The Ups and Downs of IVF: What to Expect

17th August 2018 in IVF

This information was correct at the time of publishing. It may not reflect our current practices, prices or regulations.

Are you prepared for the journey of IVF? Fertility treatment can have an enormous effect on anyone trying for a baby.

Coping with unexpected fertility struggles, juggling IVF with a busy work life, trying to remain positive for each other - it can all take a toll.

But this is where our support comes in, to help you both cope. We take a look at the emotional rollercoaster of IVF, so you can understand how you might feel:

Before IVF

Many couples arrive at our clinic already anxious and worried, after months of trying to conceive. But the good news is that starting fertility treatment is often a huge relief. At Manchester Fertility you’re in the safe and expert hands of some of the UK’s best fertility specialists. We’re going to do everything possible to give you your baby.

Starting IVF

Fertility medications, exact timings, self-injecting – fertility treatment involves a lot of processes, some of which you do yourself at home. Don’t worry however about getting it right – we’re here to help. We’ll teach you what to do and when to do it, and we’re always at the end of the phone for extra support.

Our counsellors are also available to you both when you start treatment. Two sessions are included in your IVF cycle, but you can see our counsellors whenever you need to.

Egg collection & fertilisation

Egg collection day can be exciting but it’s normal for both of you to feel a little anxious – this is when we see how many eggs you have for IVF and take a sperm sample for fertilisation. We’ll talk you through everything as it happens in our clinic theatre, so you know your egg numbers for your cycle, and help you both feel at ease.

Embryo development

We’ll be in touch the day after egg collection to let you know how many eggs have fertilised. It can be difficult waiting for the call but remember – we’re looking after your eggs and embryos in the best lab conditions possible. We’ll keep you updated as your embryos grow, so you know when your embryo transfer day will be.

Embryo transfer

Transfer day is here, when your best embryo is transferred in the hope of achieving pregnancy. Is there anything special you should do beforehand? Do you need to rest after? You’re bound to have lots of questions. We’ll explain what you need to do and what will happen. So you’re completely ready and prepared. Our caring and experienced fertility nurses will be on hand to take care of you.

Two-week wait

Many patients say the ‘two-week wait’ is the most difficult time, when you’re waiting to see if IVF has worked. We know how hard it can be – our Fertility Midwife is on hand to support you and answer any questions you have about possible pregnancy symptoms or signs you’re experiencing. Try to relax – there’s nothing you can do that can change the outcome of treatment.

Treatment outcome

If your pregnancy test is positive, congratulations! We’ll arrange for your very first pregnancy scan at around 6-7 weeks, to confirm foetal heartbeat. Our midwife is available to you if you have any concerns.

If your test is negative, you’ll be referred to our counsellors for professional support, and your consultant for a cycle review. Counselling is especially valuable at this time for you both. It can be devastating to learn IVF has failed but be assured it isn’t ‘your fault’. There could be any number of reasons why on this occasion it didn’t work, and it’s not unusual to need more than one IVF attempt to conceive.

Our aim now is to identify how we can be successful in a future cycle, and to make sure you’re fully supported with the help you each need, so you can move forward with positivity.

Start IVF with Manchester Fertility

If you’re interested in IVF with us, talk to our Patient Advisors on 0161 300 2737 or book in for a free and private 1-2-1 to explore your options, including funding choices for your treatment.

Last updated: 18th December 2020