With growing awareness about reproductive health and major medical and technological advances, infertility no longer means the end of all your hopes of starting a family. In vitro fertilization has gradually become one of the most common ART techniques used on women struggling with a number of serious fertility problems. An IVF cycle typically involves an intensive period of medication and injections, followed by the retrieval of eggs, their fertilization and the transfer of embryos to the uterus. To maximize your chances of successful conception and manage the psychological, physical, and financial stress of going through IVF, it’s best to be well prepared.

There’s a lot that needs to be planned and practiced to get the best out of your fertility treatment. So here are 8 things you should know before you start planning to start IVF: –

1. The IVF process is demanding and it works differently for everybody.

An IVF cycle usually goes on for around 5-6 weeks, beginning with a course of medications and ending with the transfer of embryos to the uterus. It’s not only a time-consuming process but also emotionally and physically demanding. You may need multiple cycles to conceive successfully and make various adjustments. It’s imperative to be well-prepared and to have realistic expectations from your treatment.

2. Pick your doctor carefully and don’t hesitate to ask questions.

It’s important to thoroughly know what your treatment is about and find the best approach to your problems. Think about what your top requirements from a fertility doctor or clinic and don’t go solely by expertise. Make sure to voice your doubts and concerns, so that there’s no chance of getting duped.

3. An IVF cycle is expensive and the overall cost of your treatment will be even higher.

One of the most important steps before deciding to go for an IVF treatment is being financially prepared for it. The cost of getting IVF varies from place to place, so you may need to decide where you want to get it from. Most couples also need several other treatments and testing, as per their fertility health and medical history. Multiple cycles, donor sperm or eggs or ICSI can further increase your expenses.

4. You need to prepare your body to maximize the chances of success.

There are many associated health factors such as weight or hormonal imbalances which may be contributing to your infertility. You should try to achieve optimal wellness through diet and exercise before treatment so that your body is well-prepared and responds successfully to the treatment. Start at least six months prior to your first IVF cycle.

5. Build a healthy, stress-free lifestyle that can complement the treatment.

Certain habits like smoking, drinking or taking on stress on a regular basis negatively impact your fertility and may hinder the success of your treatment. Practice healthy living, follow regular sleep patterns, and try meditation and yoga to stay fit and calm yourself. Fertility massages and acupuncture are also said to help with conception.

6. Make sure you have emotional support and a strong bond with your partner.

Since IVF treatment is physically as well as emotionally taxing, it’s very important to have a strong understanding and connection with your partner. This will help make the whole experience a lot easier to handle. You also need to have a support group of friends and family to provide mental strength, help you through the treatment and share your experiences and problems.

7. Take the help of a counselor to guide you through this process.

Often, infertility can cause rifts and differences between partners because of the emotional strain, differing opinions, and needs. Counseling can help repair your relationship, sort your issues and reconnect with each other. A counselor can guide you through the problems that you are not able to identify or address because you are too close to the issues.

The IVF process is an effective procedure with good chances of success and relatively low risks. So plan carefully, consult your fertility specialist at all stages and follow through the above tips before taking the dip