Waiting on IVF what to expect ?

[LizzeyBenett]

So far our infertility is unexplained all my tests were normal and my partners initial tests showed lower than 1% morphology but the latest test was normal. There is a 4-5 month wait list in my clinic so just waiting now and secretly hoping something will happen naturally before then. What should I expect going into IVF ? Do you think maybe before it starts I should let my boss know as I'm assuming I'll need time off for appointments etc ? Do you need time to recover after the egg retrieval? Any insight is much appreciated.

Hi @LizzeyBenett I'm sorry I don't have advice regarding IVF process, but just wondering if you don't mind answering.. Did your partner change much between semen samples? Like diet/supplements etc. my husband's came back 1% morphology on his SA a year ago but hasn't been tested since. It always plays on my mind.
How long have you been ttc? Hope you get your miracle before your IVF starts! 💕

So there was less than 3 months between his samples steps he took to improve it were
Cutting out all alcohol
Supplements were :

coq10 200mg a day
Fenugreek
Selenium
vital DHA
Folic acid 400mcg
Maca root

Watch fab and ell on YouTube they were in the same boat they have a video on the supplements they took and in 3 months were pregnant with twins.

I did need to attend maybe 5-6 appointments i think, so if thats a general issue then u would need to tell work. i didnt need to because flexi working just meant i could fit in around it.Theres obviously more appointments if you transfer and are then successful.

The days leading up to egg retrieval got a bit uncomfortable/tender. but it wasn't bad and I think I only took one day off work afterwards.

Prior to your appointment make sure your BMI is in a healthy range and you are already taking vitamins / folic acid.

@LizzeyBenett thank you! I'll give them a watch. Have started him on most of these already but CoQ10 and selenium only this last month. Will look into maca root.
Thank you 😊

I think one of the biggest things is cutting out alcohol not that he drank a lot but it takes 3 mo this for improvement in speed or eggs and every time you drink alcohol it resets the progress and you are back to the start.

@LizzeyBenett
Hey!
We were at this stage beginning of the year and have finally had our first appointment for IVF well second appointment now as I needed to have a scan and it came back with a little bump on the road.
We are awaiting the nurse info session now and hoping for EC in the next 2-3 months if all goes well.
I was so nervous as I didn’t know what to expect I mean I’m still nervous but best thing to do is to be patient and be kind to yourself as the whole process can be intense with all the appointments and any curveballs along the way.
We were told by our Gynae prior to IVF referral to take folic acid- we started on Impryl (a bit spenny) which has folic acid.

In terms of work, I guess this depends on you and whether you’d like to share it and how flexible your work is.
The appointments can be at random times but at the beginning there’s enough time to plan but I think later in the process it gets a bit tricky.

Last bit of advice is always ask the professionals before taking anything or changing anything and be careful as there’s so much advice out there that it gets a bit overwhelming with all the things you need to do/buy/change/eat/drink etc.

wishing you all the luck. Xx