Preparing for an IVF cycle

Key takeaways

Preparing for IVF usually involves a medical history, a lifestyle review, and testing for both partners before stimulation starts.
ASRM advises starting a prenatal vitamin with at least 400 mcg of folic acid and reviewing all medications and supplements with your doctor.
Tests commonly include ovarian reserve testing, a uterine evaluation, and a semen analysis.
Planning for costs, time off, and emotional support ahead of time can make the cycle feel more manageable.

The first visits

At your first visits, your doctor will ask about past pregnancies, menstrual cycles, previous fertility treatment, and any medical conditions, surgeries, or medications that could affect treatment (ASRM). Your team will then explain each step, from ovarian stimulation to egg retrieval, fertilization, embryo culture, and embryo transfer, and build a plan for you. One IVF cycle can take about 3 to 6 weeks (HFEA).

Lifestyle and general health

Some everyday habits affect IVF results. According to ASRM:

Smoking reduces IVF success rates by up to 50%.
Obesity can lower pregnancy rates and raise the risk of miscarriage, so reaching a healthier weight is advised.
Alcohol, recreational drugs, and too much caffeine are best avoided.
All medications, including supplements, should be reviewed with your doctor.
Women should begin a prenatal vitamin with at least 400 mcg of folic acid to lower the risk of neural tube defects.

General pre-pregnancy care matters too. ACOG recommends reviewing your vaccine history, managing any long-term health conditions, and talking about how to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections before pregnancy.

Testing before IVF

Both partners usually have testing. ASRM describes these common steps:

Ovarian reserve testing. Blood tests such as FSH, estradiol, and AMH, and an ultrasound antral follicle count, help predict how the ovaries may respond to medication.
Uterine evaluation. Fibroids, polyps, a uterine septum, or fluid-filled tubes (hydrosalpinx) may need treatment before IVF.
Semen analysis. This checks for sperm problems. If a problem is found, your team may discuss options such as ICSI, where a single sperm is injected into each egg.

Genetic carrier screening can also be done before treatment. It checks whether the egg or sperm source carries certain recessive genetic conditions that could be passed on (SART). Your clinic will also tell you which infection screening tests it requires.

What the stimulation phase involves

During stimulation, you take fertility medications, usually injections, to help several eggs grow. The stimulation phase typically lasts 8 to 14 days. Your team tracks progress with ultrasounds and blood tests. When the follicles are ready, a "trigger" injection starts the final stage of egg maturation, and eggs are retrieved about 36 hours later (ASRM).

It helps to know the warning signs of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), a problem that is sometimes seen in people taking fertility medicines that stimulate egg production (MedlinePlus). Ask your clinic which symptoms, such as rapid weight gain, significant bloating, or shortness of breath, should prompt an urgent call.

Practical and financial planning

Before you start, ASRM suggests reviewing your insurance benefits for consultations, testing, medications, and procedures like ICSI and embryo freezing, and budgeting for travel, lodging, and time off work. A few practical steps can help:

Ask for a written cost estimate and a calendar of expected appointments.
Check whether your pharmacy benefit covers fertility medications and whether any need prior approval.
Plan for early-morning monitoring visits and a day of rest after egg retrieval.

Emotional preparation

IVF can be emotionally demanding. Many people feel anxious, depressed, or isolated during infertility treatment, and social support, stress management, and counseling with a qualified fertility counselor can help (ASRM). Decide ahead of time who you want to share updates with, and ask your clinic about counseling and support groups.

Questions to ask your clinician

Which tests do I and my partner need before we start, and are any already done?
Is there anything in my health or lifestyle you would like me to change before stimulation begins?
What stimulation protocol are you recommending, and why?
What side effects should I expect, and which symptoms mean I should call right away?
What will this cycle likely cost, including medications, freezing, and any later transfers?

This article is general education, not medical advice. Your fertility team can tailor preparation to your health and history.