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Getting started with your IVF cycle may be emotional and overwhelming for many individuals and a proper understanding of what lies ahead can better help to streamline the process. IVF or in vitro fertilization is a common treatment for fertility that helps increase one’s potential of getting pregnant. No matter if you have been trying for pregnancy or have just begin your fertility treatment journey, a proper understanding of things to expect during your first IVF cycle as well as IVF medications and IVF egg retrieval is equally important. Let’s get started.
Before the first IVF cycle begins, the first step that takes place is IVF preparation, that involves preparing your body and especially mind for the process and ready for what’s to come. Your fertility doctor will order different tests including blood work and ultrasounds for a better understanding of your hormone levels as well as the overall reproductive health. In case if sperm is to be used during the process, your partner may also be asked to undergo specific tests.
During the entire IVF process, you are highly suggested to make positive changes to your lifestyle, from adopting a healthy diet, exercising, reducing caffeine intake, and managing stress. These habits can take you closer to your dream of conceiving. Also, never hesitate to ask any questions about the process so that you can get comfortable with the staff and familiar with the procedure.
The IVF timeline varies from individual to individual, but mostly, the first IVF cycles follow a same generic pattern. Once you have got your periods, the doctor will closely monitor your hormone levels and schedule a basic ultrasound for you. This constitutes the Day 1 of your cycle. The next phase is the stimulation phase that lasts from around 8-14 days and during this time, your ovaries are stimulated to produce more than single egg at one time.
After the full-scale development of the egg follicles, the doctor will plan the IVF egg retrieval accordingly. This will then be followed by fertilization the IVF monitoring of embryos for a few days before the best ones are shortlisted for transfer. The entire IVF timeline spans about 3-4 weeks from the very first day to the embryo transfer, depending on the way your body responds.
The process involves different types of IVF medications. You will have daily hormonal injections that assist in stimulating your ovaries. These drugs assist in increasing the number of eggs as well as in timely ovulation. Your nurse or doctor will demonstrate how to take these shots which are normally given to your stomach or upper thigh. It can be a daunting thought at first but most patients report getting accustomed to it quite fast. During this stage, it is necessary to monitor IVF regularly.
You will probably be attending the clinic every two days undergoing blood tests and ultrasounds. These visits will assist your doctor to track the growth of your follicles and readjust your medication doses in case of need. IVF monitoring is an essential part of your safety and ensures maximum chances of your success.
Once your doctor confirms the readiness of the follicles, you will be given a trigger shot in order to make your body release the eggs. Egg retrieval is normally done approximately 36 hours later after this shot. It is a brief process that is performed under sedation, and thus you will not experience pain during this process. Your doctor will retrieve the eggs in your ovaries using a small needle with the help of ultrasound. It is normal to be bloated, crampy or even a little tired after egg retrieval. Majority of the people rest and recover by taking a day or two off work. In this period, the eggs retrieved are mixed with sperm in the laboratory. In case everything works out, fertilized embryos will begin to grow and can be transferred in a matter of days.
The process of embryo transfer is rather easy and fast. A thin catheter will be used to transfer one or more healthy embryos into your uterus by your doctor. This is normally non-painful and does not demand sedation. You may be asked to take rest for a short interval after the process, but can resume normal activities after a day or two. The next part is usually the most difficult, the two weeks wait. This is the time in between the embryo transfer and your pregnancy test. It is normal to be worried, optimistic, and even frightened at this period. Your doctor will inform you when to come again to do a blood test for determining pregnancy.
Your first IVF cycle serves as an emotional rollercoaster ride. Whether you are full of hope and excitement or worried and disappointed, all of this is a normal set of emotions. IVF medications can alter your mood due to the hormonal changes that they bring about. Be nice to yourself, communicate with your partner and do not be afraid to turn to a counsellor or support group when you need it.
Physically, you may get side effects of the drugs, such as bloating, mood swings, headache, or breast tenderness. These symptoms are mild in most cases and disappear with the end of the cycle. It will be helpful to listen to your body and rest more, which will make these changes more comfortable to adapt.
In case you are about to start your first IVF, there are several chunks of advice to help you make the process easier. First, keep everything in order. Monitor your schedule, visits, and other clinic directions. Second, do not be shy to ask questions. It may be a complicated process, and your care team will be on your side throughout. In addition, attempt to concentrate on what is within your control. IVF is full of uncertainties and it is simple to get carried away by the anxiety. Anxiety can be reduced by practicing mindfulness, meditating or journaling. Keep in mind that your initial IVF cycle is a learning process, and every step you make approaches you to your goal. Doing your first cycle of IVF is a major decision, and you can do it with more confidence and peace of mind with the proper information and support.
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Njinsky IVF & Fertility Centre