Involve your partner in the process

At this point in your infertility treatment, you may have already gone through a number of diagnostic tests and procedures. You may have also taken some type of fertility drug. In all likelihood, interpretation of your results led your doctor to believe you may be a candidate for IVF.

As you prepare for your first IVF appointment, there are several things to keep in mind. If you have a partner, he or she should accompany you to the first appointment. Significant decisions will be made during this appointment, and both people in the relationship should take an active role in these decisions.

You also need to understand that an IVF cycle will affect both of you in a number of ways. Your routine and schedule will be disrupted. You will have to take various medications – some of which may have significant side effects. You will also be making frequent trips to the clinic for monitoring, tests, and procedures. Through it all, you may feel as though you're on an emotional roller coaster. Clearly, the more both partners know and understand, the better.