The steps in an IVF cycle are:

• Stimulating the ovaries with injections of FSH
• Preventing premature ovulation (the LH surge) by shutting down communication between the brain and the ovaries, so that the eggs are not lost before they can be collected
• Triggering ovulation by replacing the LH surge at mid cycle with an injection of hCG
• Collecting the eggs and sperm
• Culturing embryos in the laboratory
• Transferring the embryo/s
• Supporting the endometrium in the luteal phase with hCG or progesterone

Embryo Transfer An embryo transfer to the uterus is usually straightforward and painless: no more (or less) uncomfortable than having a Pap smear. After a speculum is placed in the vagina, a fine plastic catheter that has been loaded with the embryo is passed through the cervix into the uterus.

Many people think that the uterus looks like it does in most diagrams, with a cave-like interior in which transferred embryos can rattle around and even fall out! In reality, the endometrial cavity is a potential space. In fact, the front and back walls of the uterus are in contact like two slices of bread with jam in the middle; the embryo is like a raspberry seed wedged in between. No matter what you do, it won’t fall out!