IVF - What to expect and How to choose the right Doctor

 What is IVF?

In simple words, IVF (in vitro fertilization) is a treatment process where fertilization occurs outside of the body. During the IVF procedure, the ovaries are stimulated to produce more eggs which are collected (retrieved) and fertilized by a sperm in the lab. Then the fertilized eggs (embryos) are transferred to the uterus.

Infertility symptoms and causes

Fresh or frozen embryo transfer?

The embryo transfer could be fresh or frozen. Fresh embryo transfer is a procedure where the embryos are transferred to the uterus three to five days after collection.

While the frozen embryos could be transferred into the uterus during the next cycle, the next year or even after a few years, once you freeze your embryos, you can have a transfer whenever you are physically or mentally ready for that.

You may ask your clinic about fresh and frozen embryo transfer success rates. For more information and advice on which transfer would suit your needs, you must discuss it with your fertility doctor.

How do I choose my clinic and fertility specialist?

Due to the long waiting list for fertility treatment in the UK, I decided to go for IFV treatment in my native country (Bulgaria).

Choosing a trusted specialist could be a challenging process. My first choice was based on recommendations from people with fertility problems that I know. It was wrong; I did not feel this doctor was someone that I could put trust in.

My second and last choice was based on comments in a social group. You can learn and share much in these groups; they support, encourage, and motivate the participants.

What is important when you choose a fertility doctor?

When you’re researching fertility treatment services, do not forget to look at the success rates of the clinic, the terms, and prices they offer, and your chosen doctor’s experience and attitude toward patients. It is essential to be able to trust your doctor’s advice and recommendations, during your fertility treatment.

I have to spend around six months in Bulgaria for the treatment; it costs me four hours to travel from my house to the clinic almost every second day. I have invested much money, and all my passion for this journey called IVF. My doctor has never promised us that we will have success, but I put full trust in him. And ‘YES’, thank God we did it on the first try.

Although the IVF treatment may take a very long time, it can be a very stressful and sometimes disappointing experience. And if you have to go through it, stay positive, hope for the best and always be prepared for the worst.

GOOD LUCK, EVERYONE 🙏