Beat Disease and Keep Fighting Fit
About Me
Beat Disease and Keep Fighting Fit

Hi there! Welcome to my blog. My name is Debbie and I am a housewife from Alice Springs, Australia. I love the life I have here with my wonderful husband and our four kids. It all started about a year ago when I realised that I couldn't read the label on a jar of food I was trying to open. I asked my husband if there was a problem with the way the label had been printed but he said he could read it just fine. He booked me an appointment at Vision2000Kota and they carried out some test to rule out any serious problems. Thankfully, I just needed to start wearing glasses. I hope you enjoy my health and medical blog.

Beat Disease and Keep Fighting Fit

Top Preparation Tips for Having IVF

Regina Barnett

When you're suffering from infertility, having IVF can feel equal parts scary and exciting. To make the journey more comfortable emotionally and physically, there are ways you can prepare. Here are some top tips:

Build your support network

Even with the guidance of an IVF gynaecologist, going through fertility treatment can become emotionally and physically tiring. The periods where you have hormone injections can produce similar symptoms to the early stages of pregnancy, where you often experience dips in your energy levels.

In addition to drawing on support from your partner, identify family members or friends who can provide support. They'll act as excellent external parties to talk to, and you can ask them for help if you feel too tired to engage in everyday activities such as cleaning. 

Eat to promote a healthy body

One way to ensure your energy levels don't dip too much is to eat with the aim of creating a healthy body. Avoid eating foods with a high glycaemic index, such as sugary snacks and fruit that's become overly ripe. Instead, focus on food that'll release energy slowly, such as plenty of protein and whole grain carbohydrates. During periods of hormone treatment, you may find that eating a little can often can reduce feelings of nausea and promotes better energy levels. 

Find stress buffers

Although your gynaecologist will provide you with plenty of support during the IVF process, you may find that the hormonal treatments and medical routines lower your stress tolerance slightly. As such, it's better to plan ways to reduce and modify stressors in advance. For example, if you know that your daily commute leaves you feeling drained, consider discussing remote working or alternative working hours that avoid traffic. Additionally, look for relaxation techniques such as meditation and breathing exercises. Both are accessible anywhere and you can use apps for guidance if necessary.

Find a support group

Although the people around you will try to provide emotional support and tips for coping, you might find that a good dose of genuine empathy helps you through the more stressful periods of IVF. Because of this, finding a support group is always a good idea. Discussing your journey with those who understand what you're going through can alleviate some of the emotional strains. Additionally, you may find that the women you discuss your struggles with can provide tips other people can't think of.

No matter how you prepare for IVF, always ensure you take it easy and be kind to yourself.


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