How Long Does IVF Take? A Complete Week-by-Week Timeline

One of the most common questions from new patients: “How long will this take, and how long do I need to be in Saipan?”

The honest answer involves some nuance — there’s a difference between the time you need to physically be in Saipan vs the total duration of the IVF process. This guide breaks it down clearly so you can plan your travel, work leave, and budget accordingly.

The Two-Phase Structure of IVF at SIVF

IVF at Saipan IVF Center typically involves two separate visits:

1. Visit 1: Stimulation, monitoring, and egg retrieval (10–14 days in Saipan)
2. Visit 2: Embryo transfer — either fresh transfer (during the same visit) or frozen embryo transfer, FET (a separate visit of 4–6 days, 6–10 weeks later)

Most patients at our clinic proceed with frozen transfer rather than fresh, because:

• PGT-A genetic testing requires 2–3 weeks for results
• Frozen transfers allow optimal endometrial preparation
• Outcomes with FET are generally equal to or better than fresh transfer

This means most patients make two trips to Saipan: one for retrieval, one for transfer.

Month-by-Month Overview

Before You Arrive (Weeks 1–4)

Remote consultation: Everything begins with a free consultation — by video call or in person. We review your medical history, previous fertility evaluations, and discuss your goals. This can happen from anywhere.

Pre-treatment testing: We’ll request specific baseline bloodwork (FSH, LH, E2, AMH, prolactin, thyroid) and a pelvic ultrasound to assess your antral follicle count. These can typically be done at a clinic near your home.

Protocol design: Based on your results, our medical director designs your stimulation protocol — which medications to use, at what doses, and for how long. We’ll send you a detailed preparation plan and medication list.

Visit 1: Stimulation & Retrieval (Days 1–14 in Saipan)

Day 1–2: Arrival & baseline scan Arrive in Saipan and attend your baseline ultrasound on Day 1 or 2 of your period. We confirm your ovaries are ready to respond and give you your first medication instructions.

Days 2–12: Stimulation monitoring You’ll self-administer daily injections of gonadotropins (follicle-stimulating hormones) each evening. Every 2–3 days, you’ll come in for an ultrasound + bloodwork to monitor follicle development. Appointments are brief (20–30 minutes) and you’re free to explore Saipan between visits.

Day 12–14: Trigger shot When follicles reach the target size (usually 18–20mm), you receive a trigger injection timed precisely 36 hours before retrieval.

Retrieval day: Egg retrieval is a brief procedure (15–20 minutes) under light intravenous sedation. You won’t feel anything and will wake up in our recovery room. Plan for a half-day at the clinic. Take the rest of the day to rest at your hotel.

Days 1–6 after retrieval: Embryo development In the lab:

• Day 0–1: Eggs identified and fertilized via ICSI
• Day 1: Fertilization assessment (how many eggs fertilized normally)
• Days 2–5: Embryo culture and development
• Day 5–6: Blastocyst biopsy (for PGT-A testing) and vitrification

You’ll receive daily updates on embryo development. By Day 5–6, you’ll know how many blastocysts were biopsied and frozen.

Travel home: Most patients return home 2–3 days after retrieval.

Between Visits (Weeks 5–10)

PGT-A results (2–3 weeks): Biopsy samples are sent to our genetics lab. Results identify which embryos are chromosomally normal (euploid) and suitable for transfer. Most patients receive results within 2–3 weeks.

Endometrial preparation: If proceeding with FET, you’ll take estrogen medication (oral or patches) for 2–3 weeks to prepare your uterine lining. This can be done at home, with a local ultrasound check of your lining before traveling.

Visit 2: Embryo Transfer (Days 1–5 in Saipan)

Transfer day: A frozen embryo transfer is a simple outpatient procedure (5–10 minutes), no anesthesia required. We thaw your embryo, assess its quality, and place it in the uterus using a thin catheter guided by ultrasound. Most patients describe it as mildly uncomfortable — similar to a pap smear.

Post-transfer: Rest at your hotel for the remainder of the day. Light activity is fine the next day. Many patients fly home 1–2 days after transfer.

The two-week wait: The hardest part. 10–14 days after transfer, you do a blood pregnancy test (beta-hCG). This can be done at a clinic near your home and results sent to us.

Complete Timeline Summary

What About Fresh Transfer?

If you choose a fresh transfer (no PGT-A testing and no freeze-thaw), the entire cycle happens in one visit of approximately 18–22 days. The transfer occurs 5–6 days after retrieval. This reduces travel but eliminates PGT-A, which we generally recommend for patients over 35 or with prior IVF failures.

Planning Tips

Book flexible flights: Retrieval timing is determined by follicle development, which can vary. We can usually predict within 1–2 days, but book flights you can change without heavy penalties.

Travel insurance: Get a policy that covers medical travel. It’s worth it.

Accommodation: Saipan has a range of hotels from budget to resort. Most patients stay at a mid-range hotel near the clinic. We can recommend options.

Partner travel: Partners are welcome (and encouraged) for retrieval day for sperm collection. For the stimulation monitoring phase, some couples travel together and use it as an opportunity to experience Saipan.

Work leave: Most employers can accommodate 12–14 days for the first visit if you’re vague about the nature of the medical treatment. The second visit of 4–5 days is easier to schedule.

Questions about your specific timeline? Schedule a free consultation and we’ll walk through your individual situation.