Going through IVF is a big decision, with treatment having a significant impact on your life. We have discussed IVF treatment in detail before, but there are a lot of important steps to take before getting to a cycle. These are our key recommendations for preparing for IVF physically and emotionally.
What is IVF?
Natural fertilisation involves sperm and an egg meeting inside of the female body, but many individuals and couples can struggle to have this happen for a variety of reasons. In vitro fertilisation, or IVF, is a fertility procedure that replicates this process in a lab. IVF involves both a male and female providing some of their reproductive cells, known as gametes, for specialists to manually place together in the hopes of fertilisation.
Each treatment of IVF is known as a cycle and includes the process of stimulating the female ovaries to develop multiple eggs, the collection of eggs and sperm, fertilisation between them, and the eventual transfer of embryos into the uterus. It is a very demanding process, physically and emotionally, and it is important for anyone involved in the treatment to feel prepared before beginning. Our specialists and support team are right here to help you understand every part of the process and guide your IVF preparation.
Preparing your body for IVF
With many steps involved, IVF takes a physical toll on the body, particularly for women. It is important to be in good physical health prior to a cycle, as there are benefits to both partners being physically fit and healthy. Here are some of the key recommendations to physically prepare yourself before undergoing IVF.
Lifestyle
Managing your diet and weight can have a notable effect on the chances of success in your IVF treatment. Being significantly underweight or overweight can make it less likely that your cycle will lead to a pregnancy, so we recommend eating a healthy, balanced diet and also removing alcohol and tobacco from your daily life. Additionally, you should try to limit your caffeine intake. Combining these steps with some regular, light exercise — even as simple as a walk each evening — can help to improve your overall physical health.
Healthy sleep will also contribute heavily to your physical wellbeing, as well as your motivation and emotional state. Commit to having at least 7 or 8 hours per night and trying to make sure you are having quality, uninterrupted sleep. If you are struggling to sleep well, have a chat to one of our team for help, or visit your GP for their recommendations.
Medication and testing
Your fertility specialists will be able to recommend exactly what vitamins and tests you might need to look into, but there are a variety of fertility vitamins available that can boost egg quality. One of the most common is folate, but patients may also benefit from Zinc and Vitamin C. Please speak to your specialist before beginning to take any new medicine or supplements so they can be aware of everything you’re taking and advise you on what you should avoid.
Patients may also benefit from some testing before undergoing IVF to get a fuller picture of their reproductive health. These may include semen analysis, ovarian reserve testing and genetic carrier screening.
Can you have sex during IVF?
It is safe to have sex prior to your IVF cycle, but it may become uncomfortable the closer you get to your egg collection date, as the hormone stimulation medication causes your ovaries to expand. If you do have intercourse, you should use a barrier contraceptive like a condom to avoid the risk of multiple pregnancy. We typically request that you abstain for at least 2-3 days prior to egg and sperm collections to try and maximise their quality.
After your eggs have been collected, it is normally around 5 days before an embryo transfer, which is a good time to rest and recover. Similarly, it is better to refrain from having sex after your embryo transfer until you have had an official pregnancy test, which usually happens around two weeks later.
Importantly, couples should maintain a lot of intimacy and closeness even if they are not having sex during IVF. This keeps them emotionally connected during an often challenging time.
Feeling emotionally ready
IVF is more than just a physical process; it has a strong effect on your mental and emotional wellbeing too. While we cannot always prepare for these situations adequately beforehand, there are plenty of things patients can do to try and put themselves in a healthy place before going through treatment.
Knowing what to expect
One of the most important things to do is to set the right expectations: individuals and couples will often require multiple cycles of IVF before they achieve a successful pregnancy. While we know how difficult and frustrating this can feel, it is completely normal and does not mean there is anything wrong with you. If you do unfortunately have an unsuccessful cycle, it is fair and important to give yourself some room to grieve before trying again.
Communication
Speaking openly and truly with your partner or any others going through the IVF process with you is one of the most essential parts of the process, and its importance cannot be overstated. Discuss both your excitement and your concerns so you can more fully support each other. Additionally, make use of IVF support and fertility counsellors who are specially trained to help you through these experiences, and whose advice can prove invaluable.
Social interaction
Even though your upcoming treatment is taking up a lot of your mind, it doesn’t mean that everyone else around you knows about it. You may still get invited to lots of social events, but it’s ok to limit yourself at this time if you don’t feel up for it. Make sure you are looking after your mental health and giving yourself any time and space you feel you need.
Organising financially
It cannot go unacknowledged that the cost of IVF is expensive, and it can take a lot of planning and financial preparation. Thankfully, there are a number of ways to make it more accessible for patients.
How much does Medicare cover for IVF?
The cost of IVF treatment is partially covered by Medicare, with eligible patients receiving a rebate on their cycle costs. To access a Medicare rebate for IVF, you need to have a referral letter either from a fertility specialist or a GP. On top of this, the Extended Medicare Safety Net (EMSN) provides an additional rebate when your costs go over an annual threshold. In 2024, the EMSN threshold is $2544.30, but the rebate amount varies annually. If you have private health insurance, this may also help to cover some of your costs, but it is important to check your cover beforehand to know exactly what you are entitled to. You can find out more about our estimated costs here.
Extra costs
Outside of your cycle fees, there are other fees you may encounter depending on what decisions you make. For example, you may have to pay a fee for other common fertility processes like egg or embryo freezing, or an extra cost if you undergo the specialised form of IVF called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Other procedures conducted during IVF, such as preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), will also require an additional cost, but you may be able to access a Medicare rebate.
What to expect at your first consultation with a fertility specialist
Before your treatment begins you will have time to meet with your fertility specialist and get to know them, while they also learn more about who you are and your personal situation. Establishing this connection will help you throughout the process. Your specialist will likely get a detailed medical history of everyone involved and make tailored recommendations on how to prepare, but this is also a good time to have all of your own IVF questions answered. Our team members are all very willing to talk through every part of the process and overall fertility to help put you at ease.
