Preparing for IVF: A Step by Step Checklist
Preparing properly before an IVF cycle makes planning easier and takes some of the anxiety out of the unknown. Preparation covers both partners together.
This article sets out the steps from the first consultation to starting treatment: the tests requested, and the practical arrangements worth making in advance.
What to bring to the first consultation
Bringing your existing paperwork makes the first appointment far more productive:
- All previous test results and reports
- Records of any previous treatment, including medication doses
- A list of any regular medicines you take
- Known medical conditions and previous operations
- Information about the length and regularity of your cycle
Writing your questions down beforehand means nothing gets missed. Our article on choosing an IVF doctor suggests what to ask.
Tests for the female partner
The assessment usually covers:
- Hormone tests and assessment of ovarian reserve, including AMH
- Ultrasound examination of the ovaries and uterus
- Imaging to confirm the fallopian tubes are open
- Thyroid and prolactin assessment
- Infectious disease screening
- Hysteroscopy to examine the uterine cavity where indicated
Tests for the male partner
The male assessment usually begins with a semen analysis:
- Semen analysis
- A repeat analysis where needed
- Infectious disease screening
- Hormone and genetic assessment where indicated
For how to read the report see our guide to semen analysis results.
Lifestyle preparation
Supporting general health in the weeks before treatment is worthwhile. Advice is tailored to you:
- Avoiding smoking and alcohol
- Balanced nutrition and the vitamin supplements your doctor recommends, including folic acid
- Regular, moderate physical activity
- A sustainable, steady weight
- Attention to your sleep pattern
See nutrition and lifestyle and stress and sleep for more detail.
Timing and practical planning
An IVF cycle runs across one menstrual cycle and requires several visits to the clinic. When planning, consider:
- Flexibility at work for monitoring appointments
- Time to rest on the day of egg collection
- A reminder system so medication is taken on time
- Accommodation arrangements if you are travelling from elsewhere
See our step by step process page for how the cycle unfolds.
Consent and paperwork
Legally required written consents are completed before treatment starts, covering matters such as the storage of embryos.
Read these documents without rushing and ask about anything that is unclear. It makes later decisions in the process considerably easier.
Related Reading
- The Stages of IVF Treatment
- IVF Nutrition and Lifestyle: Before, During and After Transfer
- Choosing an IVF Doctor in Turkey: Questions You Should Always Ask
Sources and references
This article is supported by the following independent, authoritative sources: