Becoming a parent can be a daunting prospect, but going to a fertility clinic for the first time can be even more daunting for a new infertile patient. However, the best way to deal with it is to consult an expert infertility specialist and ask questions during your first IVF appointment. As we all know, the path to parenthood and the process of IVF treatment is fraught with difficulties. It requires state-of-the-art technology, expert clinical care, good embryology laboratory and healthy diet and lifestyle habits. Even so, the results can be negative for couples for any number of reasons. For best results, the IVF specialist, the embryology team, the counseling team and the couples should all agree that they should work together positively to achieve better results.Also Read – Bigg Boss fame Sambhava’s Seth breaks down in tears while talking about his struggle with a failed IVF cycle
Stress and anxiety are usually caused by the fact that couples are unfamiliar with the process. However, by asking the right questions, you can reduce your stress and anxiety. When you go for your first consultation you should ask questions or doubts to make the journey easier and smoother. Also Read – Yoga during IVF: Can you do yoga during IVF treatment? The doctor speaks
D. Rajam Murali, Senior Consultant, Milan Fertility and Birthing Centre Here are some important questions you should ask your doctor at your first IVF appointment. Also Read – Cost of IVF, hysteroscopy and other infertility treatments: Debina Bonerjee explains what it takes for a woman to conceive medically
6 important questions that you should discuss during your initial IVF visit:
Start by asking about the clinic’s success rate
The first and most important question you should ask your consultant before starting any treatment is the success rate of the treatment or IVF. Having information can enable you to make more informed decisions. However, since we live in a country where there is no regulatory body monitoring IVF clinics and measuring success, this is the most imperative question for you before starting treatment.
Ask how to prepare for IVF
It is an undeniable fact that IVF can help you experience the joy of parenthood. However, it also becomes emotionally, financially and mentally draining for the new couple. Consequently, the best way to deal with it is to prepare yourself for the mental, physical, emotional or financial changes before starting treatment. Inquire with your doctor about the procedure, its benefits, number of hospital visits and cost of treatment, as well as any complications that may arise during the procedure. Additionally, if there are any lifestyle changes you can make that could increase your fertility, consult your doctor about ways to improve them.
Ask about tests required before IVF
Before starting an IVF cycle, you should make sure that your health is in good enough condition to carry a pregnancy. The couple has to undergo a series of blood tests to check their sugar level, blood group, hemoglobin and the presence of any infection among other things. In addition, the woman must undergo tests such as ultrasound, egg reserve tests and hormone tests. Along with the woman’s tests, the male partner may need to undergo a semen analysis. So, clearing your doubts and understanding the process before taking the tests can reduce your anxiety.
Ask how long the process takes from head to toe
Before starting, the couple should ideally inquire about the number of hospital visits and duration of the treatment process. Although the length of IVF treatment depends on various factors, do not forget to inquire about the approximate time frame from the beginning to the end of the IVF cycle. Bring a calendar to the appointment to check off any important dates, work travel, or other items that need to be scheduled around your cycle dates.
Talk to your doctor about IVF failure and other treatment options
Couples should also consider the possibility of a failed IVF cycle, as this is a common occurrence for many patients. However, there is no denying that IVF is a physically demanding process. Discuss the chances of getting pregnant with IVF with your doctor considering factors like age, medical complications, etc. If there is a chance of failure, you should be aware of your options. Learn about the clinic’s other treatments and your options in case of failure. Unrealistic expectations about IVF success can be psychologically damaging for couples, which is why it’s important to clear up all your doubts.
Ask about the most preferable option for fresh or frozen embryo transfer
While there is no such thing as a 100% successful IVF process, there is always the possibility that a proportion of couples will fail to conceive during the first cycle. In that case, you can always undergo the treatment again. The fact is that if you have a frozen embryo from your first cycle, you can use it. Because frozen embryo transfer has a higher success rate than fresh embryo transfer, most fertility specialists opt for frozen embryo transfer.
Apart from the questions mentioned above, you are free to ask as many questions as you want to clear any confusion or apprehension. Consequently, don’t be afraid to ask any treatment-related questions during the counseling process to ease the process and your mind.
