What Is IVF?
If you are having problems getting pregnant, your doctor may suggest that you go through in vitro fertilization. What exactly is IVF and how can you get ready for the process?
In Vitro Fertilization
In vitro fertilization involves getting conception to happen outside the body. The way that it works is that the woman takes fertility drugs to help boost her hormone production so that her ovaries will release at least one egg, but hopefully more. When it's time for her eggs to be released, the woman will go in and see her doctor who will harvest the eggs and combine them with sperm. The sperm will either come from her partner or from a chosen or anonymous donor. The goal is to get the sperm to fertilize the eggs. When the eggs are fertilized and the embryos are just a few cells big, at least one embryo is transferred back into the woman's uterus and additional embryos may be stored for later implantation. If you are going to go through IVF, what are some ways you can prepare for the procedure?
Talk to a Counselor
While you are going through IVF, you may focus completely on what's going on with your body. It's easy to do because women have to get shots and take medication in order to make sure that their bodies are ready to release eggs and to aid in implantation when the embryos are reintroduced into their bodies. All that can be really tough on your body. What you might not think about is that it can be really tough on your mind and spirit too. You should probably go to see a counselor who specializes in fertility issues and take your partner with you. You can have solo appointments as well as couple appointments. You will be able to talk to the counselor about how you are feeling when it comes to the process, how it is affecting your relationship, and other similar things. The counselor can also help you with coping techniques that you can use on your own or with your partner which can continue to help your relationship stay strong through all the ups and downs of the IVF process.
If you have fertility problems, you may be thinking about doing in vitro fertilization. It can be a tough process to go through, and there are things you can do that will help you have the easiest time possible.
