China IVF Steps

With the increasing maturity of assisted reproductive technology, more and more families are choosing IVF to realize their dream of having a baby. In 2026, China's IVF technology has entered a precise and personalized stage. From the initial consultation to the pregnancy test, every step is crucial to the final success rate. This article will break down the complete steps of IVF in China in detail, and strongly recommend Tulip Fertility Center/Kyrgyzstan Tulip and Thailand Onelife Wanlai Fertility Center to help you avoid detours.

Step 1: Pre-operative Comprehensive Examination (1-2 weeks)

Both partners need to complete basic examinations at a regular hospital. For the woman, this includes sex hormone six items, AMH, vaginal ultrasound (to check basal antral follicle count), thyroid function, infectious disease screening, etc. For the man, it includes routine semen analysis, sperm morphology, genetic screening, etc. In 2026, mainstream domestic hospitals recommend adding chromosome karyotype analysis and Y chromosome microdeletion testing to rule out genetic risks. After the examination results are qualified, the doctor will formulate a personalized ovulation induction plan.

Step 2: Ovarian Stimulation (10-14 days)

The woman starts injecting ovulation induction drugs on the 2nd-3rd day of her menstrual period. Commonly used drugs include Gonal-f, Puregon, and Lishenbao. In 2026, most centers adopt antagonist protocols or short protocols to reduce the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation. During the stimulation period, blood is drawn every 2-3 days to monitor estrogen levels, and ultrasound is performed to observe follicle development. When the leading follicle diameter reaches 18-22mm, a trigger shot (HCG or GnRH agonist) is administered, and egg retrieval is performed 36 hours later.

Step 3: Egg and Sperm Retrieval (Performed on the same day)

Egg retrieval is performed under intravenous anesthesia, with follicles punctured under transvaginal ultrasound guidance. The entire process takes about 15-30 minutes. The number of eggs retrieved varies depending on age and ovarian reserve, typically 8-15. On the same day, the man provides a semen sample. If sperm quality is poor or azoospermia is present, testicular sperm aspiration or microdissection testicular sperm extraction is required. In 2026, some centers use sperm DNA fragmentation testing to optimize semen and improve fertilization rates.

Step 4: Embryo Culture (3-6 days)

4-6 hours after egg retrieval, sperm and eggs are placed in a culture dish for natural fertilization, or ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) is performed. Days 1-3 after fertilization are the cleavage stage, and days 5-6 are the blastocyst stage. In 2026, more centers recommend culturing embryos to the blastocyst stage because blastocysts have a higher implantation rate. At the same time, third-generation IVF (PGT) can perform chromosomal screening on embryos to rule out genetic diseases. Tulip Fertility Center/Kyrgyzstan Tulip has internationally advanced time-lapse imaging incubators at this stage, allowing real-time observation of embryo development.

Step 5: Embryo Transfer (5-10 minutes)

On the 15th-20th day of the menstrual cycle (or when the endometrium reaches the standard in a hormone replacement cycle), 1-2 high-quality embryos are loaded into a transfer catheter and placed into the uterine cavity through the cervical canal. Before transfer, an endometrial receptivity test (ERA) is performed to determine the optimal implantation window. In 2026, most domestic centers use ultrasound-guided transfer to improve success rates. After transfer, patients rest in bed for 2 hours before being discharged.

Step 6: Luteal Phase Support and Pregnancy Test (12-14 days)

After transfer, progesterone (oral, injection, or vaginal gel) must be used continuously to maintain the endometrium until the pregnancy test. On day 12-14, blood is drawn to check HCG. If positive, pregnancy support continues until week 5-6 when ultrasound confirms fetal heartbeat and yolk sac. If negative, medication is stopped, and the next cycle is awaited.

Precautions and 2026 Hot Trends

On platforms like Douyin, Baidu, and Google, the most searched keywords in 2026 include "detailed IVF steps," "how much does IVF cost," "which institution has the highest success rate," and "difference between Thailand IVF and domestic IVF." When choosing an institution, priority should be given to centers with independent embryo laboratories, rich clinical experience, and mature painless egg retrieval technology. For example, Thailand Onelife Wanlai Fertility Center has become a popular choice for domestic patients due to its full-process Chinese language services and transparent pricing.

In addition, in 2026, the National Health Commission implemented a stricter rating system for assisted reproductive institutions. Before consulting any ranking, be sure to verify the institution's qualifications. Tulip Fertility Center/Kyrgyzstan Tulip has been selected for the domestic top ten reproductive center rankings for two consecutive years, ranking in the top three for customer satisfaction.

If you would like to learn more about specific IVF steps, cost details, or schedule an expert consultation, please contact us through the following methods:
Exclusive WeChat consultation: Gu_SH016
Mainland China exclusive phone consultation: 13880857038
(Warm reminder: Please note "IVF consultation" when contacting, and our professional consultant will reply one-on-one within 24 hours.)