What is the IVF process like? I remember back before I started the IVF process, I thought we would go to the hospital, have the transfer and that would be it. Boy was I wrong! Not only do you go through two procedures but your whole life is turned upside down for at least a month. Don't get me wrong, every doctor's visit, shot, and dollar spent was worth it in the end; I just didn't realize what I was getting into. For those of you who are new to IVF, I am going to take you through the whole process, from my perspective.
Before beginning the IVF process you will have been tested to find out what is causing your infertility. Once your doctor recommends IVF, he or she will likely put you on birth control pills. The birth control pills are used to make sure your cycle is regulated and to prevent you from becoming pregnant naturally while using fertility drugs. I thought this was the craziest thing I had ever heard; get on birth control when you are trying to get pregnant! When your period comes you will go in on day 2 or 3 of your cycle for baseline blood test. They will test your hormone levels to make sure they are right for proceeding with the IVF cycle.
Once you are given the go ahead on your cycle, you will begin the roller coaster ride. You will start going in to the doctor two to three times a week. When you go in you will have blood work done and an ultrasound. The ultrasound is done to keep an eye on your follicles (potential eggs). How many do you have, how big they are, etc. The blood work will include estrogen and progesterone levels. If your estrogen levels are too high there is a chance of hyper stimulation. You will also be giving yourself shots daily. This sounds pretty intimidating, but it is really not that bad. The shots are sub q, so they just go under the skin, not into the muscle.
Approximately two weeks after your period started they will begin to watch your follicles and levels closely, and will decide on a retrieval date. The retrieval is where you will have surgery to have your eggs removed. They will collect semen from your partner at this time. The retrieval is a fairly easy process to go through. You will be a little sore for the next couple of days, but nothing major. If you are having major pain and/or bloating after the retrieval, then you may have OHSS. If this is the case call your doctor immediately.
Either three or five days later you will have an embryo transfer. You are not put to sleep during this procedure, and it is quick and easy. The embryos will be transferred and then you will have to lie still for about 20 minutes. This is the absolute worst part of the transfer considering you are asked to have a full bladder before the procedure. Depending on your doctor you may be told that you are on bed rest for a day up to three days. My doctor recommends three days of bed rest. I have been through 6 cycles and the part I dread the most each time is bed rest. It sounds relaxing, but it is very hard to lie down for three straight days!
Now you are in the dreaded two week window. You will be on some form of progesterone to help support a possible pregnancy, but most of the shots are done at this point. The doctor visits are limited at this point as well. About two weeks after your procedure you will go in for your beta test. This is where they test the level of HCG in your body. If you are not pregnant the HCG level should be zero. If you are pregnant you will continue to be monitored. In another two weeks, you will have your first ultrasound. This is the exciting part of the process!
The IVF process is hard to go through, but when you have that baby in your arms it will all be worth it. I hope this article will help you to be more prepared for the IVF process. There is a great program called the IVF success Program that will explain every medical detail in depth. It also gives you ways to increase your chances and lower the cost of IVF. Good luck with the IVF process, I hope you have your baby soon!
Before beginning the IVF process you will have been tested to find out what is causing your infertility. Once your doctor recommends IVF, he or she will likely put you on birth control pills. The birth control pills are used to make sure your cycle is regulated and to prevent you from becoming pregnant naturally while using fertility drugs. I thought this was the craziest thing I had ever heard; get on birth control when you are trying to get pregnant! When your period comes you will go in on day 2 or 3 of your cycle for baseline blood test. They will test your hormone levels to make sure they are right for proceeding with the IVF cycle.
Once you are given the go ahead on your cycle, you will begin the roller coaster ride. You will start going in to the doctor two to three times a week. When you go in you will have blood work done and an ultrasound. The ultrasound is done to keep an eye on your follicles (potential eggs). How many do you have, how big they are, etc. The blood work will include estrogen and progesterone levels. If your estrogen levels are too high there is a chance of hyper stimulation. You will also be giving yourself shots daily. This sounds pretty intimidating, but it is really not that bad. The shots are sub q, so they just go under the skin, not into the muscle.
Approximately two weeks after your period started they will begin to watch your follicles and levels closely, and will decide on a retrieval date. The retrieval is where you will have surgery to have your eggs removed. They will collect semen from your partner at this time. The retrieval is a fairly easy process to go through. You will be a little sore for the next couple of days, but nothing major. If you are having major pain and/or bloating after the retrieval, then you may have OHSS. If this is the case call your doctor immediately.
Either three or five days later you will have an embryo transfer. You are not put to sleep during this procedure, and it is quick and easy. The embryos will be transferred and then you will have to lie still for about 20 minutes. This is the absolute worst part of the transfer considering you are asked to have a full bladder before the procedure. Depending on your doctor you may be told that you are on bed rest for a day up to three days. My doctor recommends three days of bed rest. I have been through 6 cycles and the part I dread the most each time is bed rest. It sounds relaxing, but it is very hard to lie down for three straight days!
Now you are in the dreaded two week window. You will be on some form of progesterone to help support a possible pregnancy, but most of the shots are done at this point. The doctor visits are limited at this point as well. About two weeks after your procedure you will go in for your beta test. This is where they test the level of HCG in your body. If you are not pregnant the HCG level should be zero. If you are pregnant you will continue to be monitored. In another two weeks, you will have your first ultrasound. This is the exciting part of the process!
The IVF process is hard to go through, but when you have that baby in your arms it will all be worth it. I hope this article will help you to be more prepared for the IVF process. There is a great program called the IVF success Program that will explain every medical detail in depth. It also gives you ways to increase your chances and lower the cost of IVF. Good luck with the IVF process, I hope you have your baby soon!
Thanks for this! Starting cycle one with my next period and I am nervous but excited too.
ReplyDeleteGood luck on your cycle! It is very exciting, and having a baby is worth everything you have to go through. Hope you are one of the lucky first time success stories!!!
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