Step-by-Step IVF Journey in UAE: From First Consultation to Embryo Transfer (2025 Guide)

November 22, 2025

Step-by-Step IVF Journey in UAE: From First Consultation to Embryo Transfer (2025 Guide)

Starting your IVF journey can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. The UAE’s fertility clinics are known for their advanced technology, clear protocols, and highly trained reproductive specialists, making the process smooth and patient-friendly.

This guide walks you through every step of the IVF journey in the UAE so you know exactly what to expect.

⭐ Step 1: Initial Consultation & Medical Assessment

Your IVF journey begins with a meeting with a fertility specialist who will:

  • Review your medical and fertility history

  • Understand previous treatments (if any)

  • Assess your menstrual cycle

  • Discuss lifestyle, medications, and symptoms

Tests commonly done in UAE during the first visit:

For women:

For men:

  • Semen analysis

  • Hormonal tests (if required)

This stage helps design a personalized treatment plan based on your body’s needs.

⭐ Step 2: Treatment Planning & Medication Schedule

Once test results are ready, your doctor will:

  • Explain your fertility diagnosis

  • Recommend IVF/ICSI based on case

  • Give a calendar of injections and ultrasound dates

  • Discuss medication doses

  • Explain expected number of eggs

  • Offer add-ons like PGT-A, ERA, or embryo freezing when needed

This is where Fertycure supports couples by coordinating hospital visits, answering queries, and ensuring clarity.

⭐ Step 3: Ovarian Stimulation (10–12 days)

This is one of the most important stages of IVF.

You will take hormonal injections to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs.

What to expect:

  • Daily injections (usually self-administered)

  • Ultrasounds every 2–3 days

  • Blood tests to measure estrogen

  • Dosage adjustments based on follicle growth

Goal: produce 8–15 mature follicles (varies by age and reserve)

Clinics in UAE use the latest stimulation protocols to reduce side effects and improve egg quality.

⭐ Step 4: Trigger Shot & Egg Retrieval

✔ Trigger Shot

When follicles reach the ideal size (18–22 mm), a trigger injection is given to mature the eggs.

Egg retrieval happens 34–36 hours after the trigger shot.

✔ Egg Retrieval Procedure (OPU)

  • A 15–20 minute procedure

  • Done under mild anesthesia

  • Ultrasound-guided

  • No incision required

  • Same-day discharge

Most UAE clinics provide private recovery rooms and excellent postoperative care.

⭐ Step 5: Sperm Collection & Fertilization

On the same day, the male partner provides a semen sample.

Fertilization methods used in UAE:

IVF: Eggs and sperm left together in a dish
ICSI: A single sperm injected into each mature egg (common in UAE)

Embryologists check fertilization after 16–18 hours.

⭐ Step 6: Embryo Development (3–5 Days)

Embryos grow in controlled lab conditions using:

  • Time-lapse incubators

  • AI-enhanced monitoring

  • High-quality culture media

Embryo grading:

Day 3: 6–8 cells
Day 5: Blastocyst stage

UAE clinics often prefer Day 5 transfers due to higher implantation success.

⭐ Step 7: Fresh vs Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)

Depending on your medical condition, your doctor may recommend:

Fresh Embryo Transfer

Done 3 or 5 days after retrieval.

Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)

Embryos are frozen and transferred in a future cycle.

FET is common in UAE because it:

  • Reduces risk of OHSS

  • Allows hormone levels to normalise

  • Improves uterine receptivity

⭐ Step 8: Embryo Transfer

A simple, painless procedure similar to a Pap smear.

What happens:

  • A thin catheter is inserted

  • Embryo placed in the uterus

  • No anesthesia needed

  • Takes 5–10 minutes

You can go home immediately after the procedure.

Clinics in UAE follow strict protocols to maximize implantation success.

⭐ Step 9: After Transfer – 14-Day Waiting Period

This is emotionally challenging but crucial.

Doctors advise:

  • Light activity

  • Avoiding stress

  • No heavy exercise

  • Continuing prescribed medications

  • Avoiding heat exposure (common concern in UAE climate)

Signs like mild cramping or tiredness are normal.

⭐ Step 10: Pregnancy Test (β-hCG)

After 12–14 days, a blood test confirms pregnancy.

If positive:

  • Medications continue

  • Early ultrasound is scheduled around 6–7 weeks

If negative:

  • Doctor reviews the cycle

  • Alternative treatment options discussed (FET, PGT, ERA, different protocols)

⭐ How Fertycure Supports Your IVF Journey

Fertycure makes the IVF experience smoother by providing:

✔ Free consultation & treatment planning

✔ Hospital selection based on medical need

✔ Cost comparisons across UAE clinics

✔ Personalized care coordinator

✔ Assistance for international patients

✔ Emotional & informational support

This ensures couples feel guided, informed, and supported throughout.

⭐ Conclusion

The IVF journey in UAE is structured, transparent, and supported by advanced technologies and expert doctors. Understanding each step helps reduce anxiety and improves treatment readiness. Whether you’re a UAE resident or traveling for IVF, this guide helps you know exactly what to expect.

With Fertycure’s support, your IVF journey becomes clearer, smoother, and more organised—from consultation to embryo transfer.