IVF Reading Material

[MarieK85]

Hi
We’ve just been told our only way of conceiving is with IVF 😔
I’m one of those individuals that wants to know everything about the process so that I can prepare my self as much as possible. Could any of you lovely ladies suggest blogs, books or articles that you found useful if you went through this process.
Would really appreciate some guidance as there is so much out there.
Thanks

Hi Marie

I totally understand where you are coming from; my wife and I are undergoing IVF and there is sooo much information out there, it's hard to know where to start.
I actually found the website of the clinic we are using to be a really good starting point, in terms of understanding the process.
It talks through the different types of treatment, IVF, ICSI, FETs etc. www.cambridge-ivf.org.uk/patients/treatments
even going into detail what happens to the embryo each day before transfer www.cambridge-ivf.org.uk/patients/what-happens-behind-scenes-lab
One thing I will say, there are so many sites etc. that will say X increases your chances, or Y decreases your chances; take the majority of this with a pinch of salt. The best things you can do to maximise your chances is to have a healthy BMI, stop smoking if you currently do, and do whatever works for you in terms of relaxation.
And don't feel you have to stick with one clinic for treatment; shop around until you find one you are happy with. For example we changed ours as the first one had limited experienced in same sex couples and hadn't really come across reciprocal IVF.
Last thing I will say, try not to read too much... I read everything there was, and drove myself crazy. Every couple is unique so no one will have the same experience, or will be on the same drugs rota as the next person, and it's hard to not compare yourself with them.
Oh and one last last thing, if you have the option of doing a freeze all cycle (where the eggs are collected, fertilised and then all of them frozen with a natural cycle transfer done a month or two later), seriously consider doing this. There is a lot of evidence that suggests giving the body time to recover from the all drugs and egg collection treatment, gives you a much better chance of success than if you have a fresh transfer a few days after collection.

Best of luck xxx

Oh and I'm not sure why it corrected salt to speech and language therapist!!!

You've had some top advice from Pineapplebaby there: Last thing I will say, try not to read too much... I read everything there was, and drove myself crazy.
Could't agree more. My way of dealing with things is to research, research, research and I end up over-informed and panicky.

That said, I found 'Get A Life' to be fairly helpful. It's very heteronormative so less good if you're a same sex couple, but it gives a good oversight of the process and what to expect at each stage for each of you. The male author is... slightly irritating IMO but it was cheap on Amazon and an easy read.

Good luck xxx

Thanks pineapplebaby and ivf2019 this has been very useful and so our journey begins!

Oh also - The Duff blog is good for a humorous overview :)