7 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting IVF
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When I started IVF treatment to get pregnant, I was clueless. There was so much for me to learn about how to manage the process effectively and give myself the best chance at success. In the beginning, I internalized my confusion and overwhelm rather than reaching out for help. When I finally sought out connection and support - the process become much easier and I was so much more confident.
Here are 7 things I wish I knew before starting my IVF journey.
The Meds Aren’t As Scary As They Looked
I will never forget the day a giant box of medications, syringes and supplies arrived at my apartment. I opened the box and my jaw dropped. Thankfully, my clinic provided thorough training and my husband was very supportive while I asked him to reread the directions one more time before I administered the crucial, not to mention expensive, medication.
I quickly got the hang of all of it with the help of an organization system that made me feel like I had some control over this part of the process…and lots of YouTube videos.
Related Read: How to cope with IVF medication side-effects
It Was Exceptionally Time-Consuming
In the beginning I didn’t respect the time commitment of an IVF cycle. I was grateful for an understanding and accommodating employer at the time when I would need to visit the clinic for blood work, ultrasounds, and meetings with my team frequently during treatment. While you may have a calendar to anticipate dates of procedures, it all depends on how you respond to medication so it can be difficult to plan travel and events. No one wants to put their life on hold for an IVF cycle but you can anticipate needing some level of flexibility.
It Was Important To Advocate For Myself
While I trusted my doctor and medical team to give me the best care possible, I had to remember that I was the leader of this journey. In order to be fully confident in my treatment plan I couldn’t afford to wait on questions or concerns that were bothering me. I may have been uncomfortable leaving a second message on a voicemail or sending a follow up email, but it was worth it.
There is nothing wrong with asking for help, questioning your protocol, or seeking out a second (or third) opinion in order to feel confident in your treatment.
Related Read: Advocating For Yourself During Fertility Treatment
It Was A Rollercoaster
I had no idea there would be so many dramatic ups and downs along an IVF journey. It was a constant bounce of good news, bad news, and waiting to hear if the next piece of news was good or bad. The process is so emotionally charged that it was difficult to stay optimistic or avoid the worry for each update. It can all be really difficult for your mental health and overall well-being.
It Was Just As Important To Take Care Of My Mental Health As My Physical Health
IVF and trying to get pregnant took over my life. It was all I thought about and all I cared about. I found myself neglecting my work, my relationships, and my own mental health. I thought if I did all the things I would feel more in control, but I actually had the opposite reaction. I realized I needed to identify ways to relieve the stress and find joy, even with the anxiety fertility treatments were triggering.
The tools that worked best for me were movement (mainly walking and yoga) and reading fiction. The exercise made me feel strong and healthy physically while helping to clear my mind. The reading was a beautiful distraction from all the focus on getting pregnant and IVF. Everyone is unique when it comes to the most effective self-care so it’s okay to try new techiniques and experiment with what will be best for you.
There was no guarantee.
When I realized that the next step would be an IVF cycle I assumed it meant a baby would soon follow but that’s not always how it works. I was not prepared for the disappointment when our first cycle resulted in a poor response and realized it was necessary to adjust my expectations. It can be scary to try again after failure and decide for yourself when it’s time to begin considering new options.
Related Read: Rebounding From A Failed IVF Cycle
Few People Understood What I Was Going Through
One of the hardest parts of navigating an IVF cycle is feeling so alone and isolated. Getting pregnant with IVF is so intimate and personal, but it’s also a time when you really need support. I internalized many of my fears and insecurities on my fertility journey while also craving connection with anyone who really understood what I was feeling.
I wish I knew that finding someone who could offer a safe space to communicate some of the harder feelings would be so beneficial to not only my wellbeing but also my fertility goals.
If you want to know all the ins and outs of an IVF cycle, let’s talk.
I would love to help you navigate this challenging road and make the journey more positive. Schedule a chat today and follow Positive Fertility on Instagram for daily support and inspiration!
Don’t forget to download your FREE Ultimate IVF Checklist - a must read for anyone preparing for an upcoming treatment cycle.
