Tips For Undergoing An In-Vitro Fertilization Procedure

Infertility affects one in six couples having regular unprotected intercourse not resulting in a pregnancy in a 12 month period. Once a couple decides to start a family it often feels like nine months is long enough to wait for a baby. Infertility is very stressful, terribly disappointing and can result in very expensive treatments. A couple will decide to try in-vitro fertilization for several reasons from both male and female complications. In-vitro fertilization is a procedure when a woman's eggs are extracted from her body (egg retrieval) and mixed with her husband's sperm outside their bodies. Once conception occurs, the doctor will watch them grow to embryos for either three or five days. The embryo will split each day, the healthiest ones will be chosen for transfer, depending on the mother's age and health the doctor will decide how many. Then they are put back into the woman's uterus so implantation can occur. There are many things a couple can do to help decrease anxiety of this invasive procedure and increase their chances of having a successful round of in-vitro fertilization.

Make Financial Decisions

In-Vitro Fertilization is an expensive procedure that often is not covered by insurance. It is more common to find a doctor's office with a shared risk plan that will include one price for several rounds with a money-back guarantee. The percentage given back to the couple will depend on medical history and age of the patients. Many doctors also offer a payment plan with a low interest rate.

Relax

This is an exciting time; you are making a huge step moving forward with treatment and possibly the rest of your life. It is important to take it easy the day of egg retrieval and embryo transfer. Dive into a good novel or catch up on chick flicks you have been meaning to watch. After a day or two, return to normal activities without going over board, try to take your mind off the impending pregnancy test.

Find Support

Surround yourself around people that can offer you support other then your spouse; remember this is stressful for him/her also. Be kind to each other, even if that means letting comments or actions go that otherwise would cause an argument.

Obey your doctor's orders

Follow the instructions your doctor gives you each day of treatment. Keep a chart of daily medications since each day could be different and missing a dose could cause unnecessary anxiety. Having a schedule in print easily accessible will help avoid any mistakes.

Ask Questions

Finding the answers to your questions can help keep anxiety at bay. Even if you think it is a silly or embarrassing question, you are entitled to knowing what to expect on the road ahead. Ask a friend who has been through the same treatment or call your doctor's office, which is what they are there for.

Decide ahead of time what's next if treatment fails

With the anticipation of the pending treatment it is difficult to imagine it being unsuccessful, but it can reduce stress later. It will be unpleasant to talk about but putting it off does not make it any easier. How many rounds are we willing to try? Will we pursue adoption? Will we consider a surrogate or live child-free? Making it clear ahead of time how far you are comfortable taking treatment will ease the pressure when/if you get to that point.

Decide ahead of time what to do with extra embryos

Will you freeze them for later use? Destroy them or donate to another couple? Making this difficult decision before the process begins helps you focus as a couple on your future.