Here is what I found online for an accurate answer on what is IVF.

What is IVF?
IVF is simply the uniting of egg and sperm in vitro (in the lab). Subsequently the embryos are transferred into the uterus through the cervix and pregnancy is allowed to begin. The process is done inconjunction with ovulation induction through drugs, monitoring of hormone levels and follicle scans with ultrasound.

** I did it once but no pregnancy at this time. During the process, you will need to make appointments for blood work and ultrasounds, it does not hurt much except for the injections, but even that is not as hard as I thought. I hope this information helps.

I'm going through IVF now and it doesn't hurt at least so far. I'm only on day 5 had my first u/s since I began this morning and most of my follies are around 13 in their growth stage they need to be at 18. I'm taking two injections currently and one is the FSH(Follistim) and one is Ganirelix to supress ovulation.

thanks for responding. This information has helped me a lot.

When I went through it, the overall process didn't hurt. When we did the egg retrieval, that made me sore for a couple days. Also when the ovaries were producing the many follicles, I was a little tender and bloated in my pelvic region from all the growth going on in my ovaries. Other than that, it is a fairly painless process. Good luck!

Are the shots like the HCG shot? Small needle? Does the medication sting?

I would say the only thing that hurts is the injections and the VERY LARGE ovaries just before retrieval. The transfer is just like an IUI if you have had that done.

My HCG shot was IM so we used the 1 1/2 or 2 inch needles, which is the same for the Repronex and progesterone in oil, but the follistim was a short needle and so was the lupron.

So how many shots per day. I know I will find all of this out on my education day, but it is still nice to find out this information before hand if you can you know?

Everyone's protocol is different depending on their issues. As far as shots go, the little ones are a breeze! Truly, I was shocked at how easy they were and painless. The HCG shot is scary looking but numb it up with ice first and you won't feel it either.

IVF is not painful.. really. The egg retrieval can be a uncomfortable afterwards. Tenderness, ect. I grew alot of follicles, and my tummy bloated and I felt like I had a stomach ache for about two weeks. The egg transfer.. easy cheesy.

The most painful thing about IVF is the waiting and not knowing. It does work, as you can see if you hang around here for awhile.
:)

I have done two cycles of IVF. The worst part of it the fear of the unknown. The only uncomfortable part is right before your egg retrieval cuz you are tender and bloated. The needles are not that bad (although I am a wimp and don't give them to myself) at all the worst was the HCG because it is big but it is not bad. Like I said before the worst is the not knowing