IVF care, built around you.
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the most established paths to building a family. At RMA of Michigan, we pair evidence-informed protocols with compassionate support, guiding every patient through care that's personalized to their body and their goals.
What is IVF? In vitro fertilization is a fertility treatment in which eggs are retrieved from the ovaries and combined with sperm in a laboratory. Resulting embryos develop for several days, and one is transferred to the uterus with the goal of pregnancy. At RMA of Michigan in Troy, IVF is offered to individuals and families of all structures, with each treatment plan tailored to the patient.
Understanding IVF
IVF brings together the egg and sperm outside the body, in a controlled laboratory setting, so that fertilization and early embryo development can be supported and monitored closely. It's a widely used option for many causes of infertility, as well as for individuals and families building their families in different ways.
Because every person responds differently, your care team designs a plan around your medical history, diagnostic results, and personal goals. Throughout the cycle, you'll have clear explanations at each decision point and a team available to answer questions along the way.
IVF can also be combined with other approaches — including genetic testing (PGT-A), donor eggs, or a gestational carrier — depending on what fits your situation.
The IVF process, step by step
A typical IVF cycle moves through five main phases. Your specific medications, timing, and number of visits are individualized.
Preparation
Medication may be used to gently quiet the natural cycle, giving your team control over timing so stimulation can start at the right moment for you.
Stimulation
Injectable hormones encourage the ovaries to mature several follicles in one cycle, typically over roughly 8–11 days, with frequent monitoring.
Egg Retrieval
A trigger injection prompts final egg maturation. About 36 hours later, eggs are collected during a short procedure under sedation and ultrasound guidance.
Fertilization
In the laboratory, eggs are combined with sperm and monitored as embryos develop. Progesterone support typically begins the day after retrieval.
Embryo Transfer
An embryo is transferred to the uterus, usually on day 3 or 5. About two weeks later, a blood test confirms whether pregnancy has been achieved.
Medications used in IVF
The exact medications, doses, and timing vary from patient to patient and are based on individual needs. These are the categories most often used during an IVF cycle.
Lupron
Given by injection beneath the skin, it temporarily reduces the pituitary gland's hormone signals so stimulation can be even and balanced, and helps prevent an early hormonal surge.
Ganirelix / Cetrotide
A daily injection used for a few days before the trigger. It works quickly to prevent a premature hormonal surge during stimulation.
Gonal-F / Follistim
Recombinant forms of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), given by subcutaneous injection to support the growth and development of multiple follicles.
Menopur
A purified combination of FSH and luteinizing hormone (LH) given by injection. For some patients it can support a slightly quicker response, though results vary.
Ovidrel / hCG
Substitutes for the mid-cycle LH surge to prompt final egg maturation before retrieval. It can cause a positive home test for several days afterward, so rely on your clinic's blood test.
Progesterone
Typically started the day after retrieval to support the uterine lining, and continued as directed if pregnancy is achieved.
A typical IVF timeline
Timing varies between patients and even between cycles. This is a general sequence to help you picture the journey.
Baseline & Preparation
You'll call at the start of your period so the team can finalize scheduling, then come in for baseline bloodwork and begin any preparation medication as directed.
Stimulation Begins
With your period marking cycle day 1, an early-morning ultrasound and bloodwork confirm you're ready, and stimulation injections begin — usually between days 2 and 4.
Monitoring
Frequent morning visits track follicle growth. A nurse contacts you each day with next steps and any dose adjustments.
Final Maturation
Once follicles reach maturity, you'll take the trigger injection at a precise time and stop the other stimulation medications.
Egg Retrieval
Eggs are collected under sedation and ultrasound guidance. Plan to arrive ahead of time, avoid eating after midnight beforehand, and arrange a ride home.
Embryo Transfer
An embryo is placed in the uterus in a brief, ultrasound-guided procedure. You can return home shortly afterward.
Pregnancy Test
A morning blood test confirms your pregnancy status. Your team reviews results with you and outlines next steps regardless of outcome.
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
ICSI is a laboratory technique sometimes used alongside IVF, particularly when sperm-related factors make fertilization less likely. From the patient's perspective, a cycle that includes ICSI looks much like a standard cycle — the difference happens in the lab, where an embryologist places a single sperm directly into an egg under carefully controlled conditions.
- ICSI isn't needed in every case — your physician will review your situation and explain whether it's a helpful option for you.
- It may be considered with a low sperm count, reduced motility, a low percentage of typical sperm shape, or prior low fertilization during IVF.
- Because samples can vary day to day, the decision is sometimes finalized on the day of retrieval.
IVF questions, answered
How long does one IVF cycle take?
A single cycle generally spans several weeks from the start of preparation through the pregnancy test. Stimulation alone is often around 8–11 days, followed by retrieval, fertilization, and transfer. Your team will give you a personalized calendar once your plan is set.
Is IVF an option for LGBTQ+ individuals and families?
Yes. RMA of Michigan provides inclusive care for individuals and families of all structures. Family-building paths involving donor sperm, donor eggs, or a gestational carrier can be combined with IVF, and your team will help map the approach that fits your goals. Learn more on our LGBTQ+ family building page.
How many embryos are transferred?
The number and timing of transfer depend on factors such as embryo quality and your individual circumstances. Your physician will discuss the recommended approach with you, with the aim of supporting a healthy pregnancy.
What happens if a cycle isn't successful?
Not every cycle results in pregnancy. If a cycle is unsuccessful, your team will schedule a follow-up to review what happened and talk through options. Many patients use that conversation to refine the plan for a future cycle. You can schedule a follow-up at any time.
Will I need to take time off work?
Monitoring visits are usually scheduled early in the morning to limit disruption. Egg retrieval involves sedation, so you'll want that day off and a ride home. The transfer is brief, and most people resume normal activity soon after. Your team can help you plan around your schedule.
How is my treatment plan personalized?
Your medications, dosing, monitoring frequency, and transfer timing are all based on your medical history, diagnostic testing, and how your body responds during the cycle. Plans are adjusted along the way rather than following a fixed template.