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Embarking on your 1st IVF (in-vitro fertilisation) cycle is both a hopeful and emotional journey. For many couples, it represents a significant step toward building their family after struggling with several years of infertility. While IVF offers promising results, understanding the process, setting realistic expectations and preparing mentally, physically, emotionally and financially are essential. In a conversation with The Daily Jagran, Dr Soma Singh, Associate Director - IVF & Infertility, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Noida shared seven important factors every couple should consider before beginning their first IVF cycle.

Things To Know Before First IVF Cycle

Understand the process thoroughly- IVF involves multiple steps like ovarian stimulation by taking hormonal injections for 12- 14 days continuously, egg retrieval procedure, fertilisation in the IVF lab using sperm from the male partner, embryo culture and finally embryo transfer. Each stage has its own timeline and potential challenges. It is vital to ask your doctor questions, read reliable resources and attend pre-IVF counselling to ensure you fully understand what lies ahead.

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Know your fertility profile- Every individual’s fertility story is unique. Age, ovarian reserve, semen quality, hormonal levels, uterine health and past medical history of the couple impact IVF success rate. Comprehensive fertility testing helps your doctor tailor a protocol that offers the best chance of success for your situation.

Emotional preparedness is key- IVF can be emotionally demanding. The hormonal medications, waiting periods and possible disappointments may affect your mental health. Be kind to yourself, maintain open communication with your partner and consider speaking to a counsellor or joining a support group to manage emotional ups and downs.

Be financially ready- IVF is a significant financial investment. Costs can vary depending upon the clinic, type of medications and additional procedures like iCSI(Intracytoplasmic sperm injection). PGT (implantation genetic Testing) or donor gametes. Some cycles may require freezing embryos or multiple attempts. It’s wise to budget realistically and explore insurance coverage or financing options if available.

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Lifestyle and health optimisation before IVF- The woman’s body needs to be in its best health to maximise the chances of having a healthy baby after IVF. Both partners should aim for a balanced diet, maintain a healthy weight, avoid smoking and alcohol, manage stress and women should take needed vaccines before planning conception through IVF. Regular exercise and adequate sleep can improve hormonal balance and overall fertility.

Discuss the possibilities and outcomes- Success rates vary and not every cycle ends in pregnancy. Discuss with your doctor about potential outcomes- including multiple pregnancy, miscarriage, risk of congenital anomaly and the need for more than one cycle. Preparing mentally for all possibilities helps reduce disappointment and improve resilience.

Choose the right fertility clinic- All IVF centres provide the same quality of service. Choose a properly registered clinic with qualified and experienced doctors, good success rates, located in an ideal place with a license, with transparency in communication and ethical practices. Look for personalised care rather than a one–size–fits approach and don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion if in doubt.

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