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What to Expect During Your First IVF Cycle at Omega Fertility Gurugram
Beginning your first IVF cycle can feel like stepping into unknown territory. At Omega Imaging & Fertility Centre, Gurugram, we believe that knowledge brings confidence. This comprehensive guide walks you through exactly what to expect during each stage of your first IVF cycle, helping you feel prepared, informed, and supported throughout your journey.
Before Your Cycle Begins: The Preparation Phase
Timeline: 2-4 weeks before stimulation
Your first IVF cycle doesn’t start with injections—it starts with preparation:
Final Consultation & Protocol Planning: Your doctor will create a personalized treatment plan based on your medical profile, including medication dosages and timeline.
Pre-cycle Testing: Blood tests, ultrasounds, and sometimes additional screenings to ensure optimal conditions.
Medication Education: Our nurses will teach you how to administer injections, manage medications, and what side effects to expect.
Consent & Financial Clearance: Understanding the process, success rates, and costs before you begin.
Phase 1: Ovarian Stimulation (Days 1-10 approximately)
What Happens: Instead of developing one egg naturally, you’ll take hormonal medications to stimulate multiple follicles to grow.
What to Expect:
Daily Injections: Usually self-administered or with partner’s help (subcutaneous, similar to insulin shots)
Monitoring Appointments: At our Gurugram centre every 2-3 days for:
Blood tests (checking hormone levels)
Transvaginal ultrasounds (tracking follicle growth)
Possible Side Effects: Bloating, mood swings, mild abdominal discomfort, injection site reactions
Adjustments: Your medication dose may be adjusted based on your response
Pro Tip: Schedule morning appointments for monitoring—they’re quick (30-45 minutes) and let you continue with your day.
Phase 2: Trigger Shot & Egg Retrieval
What Happens: Once follicles reach optimal size, you’ll receive a “trigger shot” (hCG or Lupron) to finalize egg maturation. Egg retrieval occurs 36 hours later.
What to Expect:
The Procedure: Done under light sedation at our Gurugram centre (you’re asleep but breathing on your own)
Duration: 20-30 minutes
Aftercare: You’ll recover for 1-2 hours before going home with your partner/friend
Post-procedure: Mild cramping, spotting, and bloating are normal. Rest that day.
Important: Your partner provides a sperm sample the same day (unless using frozen/donor sperm).
Phase 3: The Laboratory Phase
What Happens: While you recover, our embryologists work in our state-of-the-art Gurugram lab:
Fertilization: Eggs are fertilized with sperm (conventional IVF or ICSI)
Embryo Development: Embryos are monitored for 3-6 days
Updates: You’ll receive reports on fertilization (Day 1) and embryo development (Days 3, 5, or 6)
This is a waiting period—many patients find this time challenging emotionally. Stay connected with our support team.
Phase 4: Embryo Transfer
What Happens: The highest-quality embryo is selected for transfer into your uterus.
What to Expect:
No anesthesia needed: Similar to a Pap smear
Procedure time: 15-20 minutes
Ultrasound-guided: For precise placement
Immediate after: Rest briefly, then resume light activities
Medications: Begin progesterone supplements (shots, pills, or vaginal inserts)
Special Moment: If you wish, you can see the embryo on screen before transfer—many couples find this meaningful.
Phase 5: The Two-Week Wait & Pregnancy Test
What Happens: The longest emotional phase—waiting to see if implantation occurs.
What to Expect:
Progesterone Support: Continues to support the uterine lining
Symptoms: Some experience mild cramping, spotting, or breast tenderness (these can be medication-related, not necessarily pregnancy signs)
The Wait: Avoid home tests too early—false results are common
Beta hCG Test: The definitive blood test at our Gurugram centre 10-14 days after transfer
Emotional Note: This period can be anxiety-provoking. Our counsellors are available for support.
After Your First Cycle: Possible Outcomes
Positive Pregnancy Test: Congratulations! You’ll continue medications and have your first ultrasound in 2-3 weeks.
Negative Test with Frozen Embryos: You can plan a frozen embryo transfer in a future cycle.
Negative Test with No Frozen Embryos: You’ll meet with your doctor to discuss what was learned and next options.
How Omega Fertility Gurugram Supports You Throughout
Dedicated Coordinator: A single point of contact for all questions
24/7 Nurse Line: For urgent medical concerns
Emotional Support: Access to counselling and support groups
Financial Guidance: Clear communication about costs
Personalized Care: Adjustments based on your unique response
FAQ's
From start of medications to pregnancy test: approximately 4-6 weeks.
Most are subcutaneous (small needle) with minimal discomfort. Some may cause brief stinging. Ice can help numb the area.
Yes, most people do. Plan for morning monitoring appointments (2-3 per week) and 1-2 days off for retrieval.
Bloating, mild abdominal pressure, mood swings, fatigue, and injection site reactions are common but manageable.
This varies by age and ovarian reserve. Average is 8-15 eggs, but quality matters more than quantity.
No—you’re under sedation. Afterward, you may have cramping (like period pain) for 1-2 days.
Your doctor may adjust your protocol or recommend cancelling the cycle to try a different approach—this happens sometimes and isn’t failure.
Usually yes until nearing retrieval, then your doctor will advise abstinence to prevent ovarian torsion or interference.
Alcohol, smoking, strenuous exercise, hot tubs/saunas, and certain medications (always check with your doctor).
A blood test 10-14 days after embryo transfer gives a definitive result. Early home tests can be misleading.
Many couples need more than one cycle. Your doctor will review everything to optimize the next attempt. You’re not alone.