In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
IVF blends advanced technology with personalized, supportive care to create the best potential for your success.
IVF With Generation Fertility
Beginning IVF is an exciting step toward growing your family. Trust the process—we’re here to support and guide you every step of the way.
Your first visit is all about understanding your fertility history and goals. The specialist will conduct tests, such as a hormone blood test and ultrasound, to gain insights.
After your first visit, you’ll have a personalized fertility plan tailored to your test insights.
IVF isn’t always necessary— we find many families find success with other treatments first. And if IVF is part of your plan, we’ll be personalizing our approach to everything that’s unique about you – your physiology, your history, and more.
When you choose to move forward with IVF, our care team will be there to guide you through each step. You’ll have dedicated time with a nurse who will walk you through the process, answer all your questions, and help you understand what to expect each day. You’ll also receive support in learning how to administer your medications with confidence.
The first half of an IVF cycle is a focused two-week period designed to give you the best chance of success. During this time, you’ll take hormone injections to encourage your body to produce more eggs, with regular scans and blood tests to monitor your progress. Precisely 36 hours before your retrieval, you’ll take a final injection to help your eggs mature and initiate ovulation.
Egg retrieval is a 10–15 minute procedure performed under light conscious sedation to keep you comfortable. Guided by ultrasound, your doctor will carefully retrieve all eggs using a thin, hollow needle. Throughout the process, a dedicated nurse will be by your side, ensuring you feel supported and at ease.
After the procedure, you’ll rest in our recovery area while our expert embryology team examines your eggs. Some mild cramping or bloating is normal, but most patients feel well enough to return to regular activities within a day or two. Before you leave, our team will update you on the number of eggs retrieved and guide you through the next steps.
The second half of an IVF cycle is a time of care and anticipation. Once your eggs are fertilized, our dedicated lab team carefully nurtures and monitors your developing embryos in the most supportive environment possible. If multiple embryos grow, they are safely frozen using vitrification—a rapid freezing technique that preserves their quality for the future.
At this stage, some patients choose Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT-A), an advanced screening that helps identify the embryo with the highest chance of success. This extra step can provide added reassurance, giving you greater confidence as you move forward on your journey to parenthood.
A few days later, the healthiest embryo is carefully transferred to the uterus in a quick, ultrasound-guided procedure that typically takes 10–15 minutes. No anesthesia is needed, and while some patients feel mild discomfort, most return to normal activities the same day.
For added reassurance, some patients opt for an endometrial assessment, which helps determine the most receptive environment for transfer. Learn more about this and other Innovative Enhancements
After transfer, we recommend taking it easy for the rest of the day, though there are no strict activity restrictions.
Nine to eleven days after your embryo transfer, you’ll take a pregnancy blood test. A positive result means the embryo has successfully implanted and is growing.
The Cost Of IVF
We understand that cost can be a concern, but fertility treatments may be more affordable than you think. We do our best to help secure funding for your care either through provincial health or your employer benefits. And we provide flexible financing options.
FAQ
Is IVF covered by OHIP?
Yes, the Ontario Fertility Program offers one OHIP-funded IVF cycle per eligible patient with eggs under the age of 43. In October 2024, the Ontario government announced expanded fertility support to help more individuals and couples grow their families. Generation Fertility proudly supports patients across Ontario at our fertility clinics in Vaughan, Newmarket, Toronto-West and Waterloo.
How successful is IVF?
IVF success depends on factors such as age, fertility history, test results and overall health. At Generation Fertility, our team of IVF doctors will counsel you regarding your individualized success rates.
What factors influence IVF success rates?
IVF success is primarily influenced by age, egg and sperm quality, and certain lifestyle factors. Smoking and obesity have been shown to lower IVF success by affecting sperm and egg quality, response to treatment, and risk of pregnancy loss, while excessive alcohol use may disrupt hormone balance. Our fertility specialists use their expertise to provide personalized care plans designed to optimize these factors and improve your chances of success with IVF at any stage of life.
What is involved in the cycle monitoring process during IVF?
Cycle monitoring is a key part of IVF that involves blood tests and ultrasounds to track hormone levels and follicle development. This close observation and data allow our team of fertility doctors to adjust medications in real time and pinpoint the optimal day for egg retrieval. It ensures your treatment is personalized, safe, and timed for the highest possible chance of success.
What happens during the egg retrieval and embryo transfer procedures?
Egg retrieval is a brief, ultrasound-guided procedure performed under light sedation to collect eggs from the ovaries. After fertilization of mature eggs in our IVF lab, embryos are monitored and prepared for eventual embryo transfer.
Is the egg retrieval painful? No need to worry, embryo transfer is a simple and usually pain-free procedure where the embryo is placed into the uterus using a thin catheter. Both are essential steps in helping you move closer to pregnancy.
What happens after embryo transfer i.e.: during the two-week wait?
The two-week wait is the period between embryo transfer and your pregnancy test. It’s often an emotionally challenging time, filled with hope and uncertainty. To help manage this time, we’ve found that many patients find it helpful to keep a routine, limit symptom-checking, and use support resources. Our team of fertility specialists are here to help guide you through this stage and can connect you with counselling or stress-reducing strategies if needed.
Can I use donor eggs, sperm, or embryos in my IVF treatment?
Yes, donor eggs, sperm, or embryos can be part of your IVF plan when medically recommended or chosen for personal reasons. These options support individuals and couples, including 2SLGBTQIA+ families and single parents, in achieving their goal of building a family. Our team of fertility specialists will guide you through the donor selection process, screening, and any necessary legal or ethical considerations.
How can I prepare my body and mind for IVF treatment?
Preparing for IVF involves more than following a medication schedule—it’s about creating the best conditions and environment for success. Our team of fertility doctors recommends maintaining a balanced diet, avoiding drugs and smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and staying physically active. Other tools like mindfulness, fertility counselling, or fertility acupuncture can also be considered. We can advise you on appropriate supplements or refer you to fertility wellness services if they are helpful.
