Hey ladies!
I am having my first IVF appointment and I am beyond mortified! Anyone seasoned can share tips as to what to expect? I am particularly afraid of the dreaded stims coming up. I know it's silly for a grown woman and I am certain of my decision but the fear is still there...
Hey TheVet8 my very first appointment was a lot of form filling, understanding the process and a chance to ask questions. I recommend keeping a notebook and taking it to each appointment so you can write things down and remember what questions you wanted to ask as it can be a lot to take in. Im sure my husband and I had our weight and blood pressure taken. I had some blood tests and we discussed a plan going forward. Have you had any initial tests to identify any potential issues?
It’s normal to be nervous as you just don’t quite know what to expect. I’m sure during my first appointment we went through the process of what we were going through and we both had bloods taken.
I’m the first consultation, you tend to go through the forms you’ve filled in and the consultant asks more questions to gain a history. Our first consultant went through some science stuff to explain a few things
You also both have your bloods done, and your partner will have their sample looked at.
I think you really need to go in with a game plan - otherwise like some ladies have it may cost a lot of heart ache in the long run!
When we started my husband was mid 50’s. His normal sperm analysis came back normal - great you may say ........... luckily our consultant suggested he have a DNA fragmentation test done - mainly due to his age, which I said well he’s done a sample can you use that?!
Luckily they hadn’t binned his sample and they used that! It showed up that his morphology was slightly lower so that’s the shapes.
It always seems to be the women who are really looked at, the men just have the routine sample and that’s it unless there is a glaringly obvious issue!
So my advise would be to get a DNA fragmentation test done as well, because if there’s underlying issues you want them sorted before you start! The test is about £500 but that’s a stop in the ocean in comparison to what each round costs, and it could save you money and heartache in the long run
Hi, there is a online guide for the first consultation. Hope it helps x. book.designrr.co/?id=58026&...
Hi TheVet. First appointment with the nurse/specialist can involvesfurther blood tests being carried out to check for HIV, Hepatitis, and chlamydia. Probably check out your hormones again including AMH. A further semen analysis ordered if any problems with the last one. A chat about giving yourself injections, plus when these will start. Then there will be some legal paperwork to fill in, which you may have to take away for GP to sign. You might be invited to an open evening to learn all about the process from start to finish, although this is not always offered. An internal scan of your ovaries may be done too to check for any cysts on your ovaries. Arrangements may also be made for you to have a laparoscopy or an HSG (hysterosalpingogram) to check your tubes if required. Can’t think of anything else, but wanted to say good luck with it all, and hope all goes OK. Diane
Hi, to save some of the costs, you can have most of the blood tests done on the NHS booked through your GP, they’ll just request the blood tests with your local hospital. You’ll mainly fill out paperwork and discuss both of your fertility and health history. Maybe ask about multi cycles too, it can save you quite a bit in the long run! Our clinic does 2 or 3 cycle packages. Other than that, relax, you’ll have enough stressing to do further down the line! Good luck with your journey and wishing you the best x
Hi TheVet, Most other replies have covered what to expect during your first appointment i.e medical history, scans, bloods, consent etc. I noted you were particularly afraid of the dreaded stims. What are you particularly afraid of? Side effects? Needles? Being overwhelmed?
The stims can actually be one of the easiest part of an IVF cycle once you get into the swing of it. The needles are tiny and barely hurt. You can leave some of your medication stored at room temperature as cold injections can sting or take them out of the fridge about 30 minutes before taking them to bring to room temperature.
Set your alarms. You can always get your other half to help. There are lots of instructional videos on YouTube for the popular meds if you get overwhelmed or forget what the nurses tell you. After the first 2 injections, it will become routine.
I hope it all goes well for you 😊
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