IVF - 5 Ways You Can Prepare Yourself For It!

Infertility is not just a physiological issue but also an emotional one. With recent advancement in medical technology, IVF is emerging as one of the most successful remedies. The overall process has been improved and success rates have increased, so more and more people are opting for IVF when faced with infertility. Of note, each case should be weighed for its own merits and a final decision should then be made to go ahead with IVF. Once done, give some time to prepare physically and mentally to go through IVF.

Read on to know more:

1. Stock up on information: Read up and talk to your doctor to understand what your body is going through during IVF. This will help you plan better to handle both physical and emotional changes. There are also various risks associated with IVF including multiple births, birth defects, failure to conceive, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, premature birth, low birth weight, etc. Periodic monitoring would be required to ensure proper progress through the pregnancy. There are 3 phases
   1. Where the fertility shots are given
   2. Where the eggs are retrieved
   3. Where the embryos are monitored and transferred into the uterus where they grow further.

2. Detox: Give your body an overhaul by eating better, drinking healthy, quitting smoking, relaxing more, and working out regularly. This will help in the better handling of various drugs that get pumped into your system during IVF. This should begin well ahead of the IVF, probably a couple of months so that by the time you are going for IVF, this is your regular way of life. A healthy body definitely helps in going through the rigors of IVF.
3. Emotional support: This could come from your partner or from someone else, but you would need this. There would be a lot of emotional upheavals that you would go through, so have someone you can talk to. You should also be open to listening to your partner, as you are in it together. Immediate family support, if available, can do wonders, as they can support you both through IVF.
4. Money matters: IVF is not an easy choice financially. It is financially demanding in terms of the various tests, multiple medications, and additional tests like intracytoplasmic sperm injections which come with additional cost. While some insurances provide partial coverage, most do not. Talk to your doctor and be prepared for finances.
5. Socialize: In addition, identify social networking groups, either physically at the hospital or online. This will help you realize you are not alone in this journey. You will also get to learn from others on managing issues and gathering emotional support.