WHAT TO BE CAREFUL ON IN THE FERTILITY JOURNEY

Infertility is an issue that affects many couples in modern Western societies. Today, IVF has helped millions of couples around the world to have a baby.

Indeed, more than 8 million babies have been born through IVF since the world's first in 1978. If you are also facing a fertility problem and are considering IVF as a solution, read on, as we go through a simple list of what you can do to stay happy and healthy during the IVF process.

Make sure you fully understand the process

Ask your reproductive medicine specialist as many questions as possible, so that there are no unexpected surprises. Make lists and don't be afraid to ask anything.

Essentially, IVF involves 3 separate procedures:

1. Ovulation induction (stimulating the ovaries with medication to produce more eggs)
2. Retrieving the eggs and fertilising them with your partner's or a donor's sperm.
3. Transferring the embryo back into the woman's uterus

But these are only the basics. In reality, IVF is much more complex, and many people are surprised to learn that it is not a single clinic visit and off you go!

The IVF process can be long, may require prior tests or procedures, and may take several attempts. Moreover, there are no guarantees of a successful pregnancy. It is worth asking your clinic to be transparent about its success rates.

Reduce stress

Easier said than done, but try to relax your body and mind as much as possible as your IVF journey begins. When it comes to fertility treatment, being in a positive and calm state of mind will benefit you greatly. Meditation, yoga, journaling, making time to meet friends, relaxing at home watching a comedy on TV, or going for a walk in nature will all help lift your mood, reduce the chances of arguments when you feel stressed, and keep you in a receptive physical and mental state for the IVF process.

Don't let it take over your life

IVF is a very important process, but make sure you keep doing the things you enjoy — go to social events, go to the cinema, have a night out. You don't want to be thinking about IVF all the time, because it will take over and you will suffer.

Try to focus on things you enjoyed doing, on your own or with others, before you started the process. It is important not to forget who you are. Focusing on other aspects of your life will also help you maintain a positive mindset.

Eat well and stay hydrated

Now is the time to prioritise your diet. Make sure you eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, good sources of fibre, complex carbohydrates and an adequate amount of protein. It is also important to maintain a good intake of vitamins and minerals. Try to avoid highly processed foods, sugar and alcohol during this period to make sure your body is in excellent shape. It is also important to stay hydrated throughout IVF. Aim to drink at least 2–3 litres of water a day.

Prioritise self-care

Look after yourself! Now more than ever, it is important to put yourself first. Right now you need to prioritise good sleep, keep up light exercise and pamper yourself. Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep every night, do light exercise (swimming, yoga, cycling, Pilates, walking) and do things that bring you joy — a massage, a facial, a trip to the shops or reading a favourite book; in short, whatever pleases you and is worthwhile for you.

Seek out and accept support

Whether it is your partner, a family member, a close friend, a health professional or a combination of all of the above, you will need a support network around you during the IVF process. Don't try to carry the burden alone because you believe you have to be "strong". It is normal to need support and help! Talking to someone else about what you are going through, having someone with you at your appointments and having someone to help keep you grounded during the IVF process will make it ten times easier.

Final thoughts

Now is the time to truly look after your mind and body. Eat well, prioritise sleep, minimise stress, stay hydrated, seek support (professional and personal), pamper yourself — and you will do wonderfully!

When you are trying to get pregnant and need fertility treatment, there is a range of female diagnostic tests for IVF that can diagnose the cause of your infertility and help us give you the most appropriate treatment.

Hormone testing

Hormone testing can give us an indication of everything from how many eggs you are able to produce to whether you may have an underlying medical condition — and all of this information will help us give you the right fertility treatment.

In women, we can use hormone testing to investigate possible causes of irregular cycles and to check ovarian reserve, which helps us understand how many eggs you may be able to produce during treatment. In men, specific hormones can be good indicators of how much sperm you are able to produce.

Testing for recurrent implantation failure

There can be many reasons behind recurrent miscarriages or implantation failures.

If you have experienced a miscarriage or implantation failure, there are many tests we can offer depending on your individual circumstances. Depending on what we find, we can offer you different treatments to increase your chances of successful implantation.

If you would like more information about any of these tests and to find out whether they are right for you, call us on (+30) 2310 277 032 to book an appointment. We also have detailed patient information leaflets for all our tests and treatments.

*The content of this blog is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have about medical conditions.