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IVF & assisted reproduction
Medically supported conception: medication protocols, clinic visits, and the intense logistics of fertility treatment.
What this stage is about
An IVF cycle typically spans 4-6 weeks. It starts with ovarian stimulation (daily injections for 10-12 days), progresses to egg retrieval under sedation, laboratory fertilisation, embryo development (3-6 days), and finally embryo transfer. The two-week wait until the pregnancy test follows.
Common challenges
- Managing the logistics of daily injections and frequent clinic visits
- Tracking medication names, doses, and timing across multiple drugs
- Coping with hormonal side effects and emotional intensity
- Relationship strain and the impact on work and social life
- The financial weight of treatment
Key decisions
- Which clinic and which protocol (long agonist, antagonist, mini-IVF, natural cycle)
- Fresh vs. frozen embryo transfer
- Single vs. multiple embryo transfer
- Whether to pursue genetic testing (PGT-A, PGT-M)
- How many cycles to attempt before considering alternatives
When to seek medical attention
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) symptoms: severe bloating, nausea, shortness of breath — contact your clinic immediately
- Any signs of infection at injection sites
- Severe anxiety or depression during treatment — most clinics offer psychological support
How Avelia helps
Avelia’s IVF stage was built with IVF patients and reproductive endocrinologists. It includes medication reminders, protocol timelines, clinic appointment tracking, side-effect logging, and emotional check-ins. Nothing syncs to the cloud unless you opt in — and even then, it’s zero-knowledge encrypted.
Questions & answers
Frequently asked questions
What is this stage about?
An IVF cycle typically spans 4-6 weeks. It starts with ovarian stimulation (daily injections for 10-12 days), progresses to egg retrieval under sedation, laboratory fertilisation, embryo development (3-6 days), and finally embryo transfer. The two-week wait until the pregnancy test follows.
What are the most common challenges?
Managing the logistics of daily injections and frequent clinic visits. Tracking medication names, doses, and timing across multiple drugs. Coping with hormonal side effects and emotional intensity. Relationship strain and the impact on work and social life. The financial weight of treatment.
When should I seek medical attention?
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) symptoms: severe bloating, nausea, shortness of breath — contact your clinic immediately. Any signs of infection at injection sites. Severe anxiety or depression during treatment — most clinics offer psychological support.
How does Avelia help in this stage?
Avelia’s IVF stage was built with IVF patients and reproductive endocrinologists. It includes medication reminders, protocol timelines, clinic appointment tracking, side-effect logging, and emotional check-ins. Nothing syncs to the cloud unless you opt in — and even then, it’s zero-knowledge encrypted.