In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the medical heart of every surrogacy and egg-donation program. Knowing what happens — and when — makes the journey calmer. Here is a typical IVF cycle at our partner clinics in Yerevan.
The IVF cycle
- Preparation and tests — hormone profile (including AMH), infections, ultrasound and semen analysis. Many tests can be done at home before you travel.
- Ovarian stimulation — about 10–12 days of injections to grow several follicles, with 3–4 monitoring scans.
- Trigger injection — the final injection matures the eggs; retrieval follows about 36 hours later.
- Egg retrieval — a short procedure, usually under light sedation; most women rest for a few hours and return to their hotel the same day once the doctor has checked their recovery.
- Fertilization — conventional IVF or ICSI (a single sperm injected into each egg), recommended for male-factor infertility and for washed sperm.
- Embryo culture — embryos are monitored for 5–6 days until the blastocyst stage.
- Genetic testing (optional) — PGT can screen embryos for chromosomal or specific inherited conditions when medically indicated.
- Embryo transfer — one or two embryos, as decided by the doctor (a single embryo reduces the risks of a multiple pregnancy), transferred to the intended mother or the gestational surrogate; remaining embryos suitable for freezing are frozen. A fresh transfer happens 5–6 days after retrieval; a frozen transfer takes place in a later cycle, once the lining has been prepared.
- Pregnancy test — a blood test 10–14 days later, then, if it is positive, an ultrasound around week 6–7.
How long do I stay in Yerevan?
| Who | Typical stay |
|---|---|
| Woman undergoing stimulation and retrieval | 7–14 days |
| Sperm provider | 2–3 days (or ship frozen sperm) |
| Surrogacy program (parents) | No need to stay for the transfer |
What improves your chances
- Complete tests before travel, so treatment can start on time
- Healthy weight, no smoking, limited alcohol and caffeine
- Folic acid and vitamin D as advised by your doctor
- Following the medication schedule exactly
Plan your IVF cycle
We coordinate the clinic, travel and interpreter for you.
Request a Free ConsultationWhatsAppFrequently asked questions
What should I expect during and after egg retrieval?
It is usually done under light sedation, so most women feel little during the procedure; sedation and recovery are assessed individually. Mild cramping or bloating afterwards is common. Contact the clinic or your coordinator straight away if you have severe abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, fever, shortness of breath or rapid weight gain.
How many embryos are transferred?
One or two. The doctor decides based on embryo quality and the health of the woman carrying the pregnancy (in surrogacy, with the surrogate’s informed consent). A single-embryo transfer reduces the risks of a multiple pregnancy.
What happens to extra embryos?
Embryos suitable for freezing are frozen and can be used for later transfers. Storage terms and fees are set out in your contract.
What if the cycle fails?
Your doctor reviews the cycle and suggests changes; frozen embryos can be transferred in a later cycle. Multi-attempt programs are available — see programs.
Related
General information, not medical advice.