5 Things I Wish I Knew About IVF

The IVF process can be a heavy and lonely journey to be on. Here are 5 things I wish I had known before starting our IVF journey.

5 Things I Wish I Knew About IVF

1. The heaviness it can create on a couple:

‍The IVF journey is certainly not an easy one. The amount of stress it can put on a couple is high. It will test your relationship in many ways and seem like you’re constantly jumping through hoops and challenges together. Examples include; the blood testing process for both couples, fertility results and how to cope with them as well as unexplained diagnosis. The emotional and physical aspect for the woman and the emotional aspect for the man that can often feel helpless through the process. The financial burden is a whole other dimension (if IVF is not covered for multiple tries).

2. It takes on average 3 IVF cycles for 1 live birth:

No one tells you that you may have to go through multiple IVF cycles in order to achieve your first pregnancy. We often go into assisted reproduction thinking that 1 IVF cycle will achieve our whole family. But that’s just not always the case and can be devastating and disappointing for the couple. The truth is that a certain amount of follicles grow during stimulation that can then create mature eggs ready to be extracted. But not all eggs fertilize and turn into viable embryos. Then those embryos must implant successfully. There are many steps along the way before your precious embryo can turn into a viable pregnancy and future baby! Knowing these could take a lot of the heartache and disappointment away.

3. Your journey is unique to you:

Comparison is the thief of joy. It will be tempting to look around and compare yourself to your friends and peers. You may have lots of friends that easily get pregnant and will be celebrating around you that you will have to deal with or other friends or family on their own fertility journey. Everyone’s story is unique to them. Comparing yourself to others will only make you feel disappointed and stressed about your own timeline. Every woman’s body is different and unique. The moment you truly accept this will liberate you and make your journey a much easier one.

4. The time commitment:

The IVF process requires a significant time commitment. It involves multiple appointments for monitoring, injections, and procedures. You will likely be away a lot of mornings from your job. It’s important to plan ahead and discuss with your boss the reality of your health situation so they can accommodate you accordingly through this journey. Fertility treatments will require you to be flexible with your schedule.

5. The financial stress:

With up to 50,000$ per cycle in some countries, IVF can be extremely expensive, and the costs may not be fully covered by insurance. It’s essential to thoroughly research the financial aspects, including the cost of each cycle, medications, and any additional procedures in your area. Some clinics offer financing options or package deals, so inquire about these possibilities. The financial stress it creates on a couple is often overlooked and a stressful part of the journey that is important to address early on.

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It’s a learning process

Starting an IVF journey will be an adventure on its own and a long learning process. While rewarding as it’s the magic solution for many couples, the hard truth is that the energy and time spent on the journey will potentially take a toll on you and your relationship.

Not all information will be available upfront and the medical teams will likely adjust protocols and learn about your optimal IVF parameters as you follow the cycle. Be ready mentally to learn and be flexible as patience is the essence. IVF is not a sprint, it’s a marathon.

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