| For most couples considering IVF fertility treatment, | | | | the consultant will probably ask is if you think there is |
| it's not just a question of "How does IVF work?", but | | | | any specific reason why you have been unable to |
| deeper questions about making the right decision at | | | | conceive naturally. This may involve going into your |
| each stage and getting the process off to the best | | | | day-to-day life and routine, so it may be a good idea |
| possible start. This article will discuss the initial | | | | to keep a diary for a couple of weeks before the |
| consultation and how best to conduct yourself at it. | | | | consultation, so you have a record of what your |
| I'm assuming that you have both already consulted | | | | regular activities are. |
| your doctor or physician concerning problems over | | | | In fact it's a good idea well before the appointment |
| conceiving a baby. It's important that you are both | | | | to set out in writing for your own purposes what |
| involved in the whole process from the start, and | | | | you think the main causes of your infertility are. This |
| your doctor would expect to see you both together | | | | can help your thinking processes immensely. Bear in |
| in order to discuss the problem and its possible | | | | mind it may not be simply a physical issue on the part |
| causes. There's no need to be in any way | | | | of either you or your partner. Often the cause is to |
| embarrassed about the whole subject, as thousands | | | | be found in the lifestyle followed by one or both of |
| of couples have the same problem and your doctor | | | | you. |
| will be well used to advising on it. | | | | Go through a typical work day for each of you. Is |
| He may give you a list of clinics to choose from or | | | | there enough relaxation in the day, or is it a hectic |
| he may refer you to just one. It all depends on the | | | | round of activities of one sort or another from start |
| circumstances - whereabouts you live, the distances | | | | to end? What about meals? Do you have time to |
| involved and the doctor's own knowledge of the | | | | properly eat and digest each meal before moving on |
| clinics available. Although I won't be covering the | | | | or is it a case of gulping down a quick bite when you |
| subject of finance in this article, it is obviously a highly | | | | get the chance? (You'll see the relevance of these |
| relevant issue and you have to make sure you can | | | | questions when you have your consultation.) |
| afford the fees you may have to pay, or ensure | | | | Do you have too much stress in your life? Some |
| there are finance facilities available. | | | | stress these days is almost unavoidable, but it can |
| You should both attend the initial consultation | | | | easily lead to your whole life being stressful. Do you |
| together as the consultant you are assigned to will | | | | have to deal with awkward customers or bosses? |
| seek out the views of you and your partner on why | | | | Are there frequent deadlines to meet? Is the |
| you consider you need IVF fertility treatment. He will | | | | telephone always ringing? Do you have an exhausting |
| have to go into a number of details with you, some | | | | commute at each end of the day? |
| of them quite intimate. This is, of course, standard | | | | Be totally honest with yourself. If any of this applies |
| procedure. | | | | to you then it may not be right or necessary to dive |
| Much depends on your relationship with the | | | | into IVF treatment as soon as you fail to conceive. |
| consultant. If you feel uncomfortable with him then | | | | Easing off your lifestyle may be all you need. The |
| you should discreetly ask for someone different. A | | | | consultant will most probably point this out if he |
| good clinic will give you this option anyway, as for | | | | thinks it applies to you, and will at this stage give you |
| something as important for your whole future and at | | | | specific advice on how to proceed if it is decided to |
| the same time delicate it's essential that you feel | | | | go ahead with IVF treatment. |
| confident in your consultant's abilities and relaxed in | | | | You'll find after the initial consultation that the path |
| his presence. | | | | ahead begins to take shape and you can concentrate |
| It is important that all relevant aspects of both your | | | | on the procedures that will hopefully lead to the birth |
| lives are discussed without embarrassment. One thing | | | | of your much longed-for child. |