A Guide for Patients Undergoing IVF How can I best help myself?
Psychology/Managing Stress
IVF is very demanding on both partners. There is so much hope and so much distress if it does not work. It is helpful to "play it cool", as far as is possible. For some, the worst time is the two-week period after the embryo transfer while you are waiting to see if the pregnancy test is positive. Maintain your usual work and leisure activities and keep your mind occupied. Do not stay at home lying in bed wondering if the embryos are thriving.
Forewarned is forearmed! Plan ahead for the inevitable emotional disturbances. It is a very good test of a loving and supportive relationship between the two of you. This is not a good time for partners to have an incredibly busy work schedule with trips away.
If you can budget for it, consider IVF as a course of treatment - not just an all or nothing "one off'. The chances of you taking a baby home are very' much greater if you can plan for three cycles of treatment. If unhappily the first treatment cycle is not successful the disappointment will be a little less if you know" that you are planning to have another go.
Counseling Services
There is some evidence that IVF is less successful if the lady is anxious or depressed. We do have a counselor available if you feel that this would be helpful to you. Please ask if you would like to arrange an appointment with our counselor or if you have any questions. Try and maintain your sexual life. It is well known that fertility can play havoc with a warm and loving sexual relationship. It is a way of demonstrating love and concern for each other. Intercourse can be resumed when you feel comfortable after your embryo transfer
Medications
All female patients should be on Folic Acid or a multivitamin preparation designed for pregnancy that includes Folic Acid. The required amount is 350-400 micrograms per day.
All patients should take one tablet of Aspirin 75milligrams per day with food.
If you become pregnant, you should continue to take cyclogest peccaries until about 12 weeks of pregnancy. Progynova should also be continued if this was taken during the treatment cycle.
Paracetamol is safe for most aches and pains. Most cold remedies are also safe in early pregnancy. If in doubt ask your pharmacist.
It is wise to mention to your doctor that you are undergoing IVF before accepting any other prescription.
Physical activity and exercise
There is nothing that is forbidden: swimming, badminton, tennis and exercise programs can all be continued but do not do anything excessively. Try and get a good complement of sleep every night.
Smoking
Smoking should be discontinued if possible. A growing quantity of evidence suggests that smoking can reduce your chances of becoming pregnant. Quitting smoking can be stressful.
Alcohol
Recent research suggests that alcohol, even in small quantities may reduce your chances of pregnancy but this research has not been confirmed. Patients must make up their own minds.
Diet
Eat a sensible and balanced diet.
On being informed
This is the information age. Many of our patients are very well informed using the Internet, textbooks and magazine articles to inform themselves. It is worth emphasizing that information available on the Internet may be neither reliable nor accurate, since in many cases it has not been reviewed by experts. Up to date advice can be sought through our information officer.
If your treatment is unsuccessful
You are bound to be disappointed. It is almost certainly not due to anything that you did or did not do. Try and be positive about the future if you can. We are always pleased to see couples for further advice and help.
Good Luck!
