In vitro fertilization, or IVF, is a process that requires a couple steps and about two weeks of your life, each time you do it. Although the first thing on your mind is will this work, you might also be wondering is IVF painful? After all, the process involves taking medication to stimulate ovulation, egg retrieval, fertilization, (this step isn't done to your body, but to your extracted eggs) and finally the embryo transfer. According to Mayo Clinic, some steps of IVF may range from discomfort to pain. Because everyone reacts to things like needles, ultrasounds, and vaginal catheters differently, pain is a hard thing to gauge.
But, on the other hand, when IVF does work, you're going to be faced with labor and childbirth, so, I'd suggest that you get comfortable with needles, ultrasounds, and vaginal catheters because those most likely will be involved in your birth. (Not to mention the mental anguish of parenting a teenager—remember how you treated your parents?) So, let me pause for a moment to talk about the relativity of pain. There are many theories about how people can navigate pain by using mind over matter techniques. The American Psychological Association even published a guidebook on how to use behavioral and psychological strategies to cope with pain of IVF. So with that in mind, here's a breakdown of what you can expect, pain-wise, at each step of the IVF process.