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Pursuing the path to parenthood is a time of life that we should never take for granted. There are many paths to parenthood. For some people, the only way of achieving pregnancy is pursuing an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle.
Keywords: order medications, schedule blood and ultrasound appointments
OpenJournal PUBLISHERS Opinion In vitro Fertilization Cycle Preparation * Connie Stark, RNC, CPC* ART of Wellness Certified Nurse Specialist and Fertility Consultant, Chicago, Illinois, USA * *Corresponding authors Connie Stark, RNC, CPC Founder and President of ART of Wellness, ART of Wellness Certified Nurse Specialist and Fertility Consultant, Chicago, Illinois, USA; E-mail: artofwellnesscoach@gmail.com Article information th th Accepted: June 30th, 2024; Published: July 10th, 2024 Cite this article Stark C. In vitro Fertilization Cycle Preparation. Women Health Open J. 2024; 10(1): 8-9. ursuing the path to parenthood is a time of life that we should • A second meeting may be with the IVF coordinator who will never take for granted. There are many paths to parenthood. educate you on the treatment plan, review and execute con- P For some people, the only way of achieving pregnancy is pursuing sents, order medications, schedule blood and ultrasound ap- an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle.
pointments • In the U.S, a meeting with the financial advisor will review This path can be filled with a mix of emotions that can possible insurance coverage, authorizations and out of pocket be overwhelming and stressful creating feelings of fear of the un- expenses.
known. Patients who seek emotional support early in treatment are often better prepared for their experiences and find it signifi- SELF CARE cantly less stressful than patients who do not, according to Dr. Ali Domar, founder of mind/body programs for women’s health”.1 Prepare to be Your Best Self There are ways to prepare for an IVF cycle that can aid Preparing for an IVF cycle when dealt with an emphasis on self in managing these emotions making this an exciting time while care, the experience will feel more positive and enabling. This is a enhancing positive outcomes. Education of the IVF process and challenging time. It is extremely important for men and women to understanding the procedures, self-care and nurturing support sys- practice self-care. Making changes to diet, exercise and managing tems are key action steps when making the IVF decision. stress levels are all key, fertility nurse consultant guides patients towards 5 areas to enhance fertility wellness2: EDUCATION AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE IVF PLAN AND PROCESS Mind/Mindset: Be aware of your thoughts. Let positive thoughts dominate the negative. Prepare your mind to accept a positive out- Prior to meeting with your physician and starting your IVF cycle, come throughout your IVF cycle, do not prepare for the “What if please follow the below steps: it does not work?”
• Read through the materials provided by your clinic. Physical Self: Proper nutrition, exercise, supplements, and sleep • Write down all questions prior to your appointment you may provide a healthy environment and give the best support during have, bring to your appointment.
the IVF cycle. Nicotine, caffeine and alcohol have negative effects • Bring along your schedule for work, vacation and personal on outcomes.
dates so you can coordinate the treatment with the clinic. what to expect from your appointments?
Emotional Self: Recognize feelings of excitement, love, nervous- • The first appointment with the doctor usually covers the re- ness, stress, loss, grief and other emotions. When stressed with quired pre-testing prior to treatment, procedures, medications, negative feelings such as fear, sadness, anxiety, the stress hormone complications, protocols statistics and your personal possible cortisol increases which impacts the entire body. Take time to relax outcomes.
and practice stress management techniques, such as – gentle ex- cc cc Copyright 2024 by Stark C. This is an open-access article distributed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0), which allows Women Health Open J. 2024; 10(1): 8-9.
ercise, journaling, social activities, naps, relaxation techniques and It is believed and witnessed that “Success happens for those talking through your emotions.
who are willing to make every day changes and embrace every opportunity to enhance their fertility. Understanding how the mind and body respond to a Social Self: It is difficult to initiate or participate in social activities, temporary crisis like infertility and having the ability to fully prepare for the especially if babies and children are included. This is natural and next step impacts positive outcomes.”5 understandable. Social activities can help your emotions, de-stress, lift your mood or act as a distraction.3