What is IVF?
IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is the most widely used assisted reproduction treatment. It involves retrieving eggs from the woman and fertilizing them in the laboratory with sperm from a partner or a sperm donor to create embryos. After a controlled embryo culture of 5–6 days, the embryos reach the blastocyst stage; one embryo is transferred to the uterus, and any remaining good-quality embryos (all those with pregnancy potential) are cryopreserved for the future.
At Love Fertility Clinic we approach every IVF case on an individual basis: we review your history, explain the options, and design the most suitable strategy for you. We will give you clear, honest information so you can make informed decisions.
Types of IVF we perform
- IVF with your own eggs and partner’s sperm
- IVF with your own eggs and donor sperm
- IVF with donor eggs and partner’s sperm
- IVF with double donation (eggs and sperm)
- ROPA method (Reception of Oocytes from Partner) — IVF for female same-sex couples
Note: Fertilization can be performed conventionally (by co-incubating eggs and sperm) or via ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection). The choice depends on sperm quality and other clinical criteria.
IVF step by step
The IVF process at Love Fertility Clinic is designed so you feel supported at every stage. Below we explain each phase, from the first consultation to pregnancy confirmation.
1. First consultation
We review your medical history — and your partner’s if applicable — assessing the fertility of both. We indicate the diagnostic tests required (for example: gynaecological examination, serology, blood tests, karyotype, semen analysis).
For female same-sex couples undergoing a shared treatment such as the ROPA method (Reception of Oocytes from Partner), both partners will be tested.
We answer all your questions.
Free first consultation
2. Ovarian stimulation
You will self-administer subcutaneous hormone injections over 8–12 days so the ovaries develop multiple follicles. We perform ultrasound scans and check-ups to adjust the medication. When the follicles reach the optimal size (approximately 18–21 mm), we schedule the next phase.
3. Egg retrieval (pick-up)
Approximately 36 hours after the last medication, we perform the egg retrieval to collect the oocytes. It is a short procedure under light sedation, with no hospital stay required. The laboratory identifies the mature eggs (MII) suitable for fertilization.
4. Fertilization in the laboratory: conventional IVF or ICSI
- Conventional IVF: the eggs are placed in a culture dish with the sperm sample so that fertilization occurs naturally.
- ICSI: a single sperm is microinjected into each mature egg.
5. Embryo culture and selection
We keep the embryos in incubators under optimal conditions until day 5–6 (blastocyst stage). We use Embryoscope (Time-Lapse) technology, which enables continuous monitoring without removing the embryo from the incubator and helps select the embryo with the best development potential.
6. Embryo transfer
Once the endometrium is prepared, we perform a painless transfer using a thin catheter. It usually requires no anaesthesia and is a quick procedure. Any untransferred good-quality embryos are cryopreserved for future use.
7. Two-week wait (TWW), pregnancy test and follow-up
After the transfer, we prescribe supplementation (e.g. progesterone) and provide recommendations. Around 10–12 days later, a blood pregnancy test (β-hCG) is carried out. If the result is positive, we schedule a confirmation ultrasound scan to assess progress. Throughout this period, you have access to psychological support and close guidance from our team.
Who is a candidate for IVF?
IVF may be recommended in situations such as:
- Previous failure of other assisted reproduction treatments
- Moderate to severe endometriosis
- Tubal obstruction, tubal ligation or adhesions
- Solo motherhood when insemination is not indicated
- Female same-sex couples when insemination is not indicated
- Moderate to severe male factor (e.g. low concentration, motility or morphology)
- Post-vasectomy with sperm obtained through surgical techniques
- Unexplained infertility
Each indication is assessed individually based on age, ovarian reserve, medical history and test results.
Why choose Love Fertility Clinic for your IVF
- Advanced embryo selection with Embryoscope (Time-Lapse) for stable culture conditions and continuous assessment.
- ROPA method (Reception of Oocytes from Partner) — IVF for same-sex couples with extensive experience and high patient satisfaction.
- Real support: we answer questions via WhatsApp too, and assign you a dedicated doctor and patient-care coordinator.
- Psychological support throughout the IVF process, especially during the two-week wait (TWW).
- All-female team (gynaecologists, embryologists, nurses) providing warm, empathetic care.
- Care also available in English and Italian for international patients.
- Free first consultation and financing options.
Real testimonials
We have nothing but words of gratitude for this wonderful team led by Dr Blanca Paraíso. Their excellent care and professionalism have been evident at every appointment.
Our experience has been entirely satisfactory, as we are expecting a baby.
Thank you for your patience (as this journey can be so difficult), your kindness (which is so much needed at times), your professionalism, punctuality and dedication. Well done, girls!
IVF frequently asked questions (FAQ)
In conventional IVF, the eggs and the prepared sperm sample are placed together in a culture dish with the appropriate media, allowing fertilization to occur in a way that mimics the natural process. In ICSI — a more complex and precise technique — a selected sperm is microinjected directly into a mature egg to achieve fertilization; if needed, microfluidic techniques are used to avoid sperm DNA fragmentation. ICSI is usually indicated for male factor infertility or other clinical criteria.
From the start of ovarian stimulation to the blood beta test, an IVF cycle usually takes 4–6 weeks, depending on the medical protocol, endometrial preparation times, and whether preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-A) is performed.
It enables continuous Time-Lapse monitoring and helps select the embryo with the best development dynamics, avoiding embryonic stress by not altering culture conditions.
Our gynaecologists recommend single embryo transfer at the blastocyst stage, prioritising maternal and neonatal safety.
IVF success rates depend on multiple factors (age, ovarian reserve, cause of infertility, embryo genetics, etc.). We will inform you of the expected percentages for your specific case.
The egg retrieval (pick-up) is performed under sedation and is usually well tolerated; the embryo transfer is quick and painless and normally does not require anaesthesia.
Book your free first IVF consultation
At Love Fertility Clinic we are delighted to help you. You can book your free first consultation with our specialists Blanca, Isabel, Sara, Laura and Rocío. During this appointment we will review your medical history and clearly explain all your IVF treatment options (including ICSI and complementary techniques), the success rates for your case, and, if you wish, your family-building plan or fertility preservation for the future.
Our nurses Marian, Sonia and Andrea will be with you from the very beginning, answering all your questions about medication and care.
Our patient-care team will support you in the day-to-day running of your IVF treatment: a clear treatment quote, financing options and a flexible schedule so you can choose the time that suits you best with your dedicated specialist.
Get in touch and we will answer any questions. You will have emotional support from the very first moment so you feel calm and cared for throughout the entire IVF process. We will walk this path to motherhood with you: together, we will make it happen.
If you prefer, you can call us on 912 960 340
Get in touch
Important notice: The information on this page is for informational purposes only and does not replace the advice of your specialist. Every case is unique; the medical team will determine the appropriate IVF strategy after evaluating your clinical situation.
