Preparing for first IVF - questions and any tips?

[ttcsolomummytobe]

Hey all,

I'm due to start my first IVF round on my next cycle, Will be having mild IVF and a fresh transfer, they aim to do day 5 but sometimes do day 3 transfers, from how the clinic explains it it seems to run in line with a normal cycle timing.

Just wondered a few of the timings/practical side of things as looking to try and book a week off work around my OTD. I know my clinic will probably answer some of these closer to the time but trying to get as much in place as possible now to try keep it stress free at the time.

Wondered how many days after a 3 day or 5 day fresh transfer you would normally test?

Also I've seen comments about during egg collection being scent free/make up free etc, which more than happy to do, just wondered if there was any particular shower wash brands that are preferable/recommended?

While going through the IVF cycle, preparing for egg collection did people give up/reduce on exercises? Certain foods? I know the obvious such as caffeine/alcohol etc, which have been doing for over a year anyways now.

Any other tips or pointers would be great.

[Kmcdon]

Just wanted to say hello, and good luck! Not sure I have any really good tips but sounds like a good idea to take some time off work if you can. From memory of egg collection I don’t think they were too bothered about brand of shower gel just as long as you weren’t wearing perfume. Simple shower gel quite good as doesn’t have too strong a smell. I’m not sure about what exercise to avoid before transfer but I was told no swimming, cycling or really hardcore exercise after transfer. I think there are also some yoga moves which should be avoided after transfer.

On day of transfer pineapple core meant to be great for encouraging implantation. Also lots of ladies swear by McDonald’s chips after!!!

DHEA can sometimes help with egg quality so might be worth checking with your clinic about that.

I would also say go easy on yourself and try to plan nice things for yourself to do whichever way this cycle goes. IVF is hard going and having people to talk to, whether it’s on here or close friends, is really important.

Good luck! Xx

[Eloquentia]

Good luck with your first cycle! I recommend reading the book 'It all starts with the egg' - a lot of useful advice about lifestyle changes and diet. Try to eat as healthy as possible, stop alcohol, take some good prenatal supplements (we were recommended Proxeed by our clinic). I switched to organic cosmetics without added perfume and plastics and simple cleaning products, as well as to glass tubs to reduce plastics. No nail polish. Your clinic will probably advice you to reduce exercise during stimulations to reduce the risk of ovary torsion. Very best of luck!

[JA-fnuk Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Wanted to wish you good luck with your first cycle of treatment - can be quite stressful But just take it a day at a time and anything you are unsure of -just ask the clinic /nurse to explain it again to you

Take care

Janet