The length of the IVF treatment depends on the protocol that is deemed suitable for the patient. There are a few options in this regard. The long protocol starts on the 21st or 23rd day of the cycle. The patient receives a medication to down regulate the hormones. The total protocol then takes around 23-25 days. The short or antagonist protocol starts the down-regulation on the 2nd day so that the total treatment takes a little less than three weeks.