In vitro fertilization (IVF), the process by which eggs are fertilized outside of the womb, is one of the most common infertility treatment options.
IVF is frequently recommended when the female patient has had multiple miscarriages or when medical factors (like damaged fallopian tubes or an inherited genetic disease) are affecting fertility. IVF may also be recommended when the male patient has low sperm count or motility.
We hope to put you a little more at ease with some helpful tips as you prepare for IVF.
Research and Read About IVF
If you are considering IVF but unsure whether it’s the right process for you, book a consultation with a fertility specialist. You can make the most of this appointment by being prepared beforehand and by asking key questions during your consultation.
It’s important to inform yourself as much as you can about the in vitro process. There are excellent resources available for free online, and it may be helpful to review answers to commonly asked questions. You can read about each step in the IVF process — from taking fertility medications that stimulate multiple eggs, to egg and sperm retrieval and fertilization, to transferring the embryo—to give a clearer picture of what to expect along the way.
Every patient is unique. Talk to your doctor early and often about how your diet, exercise, and medications may affect your treatment plan.
Learn About Your Fertility Facility
Get as much information as much as you can about your fertility facility. You can ask for specific success rates, and you can review patient testimonials to get a feel for the experiences of those who have been through IVF.
You’ll also want to know as much as you can ahead of time about the potential costs, the facility’s financing options, and what your insurance plan will cover.
Prepare Emotionally for Your IVF Cycle
While there’s no how-to guide for coping with the emotional highs and lows of IVF, the work you do ahead of time can make the process go smoother and reduce surprises along the way.
You can prepare emotionally for IVF by:
- Managing your expectations:
- While you should ask your fertility specialists about their clinics’ success rates, know that there are many factors involved (including age, weight, lifestyle, and sperm) and success isn’t guaranteed.
- Building up your support system:
- It’s important to be able to talk about your IVF journey with someone you trust. If you’re undergoing treatment with a partner, ongoing, honest communication is key, and if you’re a single intended parent, it can help to have people close to you in whom you can confide.
- Keeping the rest of your life calm:
- During the four-to-six-week treatment process, during which you’ll take fertility medications that affect hormone levels, you’ll want other aspects of your life (your job, relationship, living situation) to remain relatively stable so you can mentally and emotionally focus on your treatment plan.
If you’re considering whether IVF is right for you, or if you have any other questions about infertility and potential treatment options, contact Fertility Solutions today to speak with our experienced fertility specialists.