IVF in India – your sample process timeline

Thinking about IVF in India? There are a whole host of brilliant reasons to opt to travel there for treatment from the UK, but there’s also a lot to consider. And today, we’re talking practicalities. 

The Medical Travel Company (TMTC) specialises in making this journey smooth. Their international team combines UK-based support with world-class fertility treatment and top-notch aftercare in India, providing a true home away from home with 24/7 medical support, dedicated concierge and in-house chef to help you rest and recover, faster.

Picking up with Dr. Madhurima Rajkhowa, Consultant Gynaecologist & Subspecialist Reproductive Medicine, and Medical Director of Fertility Services at TMTC, we’re breaking down a detailed timeline of the IVF procedure India offers through TMTC’s supported care pathway.

Editor’s note – If you’re a listener of the TRB Podcast, you’ll know Dr. Rima from her insights on egg donor shortages in the UK and breaking down barriers to fertility treatment. Listen in to that episode here, if you’re keen for more context!

Now, over to Dr. Rima.

Starting strong – where does the journey begin? 

Your IVF journey begins as soon as you make an inquiry. 

There are no wait times, and you’ll first have a free mini consultation call with one of TMTC’s specialist Patient Care Managers. This chat helps the team understand your requirements, previous treatment history, and personal preferences. 

After this, a date is agreed for your initial video consultation with a fertility specialist.

What happens during the intial consultations?

You’ll first have a video consultation with a UK-based fertility specialist, usually a subspecialist in reproductive medicine, who will review your medical history (and your partner’s, if applicable), previous treatments, and test results to confirm your diagnosis and suitability for IVF treatment.

Following this, you will have a dedicated consultation with an experienced specialist from the Indian team. During this session, your personalised treatment plan will be discussed in detail, including success rates, potential risks, and the treatment process in India.

Throughout this process, the UK and India teams work closely together  to align on your treatment approach and ensure continuity of care.

After the consultations, TMTC will share a detailed consultation letter along with cost estimates for your treatment at a partnered clinic in India.

What pre-treatment assessments are needed?

The medical team will review your existing tests, and let you know if any of them need to be repeated. The most common are:

• Pelvic ultrasound scan
• Antral follicle count

These are usually done between day 2 and day 5 of your cycle, though it’s worth noting that timing can vary here. 

If assessments are needed, TMTC will provide recommended clinics in your area for having these tests done, along with a handy estimate of their cost.

Moving on to treatment – will ovarian stimulation start in the UK, or India?

You’ll usually be recommended to start ovarian stimulation in India, as the cost of medication is included within your treatment package. In this case, you should aim to arrive by the second or third day of your period, with the average stay for a fresh embryo transfer being around 21 days.

If spending that long in India isn’t feasible, it’s possible to begin stimulation in the UK. Doctors will help get you started with medication, if that’s you. In most cases, this would only cover the first few days of injections (up to around four days), with the remainder of treatment continuing in India. While medication used during your time in India is included in the package, any medication required in the UK for those initial days would need to be paid for separately.

With this approach, you would typically travel to India by around day five of your cycle, shortening your stay to approximately two to two and a half weeks.

When and where do egg retrieval and embryo transfer happen?

Both egg retrieval and embryo transfer will take place in India. For a fresh transfer, the procedure takes place during your first 21-day stay in India. 

If you are having pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT), a second visit will be required for a frozen embryo transfer.

How many embryos can be transferred?

A single embryo transfer is recommended when using a donor egg or a PGT-tested embryo, ensuring traceability and aligning with global standards. 

Couples over 40 or those with multiple failed cycles using their own eggs may transfer two embryos, but no more than two.

What if you already have frozen embryos in the UK?

It is not currently possible to fly frozen embryos from the UK to India, due to regulatory restrictions. The complexity and legal requirements make this step unfeasible.

How long does it all take? 

For a fresh IVF cycle, the total stay is approximately 21 days. This includes ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, embryo culture, transfer, and a few days of post-procedure care. 

This is an estimate though, and TMTC recommends a flexible return ticket as timelines depend on your menstrual cycle and response to medication.

How soon after is the return to the UK? 

After your embryo transfer in India, you can return to the UK within two days. 

Typically, a pregnancy test is done between 10 and 12 days later, with a follow-up scan three weeks after.

What if the cycle is unsuccessful? 

If your cycle is unsuccessful, and you’d like to move forward with a frozen embryo transfer straight away, you may need to stay in India for up to six weeks to allow womb lining preparation. 

However, many patients prefer to return home for a break before recommencing treatment.

Your IVF procedure timeline in India – at a glance

Here’s a simple step-by-step overview, including the UK portion. 

Step 1: Free mini consultation & meet your UK fertility specialist (Week 1)

Start with a free mini consultation to confirm IVF suitability and understand how TMTC’s care pathway works. 

You’ll then have a detailed video consultation with a UK fertility specialist to review your medical history, confirm your diagnosis, and create a personalised treatment plan.

Step 2: Connect with your Indian fertility expert & get pre-treatment checks (Week 1)

You’ll have an online session with your Indian fertility specialist to receive a personalised treatment plan and discuss success rates. 

At this stage, you will also complete the pre-treatment checklist, register with a TMTC partner clinic, and prep all necessary documents for treatment.

Step 3: Prescription & medication plan (Week 2)

Your UK doctor provides a prescription and a clear medication schedule. If needed, ovarian stimulation can begin in the UK before you travel to India.

Step 4: Travel preparation (Week 3)

TMTC will assist you with visa applications, travel logistics, and any guidance you need to ensure a smooth journey to India.

Step 5: Arrival in India (Week 4)

You’ll be greeted personally at the airport and escorted to your luxury aftercare facility, where your care and comfort are the priority.

Step 6: Begin your IVF procedure (Week 5-6)

Meet your fertility doctor and begin ovarian stimulation, with regular ultrasounds and check-ins to monitor progress.

Step 7: Egg retrieval and fertilisation (Week 6)

Egg retrieval is a quick, low-discomfort procedure performed under sedation. Fertilisation is carried out using the ICSI technique for optimal results.

Step 8: Embryo transfer (Week 7)

The highest-grade embryo is transferred with precision, and any remaining top-quality embryos are frozen for future use. Relax and recover at your luxury aftercare facility.

Step 9: Return to UK & pregnancy confirmation (Week 9)

You can travel home shortly after the transfer. Pregnancy confirmation is carried out via a urine or blood test  between 10 and 12 days later.

Step 10: Follow-up scan and care (Week 10)

A follow-up scan confirms progress, and your UK specialist ensures continuity of care for any next steps or future cycles.

Want to learn whether IVF in India is right for you?

Having a clear view of the IVF process timeline India can offer makes a real difference when you’re planning treatment abroad.

So if you’re exploring IVF in India and want a personalised timeline based on your situation, The Medical Travel Company can guide you through your options and next steps – as well as the entire rest of the process.

Hop over to their website to learn more about their fertility services, and book in to speak to a UK fertility doctor for free to find out if it’s the right option for you.

Want to hear more from The Medical Travel Company? Read this next: Why British South Asians still wait longer for IVF (& the medical travel company supporting faster treatment access)