What You Need To Know Before You Start IVF
When IVF gets mentioned for the first time, it can initially seem like an intimidating and daunting process. With fears of needles, medications the cost, the invasive procedures and the unknown, it’s no wonder lots of people feel overwhelmed and a bit scared when they think about it. And, if you’ve already been through multiple cycles that haven’t created a pregnancy then the thought of going into it again can feel helpless, uncertain and sometimes pointless.
But, it doesn’t have to be that way.
I’ve worked with hundreds of people preparing for IVF over the last 20 years and with multiple stim cycles and transfer cycles needed to help create my own family, I also know that IVF can be a beautiful time of positive anticipation, connection with your partner and of course, possibility. I also think it’s a powerful way to enter parenthood. I find that the IVF parents I work with are educated, involved, proactive and deeply focused on their child’s best interests- and they are all amazing qualities to take into parenthood.
Here's some valuable things you need to know before you start IVF to help make it a time where you feel calm, prepared, connected and in control:
1. Prepare your body: Preparing your body for IVF can help to increase your chances of it creating your pregnancy but also making the process smoother overall. This includes basics like a healthy diet, exercise and avoiding toxins. But there is also a lot more you can do being specific with supplements, optimising particular parts of your health and hormones too.
2. Prepare your mind: IVF can definitely be a rollercoaster with the highest of highs, sometimes the lowest of low, but also everything in between. Consider taking the time to prepare your mind and coping strategies before you start your cycle so that you feel well prepared to cope mentally and emotionally. There are many specific techniques I teach my patients but know that easily accessible resources like yoga, relaxation techniques and walking can all help.
3. Know your options. Before you start your cycle, it’s important to know all of your options. Talk to your Dr to be sure you know what’s happening through your cycle, why you’re doing a particular protocol or doing specific techniques. Understanding this will help you make informed decisions and help you to feel more involved and empowered.
4. Make sure you have your support system in place. Knowing which people you will surround yourself with in the lead up to and throughout is really helpful. Who can support your practically- like going out for a dinner and laugh and who might support you emotionally eg have the listening ear that you need. This might be your partner, family, friends, work bestie or even a professional.
5. Understand the costs and what you’ll be up for. Eliminate the unknown. What’s covered by health insurance or medicare vs what you’ll need to pay for out of pocket. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and clarify any confusion you have about the financial aspects of your IVF cycle.
6. Educate yourself about the process, even if you’ve been through it before. Know what to expect at each stage, each test, each procedure. Especially, if there are any new aspects of a cycle that you haven’t done before.
7. Plan for time off work. It’s highly likely that if you’re at the point of IVF, that you’ve already had to have some time off work for tests or other investigations. But now that you’re preparing for IVF plan for time off for the appointments/blood draws/ultrasounds/egg collection/transfer etc. Is there anyone at work you can share this part of your life with so that planning for time away from work can be less stressful for you.
8. Ask questions! At every stage, ask the questions that are on your mind. What was the quality of the eggs at collection? If you started with 4 embryos and only ended up with 1- at what stage did they drop off and why do they think that might be- sperm quality? egg quality? If your Dr is talking about adding in another drug- why? What’s it for? In my experience, if you can eliminate the questions that are on your mind, then it’s helpful.
I know exactly how busy your mind might be as you’re approaching IVF. And while you might be feeling a bit unsure and that some of the messages that you’re hearing from the outside is that it’s a stressful and negative experience, I want you to embrace the excitement, positive anticipation and hope that you’re feeling. These 8 simple steps are ways that you can be proactive so that you can start your IVF cycle feeling calm, prepared, connected and in control.
