Preparing for IVF: A Step-by-Step Guide for Patients
A friendly, complete guide to preparing for your IVF cycle—tests, lifestyle tips, and emotional readiness.
In short: Good preparation for an IVF cycle starts with a consultation with a specialist, followed by blood tests (sugar, thyroid, viruses), an ultrasound scan and a cervical check. It also includes learning about the medication, adjusting lifestyle, and preparing emotionally and financially. The cycle has five stages: ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilisation, embryo transfer and the pregnancy test.
Getting ready for an IVF cycle can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to expect at each stage can help you feel calmer and more in control. Understanding the process, the tests involved, and how to prepare physically and emotionally can make your IVF journey smoother.
Let’s start with the basics: what actually happens during IVF?
In simple terms, IVF (in vitro fertilization) involves fertilizing an egg with sperm outside the body, in a laboratory setting, and then transferring the resulting embryo back into the uterus.
The Basic Stages of IVF
- Ovarian stimulation
- Egg retrieval
- Egg fertilization
- Embryo transfer
- Pregnancy test
Step 1: Consult a Fertility Specialist
- Choose a doctor who specializes in fertility and IVF treatment
- Ideally, both partners should attend the consultation together
Step 2: Complete Recommended Blood Tests
- Complete blood count, to identify and treat anemia, which may affect IVF outcomes
- Blood sugar levels, since uncontrolled diabetes has been linked to pregnancy complications and losses
- Thyroid function tests, because:
- the baby relies on the mother’s thyroid hormones during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy
- thyroid imbalances are associated with pregnancy loss and implantation difficulties
- Prolactin levels, as elevated levels may affect egg quality and fertilization
- Vitamin screening, since correcting deficiencies may support fertility and egg/sperm quality
- Additional tests as needed, based on your medical history — such as thrombophilia screening, liver function, or kidney function tests
- Viral screening (Hepatitis, HIV, Syphilis)
AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone), which together with the antral follicle count helps your doctor predict your response to stimulation; rubella immunity, so you can be vaccinated before treatment if needed; and a recent semen analysis for the male partner, assessed according to the WHO 2021 laboratory manual
Step 3: Pelvic Ultrasound Examination
- To check the uterus for any structural issues that may need correction, such as adhesions or a septum
- To assess ovarian volume and antral follicle count, which helps your doctor estimate the right stimulation medication dose for you
Step 4: Cervical Check and Pap Smear
A speculum examination is performed to check cervical health, along with a routine Pap smear.
Step 5: Review of Your Medical History
Your doctor will take a detailed medical and surgical history, and any existing chronic conditions should be well managed before starting treatment.
Step 6: Learn About IVF Medications
- FSH (with or without LH) injections to stimulate the ovaries, a medicine to prevent early ovulation (GnRH antagonist or agonist), and a “trigger” injection (hCG or a GnRH agonist) about 36 hours before egg collection
- Progesterone
- Possible side effects to be aware of
Step 7: Healthy Lifestyle Adjustments
- Avoid smoking
- Avoid alcohol during treatment and while trying to conceive (the male partner should also keep alcohol to a minimum)
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Eat a balanced, nutritious diet
- Consider [fertility
Start folic acid 400 micrograms daily at least one month (ideally three months) before treatment and continue until 12 weeks of pregnancy — your doctor may advise a higher dose (5 mg) if you have diabetes, a raised BMI, epilepsy treatment or a previous baby with a neural tube defect-supportive vitamin supplements](/foods-and-supplements-that-improve-fertility), as recommended by your doctor
Step 8: Emotional Preparation
- Set realistic expectations for your journey
- Consider joining a support group
- Keep communication open with your partner
- Lean on a trusted friend or family member for support
Step 9: Financial Planning
- Understand the costs involved in different procedures and medications
- Check with your insurance provider about possible coverage
- Set aside a buffer for any unexpected expenses
Step 10: Practical and Logistical Planning
- Arrange time off work for appointments and procedures
- If traveling from abroad, plan transportation and accommodation in advance
Every IVF cycle, whatever the outcome, is a meaningful step forward. Being well-prepared — physically, emotionally, and practically — can help you feel more confident throughout the journey.
If you have questions about preparing for IVF or would like to discuss your personal situation, the team at Dr. Najeeb Layyous clinic is here to guide you through every step.
Dr Najeeb Layyous F.R.C.O.G
Consultant Obstetrician, Gynecologist and Infertility Specialist
The finest doctor in Jordan — may God bless him and his whole medical team. A doctor in every sense of the word. I advise anyone planning a pregnancy to visit Dr. Najeeb Layyous. His manner is wonderful, always smiling, with the highest ethics; he gives every patient her due, and the patient’s comfort matters most to him. We had been to many doctors and none understood and treated my case except him. Special thanks to him and the whole team, and to Dina in particular — a lovely person. I recommend anyone considering IVF or pregnancy to visit his clinic.