eggs is monitored through ultrasound, and hormone levels are monitored through blood or urine samples. Once the eggs are at the proper stage (usually 10-12 days after the ovarian stimulation drugs have been taken), they are extracted through a process known as follicular aspiration. This is performed at the clinic under mild sedation and local anesthesia. This step is non-invasive and involves very little or no pain. The patient then leaves the physician's office and returns once the embryos are ready for reinsertion.

Once the eggs are taken from the ovaries, they are brought to the laboratory and placed into an incubator dish.

The man's sperm, which is collected several hours before, is placed with the female's eggs. The sperm enters the egg and an embryo is formed. The cells of the fertilized egg then begin to divide and grow. Embryos continue to grow in the laboratory for approximately two to three days.

Once the embryos have developed sufficiently, the patient returns to the office where the embryos are reinserted into the woman's uterus.

To facilitate this process, the embryos are placed in a small amount of fluid, inserted through the cervix, and then placed into the uterus.

After a few days, the woman is given blood tests, urine tests, and ultrasound exams to monitor whether or not a pregnancy has occurred.