In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a complex process used to help individuals or couples conceive a child when other fertility treatments have not been successful. Here is a step-by-step overview of how IVF is typically performed along with key costs and factors to consider before beginning treatment:

1. Ovarian Stimulation: The first step in IVF involves stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. This is usually done with hormone medications over a period of about 8-14 days.

2. Monitoring: During the stimulation phase, the doctor will monitor the development of the eggs through blood tests and ultrasounds.

3. Egg Retrieval: Once the eggs are ready, a minor surgical procedure is performed to retrieve the eggs from the ovaries. This is typically done under sedation.

4. Fertilization: The retrieved eggs are then combined with sperm in a laboratory dish for fertilization to occur. This can be done through traditional insemination or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

5. Embryo Culture: The fertilized eggs develop into embryos over the next few days, and they are monitored for quality and development.

6. Embryo Transfer: Finally, one or more embryos are transferred into the uterus through the cervix using a thin catheter. This is a relatively quick and painless procedure.

7. Pregnancy Test: About 10-14 days after the embryo transfer, a blood test is done to determine if the IVF cycle was successful.

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