IVF Organization Tips

If you are currently going through the in vitro fertilization journey, then you’ve probably realized that you could use all the IVF organization tips you can get. This process can be anything but smooth, but the following tips will help it be less stressful and overwhelming.

IVF 101

If you’ve landed on this post, chances are you’re currently going through an IVF journey or are about to start. However, just in case the entire process is completely new to you, here’s a rundown of what IVF is and the steps involved.

What is IVF?

As I mentioned in this post, IVF is a medical procedure where an egg is fertilized by sperm in a test tube or somewhere else outside the body. It is a complex series of procedures used to help with fertility and assist with the conception of a child.

What steps are involved in the IVF process?

The process starts with fertility testing for both partners. Doctors are then able to take your results and formulate the best plan of action for your particular situation. Depending on your health history and fertility results, your ovaries will be stimulated with some type of hormonal therapy. There is also bloodwork involved.

If the ovaries and follicles are responding well, an egg retrieval date will be scheduled and performed. In the meantime, a sperm sample will also be collected and tested. Eggs will be fertilized with healthy sperm, and once they’ve reached a certain specific maturity (depends on your clinic), a transfer date will be scheduled.

A healthy embryo (or more) will be implanted into the uterus under ultrasound and then within a few weeks, a pregnancy blood test will be performed. Although there are more intricate steps involved, this is the general process.

Best IVF Organization Tips

Be realistic about your schedule.

This process has many factors from your IVF cycle to taking medications and going to lots of appointments. Not to mention, you’ll also need to account for your health and wellness as sometimes you may feel more exhausted or not up to par.

The best rule of thumb to to lighten your load as much as possible. Look at your schedule and see if there are things you can take a break from doing or even schedule for later. Trust me when I say that you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time for rest, recovery, and rejuvenation.

At the same time, block off appointment days, days for resting, medicines to take each day, and so on. Keep your schedule as organized as possible by choosing similar days and times for your appointments, taking medications, and so on.

Create a fertility folder or binder.

This will be your place to keep all things fertility related. You’ll most likely receive all (or more) of the following:

• medication protocol papers
• special instructions
• educational pamphlets and handouts
• medical inserts
• appointment schedules
• receipts

Keep all of these things together in your folder or binder. Consider using pocket folders and tabs to keep all of these separated and easy to locate.

Pro Tip : Get Your IVF Planner to keep track of everything, stay organized, never miss a medication dose, appointment or forget a question you wanted to ask your providers and so much more! 12 page planner to help you feel prepared for your IVF Journey!

Keep your medication organized.

You’ll most likely have way more medications that you’ll be able to keep up with, especially if you don’t have a system in place. Depending on your pharmacy, you may receive all of your medications upfront, which can be a good thing, yet overwhelming at the same time.

To help keep your medications organized, consider investing in the following:

• Wooden Box
• Mason jars (for syringes)
• Pill Box
• Plastic Storage Box (says food box but works perfectly)

These few supplies will help keep all your medications in one place and organized.

Have a set planning day.

Most people choose Sundays as their go-to planning days to prepare for the week, and this would certainly benefit you during IVF. Look at your appointments ahead, prepare all medications, and don’t forget to factor in self care.

If you’re keeping an additional IVF planner, be sure it has templates to help you keep up with what medications you took and when. IVF trackers also come in handy with keeping everything organized.

Final Thoughts

Your IVF journey will be just as unique as you are. Use the tips and suggestions above to keep yourself organized and worry-free. If you have a system that works for you, please share it in the comments below. You never know who else you may help!