IVF Process in Nepal: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
1 hour ago, 8 minutes read
Starting fertility treatment is a deeply personal and sometimes overwhelming decision. For many couples researching the IVF process in Nepal, the medical terminology alone can cause anxiety. Understanding exactly what happens during an In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) cycle is the most effective way to feel in control of your journey to parenthood.
At National IVF in Kathmandu, led by Consultant Reproductive Medicine Specialist Dr. Usha Karki, we believe in complete transparency. A standard IVF cycle takes approximately four to six weeks from the start of your medication to the final pregnancy test.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the exact step-by-step procedure of IVF, explaining what happens in the clinic, what happens in the embryology lab, and how you will feel along the way.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a sophisticated Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). In a natural menstrual cycle, your body typically matures and releases one egg. During the IVF process, fertility medications are used to safely stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs. These eggs are then gently retrieved, fertilized with sperm in a specialized laboratory, and monitored as they grow into embryos. Finally, the healthiest embryo is transferred back into the uterus to establish a pregnancy.
Our approach ensures you are supported at every phase. Here is exactly what you can expect during an IVF cycle.
Before any treatment begins, you will undergo a thorough diagnostic evaluation. Dr. Usha Karki will review your medical history and conduct a baseline transvaginal ultrasound to check your ovarian reserve (Antral Follicle Count) and the health of your uterus. Blood tests will be drawn to evaluate key hormones like AMH, FSH, and Thyroid levels. The male partner will also provide a sample for a comprehensive semen analysis. Once the diagnostic phase is complete, a customized treatment calendar is created for you.
Your active IVF cycle typically begins on the second or third day of your menstrual period. You will begin taking injectable fertility medications (gonadotropins) designed to stimulate your ovaries to develop multiple egg-containing follicles.
Monitoring: You will visit the clinic every 2 to 3 days during this phase. We use ultrasound scans and blood tests to monitor how your follicles are growing.
The Trigger Shot: Once the follicles reach the optimal size (usually around 18-20mm), you will receive a final "trigger injection" (hCG). This matures the eggs and prepares them for retrieval precisely 34 to 36 hours later.
The egg retrieval is a minor, minimally invasive day-care procedure. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes and is performed under light, intravenous sedation—meaning you will be asleep and will not feel any pain.
Using a specialized ultrasound guide, the fertility specialist carefully extracts the follicular fluid containing the eggs. You can go home the same day after resting for a few hours, though some mild cramping or bloating is normal.
On the same day as the egg retrieval, the male partner provides a semen sample. The sample is washed and prepared in the laboratory to isolate the most active, healthy sperm. At National IVF, we often utilize Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). Instead of mixing the eggs and sperm together in a dish (conventional IVF), a highly skilled embryologist injects a single, healthy sperm directly into each mature egg to maximize the chances of successful fertilization.
Over the next few days, our embryologists closely monitor the fertilized eggs as they divide and grow in state-of-the-art, climate-controlled incubators.
Day 3: The embryos typically reach the "cleavage stage" (6 to 8 cells).
Day 5: The most robust embryos reach the "blastocyst stage." Transferring an embryo at the blastocyst stage generally yields higher IVF success rates in Nepal.
The embryo transfer is a simple, painless procedure that feels very similar to a routine Pap smear. No anesthesia is required. A thin, flexible catheter is loaded with the selected embryo and gently passed through the cervix into the uterus under ultrasound guidance. Any remaining high-quality embryos can be frozen (cryopreserved) for future use.
Following the transfer, you will take hormonal support medications (typically progesterone) to prepare your uterine lining for implantation. Now begins the "two-week wait"—a period of 10 to 14 days before a reliable pregnancy test can be taken. A Beta hCG blood test will be performed at the clinic to confirm if the procedure was successful.
To help you plan your personal and professional schedule, here is a general timeline of an active IVF cycle:
| IVF Phase | Approximate Duration | What to Expect |
| Preparation & Diagnosis | 2 to 4 weeks prior | Blood tests, ultrasounds, and lifestyle adjustments. |
| Ovarian Stimulation | 10 to 12 days | Daily injections and frequent clinic visits for monitoring. |
| Egg Retrieval | 1 Day | Minor procedure under sedation; rest for the remainder of the day. |
| Embryology & Culture | 3 to 5 Days | Laboratory fertilization and embryo growth. |
| Embryo Transfer | 1 Day | Painless, 15-minute procedure. |
| The Two-Week Wait | 10 to 14 Days | Waiting period followed by a blood pregnancy test. |
Note: The entire active medical process from the start of injections to the pregnancy test takes approximately 4 weeks.
Success in IVF is influenced by the quality of the eggs and sperm. Preparing your body 2 to 3 months before starting your cycle can optimize your results.
Nutrition: Adopt a balanced, antioxidant-rich diet.
Supplements: Begin taking prenatal vitamins, specifically folic acid, as advised by your doctor.
Lifestyle: Avoid smoking, limit alcohol, restrict caffeine intake, and maintain a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI).
Undergoing IVF is a significant emotional and financial investment. National IVF operates as a leading fertility clinic because we prioritize evidence-based protocols over one-size-fits-all treatments.
Under the clinical direction of Dr. Usha Karki, our patients receive continuity of care. You will not be passed between rotating doctors; Dr. Karki oversees your cycle from the initial ultrasound to the embryo transfer, ensuring your treatment is as precise and comfortable as possible.
Is the IVF process painful?
The IVF process involves some mild discomfort but is generally not described as painful. The daily fertility injections use very fine needles, similar to insulin pens. The egg retrieval is performed under sedation, so you will feel no pain during the procedure. Post-retrieval, some mild cramping similar to menstrual cramps is common.
How long does the IVF process take in Nepal?
An active IVF cycle takes about four to six weeks from the start of your menstrual cycle to the final pregnancy test. However, the initial diagnostic testing and cycle planning phase may take an additional few weeks before the active cycle begins.
Do I need to take bed rest during the IVF process?
No, strict bed rest is not recommended during an IVF cycle. You can continue your normal daily activities during the stimulation phase. After the embryo transfer, doctors recommend a day of rest, followed by light, routine activities. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided.
Are there side effects to IVF injections?
Because IVF medications temporarily alter your hormone levels, some women experience mild side effects such as bloating, breast tenderness, mild mood swings, and temporary fatigue. These symptoms generally subside after the egg retrieval.
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