How to Prepare for Your IVF Journey: Tips and Advice

With a heart full of hope and a fear of making important decisions, many couples go through emotional turmoil while embarking on the journey of IVF treatments. Whether firsthand experience of initiating the process, or going mid-way through the initial steps, both can be daunting and thrilling simultaneously

This guide from Newlife Fertility Clinic in Siliguri will assist you with practical tips so you do not lose sleep over preparing for IVF. Gain confidence with our advice so you may feel confident and prepare yourself accordingly for your IVF journey.

Step by Step Learn the IVF Process

Understand the IVF Process

What is in vitro fertilisation (IVF), and what to expect from it? The answer follows:

• Ovarian Stimulation: Ovaries are stimulated by hormonal drugs to produce multiple eggs.
• Egg Retrieval: A minor surgery is done to retrieve the produced eggs.
• Fertilization: Embryos are created by fertilizing eggs with sperm in a laboratory.
• Embryo Transfer: A healthy embryo is transferred into the uterus for potential implantation.

The knowledge of all the steps makes you less anxious about the processes that the IVF treatment follows, so that you can make a better judgment of your options, both emotionally and logically.

Tip: Get your doubts cleared by asking all the necessary questions to your fertility specialist about your complete timeline of the treatment and the knowledge on how to prepare for IVF.

Choose the Right Fertility Clinic

One of the major decisions would be choosing the right clinic for yourself. The best choice would be the centre that provides the following options:

• Experienced fertility specialists
• Advanced technologies (like ICSI, embryo freezing, PGT, etc.)
• Transparent pricing and cost breakdowns
• Personalized patient care and support

Tip: Look for feedback, tally the success rates of the different clinics, and get over the shame of having a transparent discussion at multiple clinics so that you have all the information.

Prepare Your Body

IVF preparation can work better if your health is optimised, which can further the success of your pregnancy. Maintain the following for a quick and effective result:

Focus on Nutrition

A perfect blend of food would constitute whole grains, healthy fats, antioxidants, and lean proteins, which would help enhance reproductive health. Some of these required nutrients are:

• Folic Acid: Essential for embryo development
• Iron: Supports increased blood production
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Improve egg quality

Tip: Consultation with a fertility dietitian or starting a prenatal vitamin would be beneficial, considering a proper discussion with the doctor.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

A healthy body mass index (BMI) is a must to enhance your chances of pregnancy. Underweight and overweight conditions are both equally problematic as they affect the hormone levels and preferred outcomes.

Exercise Moderately

Blood flow can be improved by light movements like walking, swimming, or practicing yoga. This helps reduce stress. Intense workouts may disturb the hormonal balance and should thus be avoided, particularly.

Eliminate Toxins

Alcohol limitation, reduction in caffeine intake, and quitting smoking are the best possible ways to determine good health. Lifestyle habits, as such with the addition of toxins from the environment, can impact egg and sperm health.

Prepare Emotionally

Mental preparation is necessary before embarking on such a demanding journey. The IVF process can be mentally and emotionally stressful. To avoid degrading your health conditions, it is better to prepare yourself accordingly.

Manage Expectations

IVF does not guarantee pregnancy, no matter the physical or financial conditions. It may not be successful in the first attempt and can require multiple cycles to achieve pregnancy.

Find Emotional Support

Communicating with friends and family can bring down the level of stress. Also, building a connection with the IVF communities can be helpful. People with a similar journey connect better, and it might bring about a lot of answers.

Tip: Counselling services are provided at many treatment centres; avail these services if required for your IVF preparation.

Practice Stress Reduction Techniques

Emotional strain can be reduced by mindfulness exercises, meditation, journaling, doodling, or creative hobbies.

Financial Planning

Based on your particular needs, such as donor eggs, ICSI, embryo freezing, etc, the treatment expenses might vary.

Tips for financial preparation:

• Request a detailed cost estimate from the clinic.
• Inquire about payment plans, financing options, or insurance coverage if available.
• Budget for additional costs like medications, genetic testing, and frozen embryo transfers.

No sudden shock can be expected if there is a solid financial plan that can take you through the IVF journey.

The preparation of an IVF cycle can take a toll on physical, mental, and emotional health. The best possible groundwork for success can be achieved by adjusting simple lifestyle changes and making thoughtful choices. Get ready for your IVF journey with our guide to self-care that includes expert advice on sleep, diet, and exercise.

What to Eat During IVF

Fertility health depends largely on nutrition. With no drastic changes in your dietary schedule, it is best to focus on eating a balanced, nutritious diet to get your body ready for IVF.

Among the leading fertility specialists in Siliguri, Dr. Prasenjit Kr. Roy and Dr. Shefali Bansal Madhav advice on adopting a Mediterranean-style diet. These diets are rich in colourful vegetables and fruits, healthy proteins, lean fats, and whole grains. Give your body the nourishment it needs. According to research, women under 35 who follow this sort of diet have better IVF results.

To follow a fertility-friendly Mediterranean diet:

• Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Choose lean proteins like poultry, fish, and plant-based sources.
• Incorporate whole grains such as quinoa, farro, and brown rice.
• Add legumes like chickpeas, lentils, and beans.
• Switch to low-fat dairy products.
• Use healthy fats like extra-virgin olive oil, seeds, nuts, and avocados (if available).
• Limit red meat, refined sugars, and processed foods.
• Avoid excessive salt by flavoring meals with herbs and spices.

To get the best results, it is recommended that your partner also join you in this nutritious diet. Sperm health is equally important.

