5 Things You Should Know Before Starting IVF

In Vitro Fertilization, also known as IVF, is often a great solution for those trying to conceive when faced with infertility, but what exactly does IVF entail? Before diving into the process, it’s important to be well-informed and prepared as it can be an emotional journey for many as they work towards their dream of parenthood. Below are five crucial things you should know before starting IVF.

1. Knowing What Steps are Part of the IVF Process

IVF is a multi-step procedure that involves several stages:

• Ovarian Stimulation: You’ll take hormonal medications to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs. This step of the process typically lasts from 8 to 13 days although this timeframe can be shorter or longer depending on your unique circumstances. During this time you’ll have several monitoring appointments so your fertility care team can see how your follicles are growing.
• Egg Retrieval: The egg retrieval is done once the follicles are large enough and the eggs mature. This procedure is quick. The doctor uses an ultrasound to locate the ovaries, and a needle is guided into the follicle, which contains the egg. The egg and surrounding fluid are then extracted. After the procedure there may be some discomfort, but typically you can had home and relax for the rest of the day at home.
• Fertilization and Embryo Culture: The retrieved eggs are then fertilized with sperm in the embryology lab. The fertilization process of the egg usually occurs within 24 hours of retrieval. The fertilized eggs (embryos) are monitored for several days to ensure proper development. This part of the process can take 5 to 7 days, depending on whether you are transferring fresh or frozen embryos. 
• Embryo Transfer: An embryo is transferred to the uterus with the hope it will implant and result in a pregnancy. If doing a fresh transfer, this will usually take place 5-6 days after the egg retrieval. For frozen embryos transfers, you will come back weeks or months after the retrieval depending on your journey as you may wish to bank embryos through additional egg retrievals and go through PGT testing that can help assess the health of the embryo by eliminating embryos with common genetic abnormalities. 

Understanding each step can help you mentally prepare for the process and set realistic expectations.

2. Be Prepared for the Emotional Roller Coaster

IVF can be an emotional journey filled with hope, anxiety, and sometimes disappointment. The treatment process and medications can also impact your mood and emotions. It's crucial to have a strong support system, whether it's your partner, family, friends, or a support group. Many people also find counseling helpful in navigating the emotional ups and downs. 

We’ve partnered with Uniquely Knitted to help those patients who need additional support. Uniquely Knitted is a nonprofit organization on a mission to heal the traumas of infertility and end the isolation that goes with struggling to conceive by providing affordable mental health services.

We know that your mental health is just as important as your physical health during the IVF process, so we are here to help support our patients and help them find the necessary resources and help when they need it.

3. Financial Considerations

IVF can be expensive, and costs can vary widely depending on your specific medical needs. It’s important to understand the financial aspects, including:

• Treatment Costs: The cost of medications, procedures, and lab work.
• Insurance Coverage: Check with your insurance provider to see what aspects of IVF are covered.
• Additional Expenses: Consider potential costs for additional treatments or procedures, such as ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) or PGT (preimplantation genetic testing).

At OC Fertility + OC Biogenix, we have partnered with several organizations that offer financing options or payment plans. To learn more about your options for fertility treatment, please check out our Financial Guide.

4. Success Rates Vary

IVF success rates depend on various factors, including age, the underlying cause of infertility, and the clinic’s expertise. While it can be tempting to focus on success stories, it’s important to have a realistic understanding of your individual chances. Discuss your specific situation with your fertility specialist to get a clearer picture of what to expect.

5. Lifestyle and Health Impact

Your overall health and lifestyle can significantly impact your IVF journey, so it’s important to take your daily lifestyle habits into consideration when planning to start IVF or other fertility treatment options.

We recommend a healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. To maintain a healthy weight, you should also engage in regular, moderate exercise. 

Managing stress is also key during the IVF journey to help reduce some of the mental fatigue that can come with the process. Stress-reducing techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises are great options here.

Last but not least, it’s important to avoid harmful substances. This is an excellent time to consider quitting smoking while also avoiding recreational drug use and limiting alcohol intake. 

Your fertility specialist might also recommend specific supplements or lifestyle changes to enhance your chances of success when you meet during your initial consultation.

Next Steps

Starting IVF is a significant decision that involves careful consideration and preparation. By understanding the process, preparing for the emotional journey, considering the financial aspects, setting realistic expectations, and focusing on your health, you can navigate the IVF journey with greater confidence and resilience. Remember, you’re not alone—lean on your support system and medical team to help you through this challenging but hopeful journey.

If you’re ready to take the next steps and want to meet with one of our highly trained doctors at OC Fertility, we welcome you to schedule an initial consultation. Dr. Sharon Moayeri and Dr. Nidhee Sachdev are seasoned fertility experts who are also patient-focused and trauma-informed to support your treatment needs during your fertility journey.

Author

Dr. Nidhee Sachdev Nidhee Sachdev, MD has trained among the most prestigious and diverse medical programs in the country, including fellowship training in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at the prestigious New York University (NYU) Langone Fertility Center in New York City where she conducted research on preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) and the University of Chicago Medical Center, where she earned the academic distinction of chief resident in obstetrics and gynecology, and trained under a top recurrent pregnancy loss expert. Dr. Sachdev is passionate about providing individualized, collaborative patient care. She started her medical career right here in Orange County, earning her Doctor of Medicine at the University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine.