IVF information · 8 / 9
Recommendations during treatment
IVF can be demanding. The suggestions below are general and are intended to help patients feel more prepared.
Being informed
- Learn the steps of the treatment and write down your questions before appointments.1
- Follow the treatment plan and use medications exactly as explained. Contact the clinic if you are unsure about a dose.
- Keep the important contact details of the clinic at hand.
- You may have to wait at appointments; bringing something to read can help.
Daily life
- Try to eat regularly and drink enough water.
- Sleep enough, rest during the day and reduce work load when possible.
- Stopping smoking is recommended, as smoking can affect egg and sperm quality.2
Emotional well-being
- Share your feelings with family, friends or your physician.
- Relaxation methods such as breathing exercises, walks or hobbies may help with stress.3
- If stress is hard to manage, support from a psychologist or psychiatrist may be considered.3
- Having someone with you after appointments can be helpful.
References
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Fertility problems: assessment and treatment. NICE guideline NG257. 2026.
- Waylen AL, Metwally M, Jones GL, Wilkinson AJ, Ledger WL. Effects of cigarette smoking upon clinical outcomes of assisted reproduction: a meta-analysis. Human Reproduction Update. 2009;15(1):31–44.
- Gameiro S, et al. ESHRE guideline: routine psychosocial care in infertility and medically assisted reproduction – a guide for fertility staff. Human Reproduction. 2015;30(11):2476–2485.
Related topics
- What is infertility and in vitro fertilization?
- Pre-assessment before IVF
- When is IVF considered?
- Starting the treatment
- Ovarian stimulation and monitoring
- Steps in IVF treatment
- Practices before and during IVF
- Preimplantation genetic testing
- The two-week wait after embryo transfer
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
- Frozen embryo transfer
This page gives general information only. It does not replace an examination, and the treatment plan is decided by the physician for each person individually.