In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

How to prepare for IVF

Before starting IVF treatment, you'll go through a comprehensive medical exam and fertility tests, and your partner will be assessed as well. Here are the potential steps you can expect during the preparation:

• IVF consultation: Discuss the IVF process with your healthcare team.
• Uterine exam: Includes an updated Pap test and mammogram if you're over 40.
• Semen analysis: Testing of your partner's sperm.
• Infection screening: Tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other conditions.
• Ovarian reserve and other hormone testing: Along with blood and urine tests.
• Fertility medication instructions: Guidance on how to administer medications.
• Genetic carrier screening: To identify any potential genetic issues.
• Consent forms: Signing necessary documents.
• Uterine cavity evaluation: Conducted through hysteroscopy or saline-infused sonography (SIS).

Additionally, your healthcare provider will recommend starting folic acid supplements or other vitamins before the IVF cycle and embryo transfer.

You may also want to prepare yourself emotionally. IVF can be a stressful experience with lots of uncertainty. Talk to your infertility specialist and ensure you completely understand the process and decisions you and your partner may need to make at each step. Also, find ways to spend quality time as a couple when you can focus on your relationship and not the IVF process.

The IVF process

IVF is a complex process that involves retrieving eggs from ovaries and manually combining them with sperm in a lab for fertilization. The main steps for in vitro fertilization include:

What can you expect after IVF treatment?

After the embryo transfer, you can resume your usual routine but be cautious as your ovaries may still be enlarged, potentially causing discomfort with vigorous activities or sex. Consult your care team for guidance on when to avoid these activities.

Common side effects include:

• Clear or bloody fluid discharge post-procedure (from cervix swabbing)
• Breast tenderness from elevated estrogen
• Mild bloating and cramping
• Constipation

Contact your care team if you experience moderate to severe pain or heavy vaginal bleeding, as these may indicate complications like infection, ovarian twisting or ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

Embryo freezing or cryopreservation

Embryos are cryopreserved for several reasons. The traditional IVF process often produces more embryos than can be transferred in a single cycle. If non-transferred embryos are of good quality, they can be frozen for future use. Additionally, embryos may be frozen after preimplantation genetic screening or to lessen the risk of overresponding to the IVF medications (a condition known as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome). Many IVF programs only perform frozen embryo transfers. This method allows individuals to delay parenthood until a more suitable time.

Cryopreservation minimizes the need for repeated ovarian stimulation, allowing future cycles to consist of simpler and less costly embryo transfers instead of entire IVF procedures.