This post is part of the “Ask Me Anything” series. I answer reader-submitted questions about our experience with infertility and IVF.
Reader A. asks, “What would you tell your past self about an upcoming IVF treatment?”
I’d have a lot to say to my past self. Having now been through 3 fresh IVF cycles and 1 FET cycle, I feel like I know what to expect. Here are the top 4 tips I’d tell my past self, or anyone facing an upcoming IVF cycle:
1. The anticipation is the worst part.
The scariest part of IVF is the unknown. I remember crying when I received my box of meds for my first IVF cycle. It was a huge box, full of needles, syringes, pills, and patches. I didn’t know how I’d ever remember when to take it all, and I was sure I’d screw up my shots. But once you get past that first shot, it all gets easier. And once I worked up the nerve to give the shots to myself (instead of having my husband do it), I actually felt incredibly empowered. By my third cycle, I felt completely at ease (or as at-ease as you can get!) with the process.
2. Take care of yourself.
Even when you start to feel at ease with the process, it’s still a physically and emotionally difficult experience. The hormones mess with you, and there’s the stress of all the monitoring appointments. Plus, you’re worried and anxious about whether or not it will work. Do everything you can to relieve stress and take extra care of yourself. Make time to rest, eat well, and don’t overcommit yourself at work or socially. Get support from a therapist, counselor, or support group. Improving your overall wellness can never hurt.
3. It’s worth it.
Writing this from the “other side”, after having a successful pregnancy, I can honestly tell you it is worth every single shot, every single dollar, every single medication, and every single appointment. Would I wish it on my worst enemy? No. But would I do it all over again? Absolutely. I know it’s easy for me to say now, but I honestly believe I’d still feel the same way even if I’d never gotten pregnant. If all my attempts failed, I think I’d want to know that I did everything I could and that I gave it my best shot (no pun intended!).
4. You can do it.
IVF is not fun. It’s hard. But you can get through it. Take it one day, one shot, and one procedure at a time. Best wishes to anyone facing an upcoming cycle!
If you’d like more tips and tricks for IVF, check out my new Kindle ebook: “Preparing for IVF: Approach Your IVF With Confidence and Courage.”
Image via Pixabay.
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