IVF treatment: How long is a typical IVF cycle?

1st October 2013 in IVF

This information was correct at the time of publishing. It may not reflect our current practices, prices or regulations.

If you’re planning on having IVF treatment, whether here at our infertility clinic in Cheshire or with your local NHS IVF provider, you may be wondering how long it will take before you can take your pregnancy test.

A typical IVF cycle lasts approximately four to six weeks from start to finish, from your initial consultation to when you can see if your treatment cycle has worked. During this time, there are many specific stages and processes, and it does involve repeated trips to your IVF clinic of choice throughout.

The main stages for your IVF cycle, following your consultation where your treatment is explained in detail, are: ovarian stimulation; egg collection; insemination of your eggs; embryo transfer and then pregnancy test. So from your first meeting with us, it can be as little as six weeks before you know if you’re going to be parents.

During every stage of your IVF cycle you will be carefully monitored by our team. This involves blood tests and scans to ensure you are responding correctly to the hormones necessary for your cycle, but also to ensure your wellbeing – not just physically but emotionally.

We know from our many years of experience in guiding people through the IVF process the effect it can have not just on you but those around you, including your partner and even close family.

Our counsellors are on hand to help you if you wish to talk to someone in-depth, you will need counselling if your IVF cycle involves the use of donor sperm or eggs. And our nursing team is also here to provide support at all times – whether it’s a listening ear or a shoulder to lean on.

We take pride in our caring and compassionate approach to treatment, it’s why so many people from across the region, and indeed the UK, turn to our dedicated team to help them have their families. 

Once you make the decision that IVF treatment is right for you, and that you are actually going to start your cycle, it can trigger many feelings: it can be daunting, frightening and yet exciting.

However beginning your own, life-changing journey makes you feel, you can be assured that at Manchester Fertility, you are never going through it alone. We all look forward to welcoming you and taking care of you as you start on the road to becoming parents. 

Read more about the processes of an IVF cycle, you can also contact us to arrange an informal tour of our clinic with our friendly Patient Advisors.

Last updated: 7th February 2024