Written by Sarah Green, Founder of At Home Insemination
Understanding the IVF process from someone who has walked that path can be incredibly helpful. While every individual’s journey is unique, several common themes can aid you in preparing for IVF. In this guide, IVF patient and At Home Insemination Founder Sarah Green shares her experience, covering everything from that initial injection to the moment of pregnancy testing.
Pre-IVF Steps
To kick things off, you and your partner will need to tackle a fair amount of paperwork. Thankfully, most clinics have transitioned to online forms, sparing you the hassle of paper. Be prepared to provide a comprehensive medical history so that your doctors have a complete view of your fertility journey so far. Your first consultation might be over the phone or in person. Regardless, you can expect some blood tests for both partners and a sperm sample. If you’re not in a heterosexual relationship or are going solo, this part may vary based on your situation.
Your fertility consultant will assess whether IVF is the best option for you and if it’s the quickest way to achieve your dream of parenthood. I chose my clinic based on their high success rates and their thoughtful consideration of my family planning goals. Other clinics I spoke with didn’t bother to ask how many children I envisioned having in the future. Their personalized approach made all the difference, and I’m thankful for it now, as it has given me more options down the line.
Here are some essential questions to raise with your clinic before proceeding with IVF:
- How will you take my family planning goals into account?
- What methods do you use to stay in touch? It can be incredibly frustrating when clinics promise to get back to you but don’t deliver. Keeping patients updated during such a stressful time should be a priority.
- Are early morning appointments available? This flexibility can make fitting appointments into your work schedule much easier.
- What does the IVF timeline look like? Is there a waiting list?
- Will you accept test results from other sources? I had an at-home fertility test that my clinic didn’t accept, as they required a venous blood test instead. Make sure to check the validity period for any test results they’ll consider.
It can be overwhelming to absorb all this information, so jotting down notes or asking the clinic to provide written summaries can be a lifesaver.
Remember, your clinic’s ultimate aim should be to help you bring home a baby in the least invasive and quickest manner possible. Sometimes, that might not even involve IVF.
The Waiting Game
Once you and your clinic decide that IVF is the right path, the next phase might feel like the easiest physically but can be mentally trying if you’re anxious to get started. I was eager to kick things off and felt like I wanted to begin yesterday. The first step is to wait for your period to start, which serves as a baseline for your medical team. You’ll need to notify your clinic as soon as your period arrives.
Further baseline tests will likely follow, tailored to your medical history. This usually includes more blood tests (FSH, Oestradiol levels, AMH) and an antral follicle count scan via transvaginal ultrasound. This information helps the clinic develop a personalized protocol and determine the most suitable fertility medications for you, giving you insight into your individual chances of success.
You may also need additional tests, such as a Hycosy or Hysteroscopy, to evaluate your uterine environment and fallopian tubes for potential pregnancy.
For more insights on at-home insemination and pregnancy journeys, check out this engaging post on excited moms-to-be sharing their joy with at-home insemination. Additionally, for more information on artificial insemination kits, visit this trusted source.
Summary
Embarking on the IVF journey can be a complex and emotional experience. However, with the right preparation and understanding of the steps involved, you can navigate it more confidently. From the initial paperwork and consultations to the waiting and testing, each step brings you closer to your dream of becoming a parent.