preparing for fertility treatment

Preparations begin from the moment you and the fertility specialist determine the best time to start treatment.

before treatment begins

Before starting infertility treatment, you and your partner should try to do the following:

• Make sure that financial and insurance information is in order. Consult with your benefits administrator if there are questions.
• Build relationships with healthcare providers (for example, try to speak to the same nurse as often as possible).
• Arrange for flexible work hours if possible and/or inform your boss that you may need to rearrange your schedule.
• Determine the busiest time of day at the fertility clinic and ask to schedule appointments or phone calls at another time.
• Establish a support system.
• Talk to others who have gone through similar treatments.
• Identify stress-relieving techniques that work (for example, walking, relaxation techniques, joining a support group, or seeing an infertility counselor).
• Recruit a back-up person to administer injections.

when treatment begins

When infertility treatment begins, you should try to do the following:

• Utilize the stress relieving techniques you have previously identified.
• Drink at least six to eight glasses of water every day.
• Pay attention to your diet. Eat three nutritious meals a day (discuss special dietary concerns with a nurse or doctor).
• Keep your partner involved throughout the treatment by having him/her mix medications, give injections, and/or go to appointments.
• Change certain lifestyle factors. Curb smoking and alcohol consumption (better yet, stop altogether).
• Take a folic acid supplement and prenatal vitamins.