Prepare
Review your evaluation, treatment choices and consent documents.
RCA Fertility · Treatment guide
In vitro fertilization
Science, with you at the center.
Your clinical and laboratory teams coordinate each decision, from preparation to transfer planning. Understanding the sequence can help you ask the questions that matter to you.
01 · A clear definition
What is IVF?
IVF brings eggs and sperm together in a laboratory. Embryos that develop may be transferred to the uterus or frozen for a later transfer.
When might it be discussed?
IVF may be discussed for several fertility diagnoses or family-building paths. Your evaluation guides whether it fits, and whether other options should come first.
A consultation connects the options to your own history and goals.
02 · See the process
One stage at a time.
Choose a stage or play the guided explanation. Each visual is a simplified symbol, not an anatomical simulation or a prediction of your results.
Prepare
Prepare
Stimulate & monitor
Retrieve eggs
Fertilize & culture
Plan transfer
Stage 1 / 5
Prepare
Review your evaluation, treatment choices and consent documents.
Nothing plays automatically. With reduced motion enabled, Play advances one stage.
Egg retrieval and embryo transfer are separate steps. Some plans include freezing embryos before transfer; others may require another cycle or a change in approach.
03 · Your visual guide
The pathway, at a glance.
Stimulate & monitor
Medication supports follicle development; scans and blood tests guide the next decision.
Retrieve eggs
Eggs are collected in a procedure with anesthesia or sedation and recovery guidance.
Fertilize & culture
The laboratory assesses fertilization and embryo development. ICSI may be considered when indicated.
Plan transfer
Discuss a fresh or later frozen transfer, or further planning if there is no embryo for transfer.
04 · Plan the practical details
A sequence, not a fixed calendar.
Timing varies with your evaluation, response and chosen plan. Your team provides the dates that apply to you.
- Before the cycleEvaluation, counseling, consent and practical preparation.
- During stimulationRepeat visits and individualized medication instructions.
- After retrievalLaboratory updates, recovery and transfer planning.
- After transfer, if performedTesting and follow-up on the schedule provided by your team.
Your conversation checklist
Use these prompts when preparing for your visit.
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05 · Make an informed decision
Questions deserve clear answers.
What are the risks and limits?
Medication-related ovarian hyperstimulation and procedure or anesthesia complications are possible. Discuss embryo-transfer decisions and the risk of multiple pregnancy. Egg, embryo and pregnancy outcomes vary; a cycle may not reach transfer.
How should I prepare for the first conversation?
Write down your priorities and questions. Ask your coordinator how to provide existing records securely, which appointments may be needed and how to arrange financial follow-up.
What costs should I discuss?
Ask what is included, what may be billed separately and which benefits may apply. The costs and insurance guide can help you prepare.
Educational sources
ASRM: Assisted reproductive technologies ↗ASRM: IVF journey ↗Prepared October 1, 2026. Educational overview; your clinician provides individualized advice.
Your next step · Your care team
A clearer path starts
with a conversation.
Adrianna helps coordinate IVF care, education and the practical handoffs that keep your next step understandable.
Adrianna Andrade
Director of IVF Coordination