IVF treatment is more than just a medical procedure; it engages the whole person. Here, you will find how you can prepare yourself on every level during the three months leading up to the treatment.
Knowing what to expect makes it easier to navigate the process. A standard IVF treatment consists of four phases, spanning approximately four to six weeks.
Daily hormone injections stimulate the simultaneous growth of multiple follicles within the ovaries. Regular ultrasound scans and blood tests monitor how the follicles are maturing. While the injections can be emotionally challenging, they are generally well tolerated physically.
Under light anesthesia, the mature eggs are retrieved from the follicles using a fine needle. The procedure takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes, followed by a brief recovery period.
In the laboratory, the eggs are combined with sperm; in ICSI, a single sperm is directly injected. The resulting embryos are monitored and grow in a special culture medium until transfer.
One or more embryos are transferred into the uterus via a fine catheter. This is followed by arguably the most difficult phase: the two weeks leading up to the pregnancy test. Many women describe this period as more emotionally taxing than the treatment itself.
The body requires approximately three months to noticeably influence egg and sperm quality. Therefore, preparation is worthwhile—not perfectionism.
This aspect is often underestimated. IVF takes a toll on the whole person. Hormonal fluctuations heighten emotions, and the waiting periods between appointments can feel endless. The final outcome—regardless of what it turns out to be—marks a turning point.
The better prepared you are emotionally, the less you feel at the mercy of circumstances. Not because nothing hurts anymore, but because you know yourself better and are better able to take care of yourself.
MyBabyWish supports you between appointments with bookable consultations with our team of experts, as well as psychological support from Gabriela Cueni and her team.
Most women who begin IVF require more than one attempt. This is not an exception, but rather a medical reality. What matters in this moment is this: you are well-informed, you know what comes next, and you are supported. MyBabyWish is there for you—even then—with our team of experts and a community that knows exactly what this moment feels like.
An IVF cycle takes approximately four to six weeks, from stimulation to the pregnancy test.
Physical preparation ideally begins three months prior to the treatment. It involves a balanced diet, adequate sleep, moderate exercise, abstinence from alcohol and nicotine, as well as targeted supplements in consultation with a physician.
Success rates depend heavily on age. For those under 35, the success rate per cycle is approximately 30 to 40 percent. At age 40, it declines significantly.
Regular sessions with a specialized psychologist help to better cope with hormonal fluctuations and the waiting periods. Relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and conscious exchange with other women also provide support.
An IVF cycle typically spans four to six weeks. This includes hormonal preparation, egg retrieval, embryo transfer, and the subsequent pregnancy test.
Physical preparation begins three months before the treatment with a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, moderate exercise, and the avoidance of alcohol and nicotine.
