Shortly stating IVF - any tips/things to purchase which may hwlp

[Pregnant4456]

Hey,

I have just come on my period and we are due to start a private IVF cycle on my next cycle. We have one DS (3) and I have had lots of pregnancy loss (mixture of ectopic and MC) so the process of IVF does not intimidate me given what we have been through. I now have no tubes on hence why we are moving forward to start IVF.

BUT - I have never done IVF for so looking for any tips with the process which may help me cope with the discomfort etc.

I am taking the majority of the stimulation phase off work so hopefully that will manage stress etc.

Any tips would be welcomed and most appreciated.

xx

I don't have specific tips because I haven't started yet but am due to start around February so similar time. Also hoping to gather any useful tips.

I have had to have blood thinners before and icing the skin before really helped to stop the burn from those injections.

My tips are, keep yourself busy inbetween stages as the waiting times seem to take forever. There is more waiting around in ivf then there is action so prepare for that. Not all cycles are the same. If you have a bad cycle, it doesnt mean your next cycle cant be successful. The amout of eggs you collect do not matter, you could collect 3 or 23, it doesnt matter as its about the maturity and the quality of the eggs that matter and in my personally experience and my time on these boards is the less eggs collected is usually better quality so dont stress about how many are collected. Also not ever egg will be fertilised and not every fertilised egg will make an embryo so prepare yourself for the drop off of embryos. Also most embryo transfers dont work the first time nor the second time.. so if it doesnt work the first time, definitely feel all the feels but don't let it get you down too long. Testing embryos is expensive if this is what you decided to do but for most its the only way to weed out possible incompatible embryos but if you cant afford to test embryos this doesnt mean you wont find success, it might just take a little longer. Also if you have a great supportive partner or friends and family, heavily rely on them, ask them for help on hard days, whether that be to do your food shop, clean the house, take you to an appointment or cook you a meal, spend the day doing puzzles or whatever, dont be afraid to reach out. Ivf is a long process for most people so id say prepare yourself for that but always try to stay hopeful that, that wont be the case for you..

Keeping yourself busy to take mind off things might be a good idea. I worked through my two ICSI rounds and throughout my pregnancy too (as second round was successful). In reality what you do or not do seems to have little impact on the result. I know it’s easy to say but try to live your life as normal, paying attention to good diet and some exercise or just keeping active.
Good luck:)

Hey i also have no tubes and should hopefully be starting IVf in jan/feb cx

I always suggest stretchy, comfy leggings! As the meds can make you bloat up and you might not want a tight waistband.

good luck OP, the first injections are always scary but it does get easier the more u do 😊

Thank you for all of your suggestions. Some friends also suggested ice packs to numb the area before injecting so I may get some of those.

Are there any legging brands you would suggest? I have some cheap New Look ones but not sure if a better brand with more support is better - or ultimately, is it more important to have something loose around your belly!

thanks!