IVF is the answer for many couple’s fertility struggles. Before deciding on IVF, you may have undergone multiple tests, scans, and check-ups. Once you decide on IVF, what should you and your partner do before you start your treatment? Here is a comprehensive pre-IVF checklist – the essential steps you need to take before treatment.
First, let’s understand a little more about IVF.
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is an assisted reproduction procedure that enables you to have children despite various fertility issues. This procedure involves extracting the sperm from the male, retrieving eggs from the female, and inseminating the egg under clinical conditions. The embryos are then transferred into the uterus for implantation and pregnancy.
IVF is a scientifically advanced fertility procedure that requires both partners to prepare for it. It is a long-term commitment that starts even before the pregnancy. Preparing for IVF before starting the treatment can help increase the chances of success.
Let’s break down the IVF preparation tips into three parts –
● Tests to Take
● Lifestyle Changes
● Emotional Preparation
You will undergo a series of tests and check-ups throughout the IVF pregnancy. Even before you start the IVF procedure, you may have to take the following tests:
● Ovarian Reserve Test – The very first test is to determine the ovarian reserve. Through this test, the doctor can determine the quantity and quality of your eggs in the ovaries. All females are born with a fixed ovarian reserve. After attaining puberty, the ovaries will release one mature egg every menstrual cycle. For a successful IVF, the doctors will need a good ovarian reserve to enable egg retrieval.
● Semen Analysis – The quality and quantity of a male’s sperm is critical for a successful pregnancy. A semen analysis before starting IVF will help understand if the partner’s sperm can be used for the IVF, if it needs improvement, or if you should consider a sperm donor.
● Infectious Disease Screening—Both partners must undergo screening to ensure neither has any infectious disease that may interfere with the IVF.
● Uterine Examination – The uterus has to be healthy to support a pregnancy. A sonohysterography or a hysteroscopy will be done to check the uterine lining and health. If the uterus is not healthy, there is no point in trying IVF, as the risk of IVF failure will be high.
The above-mentioned tests will help understand the health profile of both partners. In order to have a smooth IVF experience, both of you have to make some changes to prepare yourself for the IVF journey.
● Medications – Depending on the test results, your doctor will prescribe some prenatal vitamins, folic acid, Vitamin D, and a few others. These medications will help prepare your body for IVF. Ensure you don’t forget these essential medications for a successful IVF.
● Manage Stress – Stress can not only affect both partners’ fertility, it can affect the IVF outcome as well. Fertility issues and treatments are sure to cause stress for many. Take up some hobby or activity that can help you reduce the stress.
● Improve Diet – Start eating healthy. A healthy, well-balanced IVF diet plan will help improve your fertility and overall health, and it is also important for a smooth pregnancy free of complications.
● Healthy Habits—For better IVF outcomes, it is advisable to get sufficient sleep, avoid nicotine and drugs, and reduce alcohol consumption.
● Active Lifestyle—If you are not physically active, start exercising and moving. Even if your weight is within healthy limits, it is advisable to be active. Hormonal injections can cause excess weight gain for some. Being physically active can also help reduce the risk of other health issues common in pregnancy.
IVF is both a physical and emotional deviation from natural conception. Both partners need to be emotionally ready for this journey.
● Counselling – Taking professional help before and during the treatment can be very helpful for most couples. It can help you overcome the disappointment of failed pregnancy attempts and get you ready for fertility treatment. It can also help the male partner understand how to support his female partner throughout the journey.
● Support System – A support system is essential for fertility treatment. It can be your close friends or family with whom you can share your concerns, fears, and thoughts. Joining a support group can be very helpful. Talking to other couples who are facing similar challenges can help you realise you are not alone. Not everyone around you can understand your struggle and empathise.
● Financial Strain – IVF is expensive. It can be a financial drain for some. Since many health insurance policies don’t cover IVF treatments, you may have to spend for most of the treatment. If you have to undergo more than one IVF cycle, it can become a financial strain and affect you in different ways.
● Failed Outcomes – Not all IVF treatments succeed in the very first attempt. You have to be mentally prepared to undergo more than one IVF cycle. Yes, it will be heartbreaking if you have a failed IVF cycle, but you should be mentally prepared for the same.
● Communicate with Your Doctor—Talk to your gynaecologist and fertility specialist before starting treatment. Clarify all your doubts, get reassurance for your fears, and understand the entire process.
IVF can be a long and hard journey for some couples. Be it a short or long journey, knowing what to do before starting treatment is essential. Having an elaborate pre-IVF checklist can help ensure you don’t miss out on anything important before your treatment.
You need to take an overall blood test to ensure everything is within safe levels. Ovarian reserve test, semen analysis, screening for infectious diseases, and uterine examination are very important tests to take before starting the IVF treatment.
To improve your chances of a successful IVF, follow a healthy diet, make lifestyle changes, take all your medications without fail, and give up on habits that can damage your health and fertility.
If you are undergoing IVF, include more whole grains, leafy greens, foods rich in antioxidants, fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, and supplements wherever needed. Adding complex carbohydrates and lean protein to your regular diet can also help.
Yes, in most cases, doctors will prescribe supplements to increase their content in the body within a short period. Though you can get most of these nutrients from foods, your body will need time to absorb them, and the requirement during fertility treatments will be high. Your doctor might prescribe some supplements for a short while and advise you to continue taking foods rich in those nutrients. Some supplements will continue throughout your IVF cycle timing.