How to Exercise Safely During IVF

During IVF treatments, it is a myth that you must stop exercising. A consistent fitness routine and a healthy BMI can improve your cycle. At least light to moderate exercise can enhance your success rate of the IVF treatment.

Running can potentially improve blood flow, and experts suggest that running no more than 15 miles per week is necessary. The blood flows to the uterus and affects the womb lining to thicken. These are crucial during IVF.

Regular runners must swap with other movements and light exercises as well, such as:

• Light jogging
• Hiking
• Using an elliptical
• Spinning or cycling at a moderate pace

Listen to your body always. If something feels uncomfortable, choose low-impact movements.

Products and Chemicals to Avoid

Your reproductive health and fertility can be negatively affected by endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Check for harmful ingredients in your household items and personal care products so you are properly getting your body ready for IVF.

Chemicals to be cautious of include:

• Formaldehyde (found in some nail polishes)
• Parabens, triclosan, benzophenone (in cosmetics, soaps, moisturizers)
• Brominated flame retardants (in furniture, clothing, electronics)
• Perfluorinated compounds (in nonstick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics)
• Dioxins (in some meats and dairy)
• Phthalates (in plastics and fragranced cosmetics)

Whenever possible, choose organic and natural alternatives. Don't forget to read the labels beforehand.

Medications to Review Before IVF

Interference of medication and supplements is mostly with fertility drugs or hormone level disturbance. Discuss with your fertility specialist everything that you eat, including temporary medications.

Common medications to discuss include:

• NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve)
• Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications
• Steroids
• Anti Seizure medications
• Thyroid treatments
• Topical products with estrogen or progesterone
• Chemotherapy drugs

Your doctor may recommend temporary alternatives during your cycle and pregnancy.

Supplements to Support IVF

At least 30 days before your cycle, begin your prenatal vitamin intake. This boosts your folic acid levels, which protects the neural tube defects and supports fetal development.

Additional supplements that may help include:

• Fish oil, to support embryo development
• Vitamin D, especially if bloodwork shows low levels

As most supplements are not on par with prescription drugs, have a discussion with your doctor about the other available options. NSF International Certification is a must.

How Much Sleep Do You Need During IVF

It has been observed that women who sleep 7-8 hours daily have a higher success rate in pregnancy than those with lower sleep span every night. Fertility is dependent largely on a good sleep cycle.

To optimize sleep:

• Go to bed between 10:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
• Keep your room cool (60-67°F / 1-19°C).
• Limit caffeine intake 4-6 hours before bedtime.
• Avoid screens 30 minutes before bed.
• Create a relaxing routine with warm baths, lavender aromatherapy, or soft music.

Prioritize sleep as much as possible throughout your IVF cycle.

Do's and Don'ts of IVF Sex

Navigating intimacy during IVF can be tricky. Here's what to know:

• Abstain from ejaculation 3-4 days before sperm retrieval to maximize sperm quality.
• Engage in "outercourse" (intimacy without ejaculation) if desired.
• Keep intercourse shallow to avoid irritating the cervix during sensitive periods.

In Siliguri, your doctor will provide guidelines about infertility treatments and when you can resume sexual activity after the transfer of the embryo.

Alcohol and IVF: What You Should Know

An occasional drink before the IVF cycle begins is fine, but determining the limit is essential. Research shows us that consumption of four drinks per week or more can directly lower the birth rates up to 21%.

After the embryo is successfully transferred, alcohol must be strictly avoided.

Fertility medications and drugs might also make you sensitive to alcohol, with intense headaches and nausea.

Managing IVF Symptoms

IVF journey for every woman is different, however, similar side effects are experienced by all. Manage them by following this guide:

• Bleeding/spotting: Light spotting after retrieval is normal; call your doctor if heavy bleeding occurs. Avoid tampons.
• GI issues: Use Gas-X, Tums, stool softeners, or Pepto-Bismol as needed.
• Bloating: Drink more fluids; coconut water or electrolyte drinks are great options.
• Nausea: Check with your doctor about using Pepto-Bismol, Emetrol, or Dramamine.
• Headaches and pain: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is generally considered safe, but always confirm with your doctor.
• Fatigue: Take 30 to 45-minute naps when needed.
• Stress and anxiety: Try meditation apps like Headspace, practice yoga, and seek emotional support.

Self-Care Tips During IVF

Self-care is considered one of the most important jobs during infertility treatments in Siliguri. Be kind toward yourself and see the difference yourself.

Some ideas:

• Drink plenty of water
• Nap when needed
• Go on a date night with your partner
• Do yoga or stretch daily
• Meditate or practice mindfulness
• Keep a journal
• Read a new book
• Watch your favorite movie
• Plan a mini “staycation” or relaxing day trip

Make time for whatever calms your mind.

The Role of Your Partner During IVF

You and your partner as a whole would be required during the treatment. Though physically it may be your treatment, the presence of your partner and the mental support are just as necessary.

Encourage him to:

• Follow a healthy diet
• Get 7-8 hours of sleep nightly
• Minimize alcohol consumption
• Manage stress through exercise or mindfulness
• Show emotional support and encouragement throughout the cycle

By prioritizing his health, your partner helps support a better IVF outcome for both of you.

Read our blog on how to support your partner during the IVF process.

The preparedness for the IVF journey requires not just the body but the support of the mind as well. Maintaining proper nourishment for the body, protecting emotional health, and relying on your support systems can help you gain more confidence. Every small step counts in the journey of the IVF treatment in North Bengal.