HOW TO PREPARE FOR IVF: Steps to take before starting treatment
Beginning in vitro fertilization (IVF) is a deeply personal step filled with much hope but often also with considerable uncertainty. Though representing only a very small minority of the CHR’s patients (over 95% of the CHR’s new patients have had already a good number of unsuccessful IVF cycles before coming to the CHR), our goal with this introduction to the subject of IVF is to actually support IVF beginners in their journey by describing every step of the way they will be facing and by providing clear, and compassionate guidance to help new patients in IVF to prepare mentally, physically, and emotionally. Being informed always reduces stress and helps patients to feel more in control. One of the most frequent phrases we are hearing from our new patients in the course of their treatments is, “We wish we had come to the CHR earlier.” And so do we, of course, as well: Imagine how well we would do with these patients earlier and at younger ages, considering how well we do with them often years later and after multiple failed IVF cycles at several different clinics, and not infrequently in several different countries! So, here offered basics are for you, those just starting the IVF journey, and, very likely, feeling more or less overwhelmed.
Building your knowledge and setting realistic expectations
One of the most vital steps in preparing for IVF is cultivating a well-rounded understanding of what lies ahead. IVF involves multiple phases: ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization in the lab, embryo transfer, and the waiting period for pregnancy testing. Each stage carries its own medical complexities and emotional weight. Gaining clarity about each step has been shown to lessen anxiety and enhance a sense of control.1
It is important to adopt realistic expectations about success rates and possible outcomes. A range of factors, including age, ovarian reserve, and individual health conditions, influence IVF success. Acknowledging the unpredictability of IVF and balancing hope with acceptance of possible setbacks can soften the emotional impact.
Organizing practical support and your care plan
IVF requires dedicated time and energy, both physically and emotionally. Planning — by clearing your calendar of major obligations during treatment cycles — can help reduce stress. Beyond logistics, identifying who you feel comfortable sharing your IVF journey with is crucial. Research underscores the significance of social support in buffering emotional distress related to fertility treatment.2 Close friends, family members, or designated spokespeople can help ease the emotional burden by offering empathy and hands-on support. If comfortable, consider sharing your treatment schedule with your employer to help create a work environment conducive to your success.
Mental and emotional preparations
The emotional impact of IVF is well-documented: anxiety, frustration, grief, and depression are common. Studies recommend early resilience building through social support and mindfulness practices—such as meditation, focused breathing, or gentle yoga—to lower stress hormones and support emotional balance.3-5
Incorporating tools like journaling and setting aside time for check-ins with your partner can strengthen your emotional connection and help navigate joint decision-making. Seeking counseling from therapists who specialize in reproductive mental health can also provide personalized strategies to manage stress and emotional strain. Studies suggest this type of support may even enhance IVF outcomes by reducing the physiological impact of chronic stress.⁴ The CHR will gladly refer you to competent sources.
Physical preparations
Research confirms that physical health plays a key role in IVF readiness. A nutrient-rich anti-inflammatory diet can support hormonal balance and egg quality.6 Eliminating or minimizing exposure to smoking, alcohol, and excessive caffeine mitigates potential fertility impairments.7 Moderate excessive physical activity in walking, swimming, or yoga promotes circulation while reducing stress hormones known to disrupt function.5
However, vigorous or high-impact exercise during ovarian stimulation may interfere with egg development and should be approached with caution. Consistent, restorative sleep—ideally seven to eight hours per night—is also critical for hormonal regulation and overall well-being during treatment.8
Preparing for possible emotional fluctuations during the treatment cycle
It’s important to realize that, due to hormonal changes, emotional fluctuations are normal during IVF treatment, uncertainty, and the high stakes involved. These emotional shifts can feel unpredictable, ranging from hope to frustration or sadness in the span of a day. Recognizing these waves as a natural part of the process can help reduce guilt or confusion around your emotional responses.
Setting aside time for small acts of self-care—like a walk, a warm bath, or a favorite hobby—can offer important relief. Mindful rituals such as journaling, aromatherapy, or simply pausing for a quiet moment can support emotional regulation. Talking to a partner, therapist, or friend can also provide a sense of validation and connection when emotions feel especially heightened.
Monitor your health and stay in close communication with your care team
As you prepare for IVF, maintaining regular communication with your fertility specialists and other healthcare providers is crucial. They will monitor your general health and specific fertility markers, such as hormone levels, to tailor treatment protocols to your individual needs. Promptly reporting any unusual symptoms or concerns allows for timely adjustments, ensuring your safety and optimizing your chances of success. Discussing medication schedules, injections, and timelines with your care team can build confidence and reduce unexpected setbacks.
Nurturing patience and flexibility along the way
IVF can be unpredictable, with cycles sometimes needing to be adjusted based on how your body responds. Cultivating patience and a flexible mindset is vital to handling the ebb and flow of treatment. Setbacks are not uncommon and reframing them as part of the IVF journey—rather than failures—can help preserve emotional resilience. Leaning on your support network during difficult times helps reinforce resilience and reminds you that you are not alone.3-4 Remember, even at peak fertility at young ages, to fall pregnant takes on average ca. 3.4 months.
Final thoughts
Preparing for IVF is a multifaceted process that involves mental, emotional, and physical readiness, alongside practical planning and strong communication with your care team. By cultivating knowledge, building support systems, embracing flexibility, and prioritizing self-care, you can empower yourself through this complex journey. Remember, every step forward—no matter how small—is a meaningful stride toward your goal of building or expanding your family. The CHR is, of course, here to support you every step of the way. And in contrast to many—if not most—other IVF clinics, we do it in highly individualized ways. IVF cycles at the CHR are—and this is not an exaggeration—very different from cycles at practically all other IVF clinics.
References
Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology. Preparing for IVF: Emotional Considerations. A Patient’s Guide to Assisted Reproductive Technology. Accessed July 18, 2025. https://www.sart.org/patients/a-patients-guide-to-assisted-reproductive-technology/general-information/preparing-for-ivf-emotional-considerations/
MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health. Fertility & Mental Health. Published 2025. Accessed July 18, 2025. https://womensmentalhealth.org/specialty-clinics/infertility-and-mental-health/
Yan Y, Ma Y, Xu L, et al. Impact of perceived social support on anxiety and depression in women undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer: the role of psychological resilience. J Assist Reprod Genet. 2025;42(1):231–242. doi:10.1007/s10815-024-03308-1
Nair L, Gibbert M. Association between emotional state changes in infertile couples and their coping strategies: A cross-sectional study. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol. 2020;41(3):225-232. doi:10.1055/a-0854-5987.
Pascoe MC, Thompson DR, Ski CF. Yoga, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and stress-related physiological measures: A meta-analysis. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2017;86:152-168. doi:10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.08.008
American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Nutrition and fertility. Fertil Steril. 2019;111(4):639-651.
Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Smoking and reproductive health: A committee opinion. Fertil Steril. 2020;113(1):76-87.
Luboshitzky R, Lavie P. Sleep patterns and fertility: A review of the literature. Fertil Steril. 2017;108(5):758-765.