Embarking on an in vitro fertilisation (IVF) journey can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time patients. IVF is a process that involves multiple steps, medical procedures, and emotional considerations, all of which can seem very complex. However, understanding each stage of the journey can help you feel more prepared, confident, and in control of your fertility journey. This post provides a comprehensive overview of what to expect when undergoing IVF, including essential tips to support your physical and emotional well-being throughout the process.
Initial Consultation and Assessment
The first step in your IVF journey is a thorough consultation with a fertility specialist like Dr Vidya, who consults at multiple locations in London. During this appointment, your doctor will discuss your medical history, lifestyle factors, and previous fertility treatments (if any). Both you and your partner could undergo initial assessments to identify potential causes of infertility. For women, this could include hormone testing, ovarian reserve evaluation, and imaging of the reproductive organs. For men, a semen analysis is typically performed.
At this stage, your fertility specialist will also discuss treatment options tailored to your individual circumstances, including the type of IVF that may be most suitable for you. This may include standard IVF, ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), or IVF with donor eggs or sperm if required.
Tip:
Come prepared with a list of questions, including lifestyle changes, expected timelines, costs, and success rates. Clear communication with your specialist ensures you are informed and ready for the journey ahead.
Pre-Treatment Preparations
Once a treatment plan is agreed upon, your fertility specialist will guide you through pre-treatment preparations. This may include:
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Lifestyle adjustments: Maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, reducing stress, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can support fertility.
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Medications: Some patients may be prescribed medications to regulate hormones, improve ovarian function, or support the endometrium (uterine lining).
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Supplements: Folic acid and other vitamins may be recommended to optimise egg and sperm quality.
Additionally, you and your partner may undergo further screening tests to ensure both partners are in optimal health for IVF. This stage ensures that your body is well-prepared for the procedures ahead and increases the likelihood of a successful outcome.
Ovarian Stimulation
The next step involves stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs for retrieval. Fertility medications, typically in the form of injections, are prescribed to encourage the ovaries to mature several eggs instead of the single egg produced naturally each cycle. Your doctor will closely monitor your response through blood tests and ultrasound scans to track follicle development and hormone levels.
Tip:
The injections may feel intimidating at first, but your clinic team will provide guidance and support on how to administer them correctly. Keep a calendar or journal to track dosages and appointments.
