Once the decision has been made to begin assisted reproduction treatment, it is important to prepare the body and mind to face it in the best possible way. This is a process that will involve hormonal and emotional changes, so it is important to be prepared on a physical and psychological level.
Physically
The recommendation is that you try to follow a healthy diet, always making sure you are at the right weight. Rest is also important, so you should watch out for substances that disrupt your rest, such as alcohol or caffeine. You can do the physical exercise you are used to, adapted to your abilities, but it is better to avoid contact activities and excessive physical demand.
On the emotional level
Patience management plays a very important role. These treatments usually take a long time, so you have to learn to wait and not get overwhelmed if the results do not come immediately. Reproductive medicine requires time.
If you have a partner, their support is essential; after all, it is a shared project. If, for example, you are going to be two mothers, the ROPA method is an ideal treatment because it will allow both of you to be an active part of the process. And if you do not have a partner, it is advisable to find support from someone you trust, who you can tell freely and at any time how the process is going and how you feel.
From a medical point of view
There are some things you should know when you start treatment. Below we will tell you some of them so that you can approach them with knowledge and achieve the best results.
Medication for oocyte puncture:
In most treatments (IVF-ICSI, ROPA method or fertility preservation) medication plays a very important role. During stimulation to achieve a good ovarian response, hormones are often used. This medication sometimes causes mild and transient side effects, such as abdominal swelling, fatigue, headache or fluid retention.
Oocyte puncture:
This is the procedure to extract the eggs. The intervention is carried out under sedation and on an empty stomach. A drug is administered through an intravenous injection that will make you sleepy for a short period of time. The procedure lasts between 10 and 20 minutes. Afterwards, the doctor will inform you about how the extraction went and the number of mature oocytes obtained.
You will rest for two or three hours at the clinic, and when you get home you should also rest. You will be able to eat and drink normally.
Embryo transfer:
This is the last step in IVF-ICSI treatment, egg donation or ROPA method. It consists of implanting the embryo that has reached the blastocyst stage in the laboratory into the uterus of the pregnant woman. A cannula is used to pass through the cervix. The patient must arrive with a full bladder, as this allows for better ultrasound visualization. After the procedure, relative rest is recommended for the day.