Navigating Your IVF Cycle - From the beginning:

	My RFP doctor has recommended an IVF cycle. What do I do now?
	Do I have to do the steps in order?
	Do I need to check if my results have been received by the clinic?
	If I get offered treatment and can't accept - do I go to the bottom of the waitlist?
	What can I do while on the waitlist?

What happens when the nurse calls to offer an IVF cycle?

My RFP doctor has recommended an IVF cycle? What do I do now?

If your doctor has recommended an IVF cycle and you are interested in this treatment option. Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Register for the IVF evening information session. Call 403-284-5444 and speak with the receptionist. You and your partner must attend this session in order to learn about IVF and decide if IVF is right for you. You need this information in order to give informed consent for IVF treatment. Attending the evening session DOES NOT mean you are obligated to proceed with IVF. However if you do register for the session, please attend. You will be charged for missing the session if you did not cancel 48 hours ahead of time.

2. Register on the IVF waitlist. Call or come in person to the clinic and speak to the receptionist. There is a non-refundable fee of $250 for this waitlist. Once you have paid you are on the waitlist. The most important thing to do on the waitlist is for the female partner to call in to the period hotline every month with the first day of her period. This is the first day of full flow - not spotting. If the full flow period begins after 3 pm the following day will be counted as day one. The waitlist is based on periods so if you are not calling in, then we don't know that you are still waiting for treatment.

3. Complete your prescreening tests. Prescreening tests are meant to give you the best chance at achieving a pregnancy through IVF. They need to be current, therefore all tests must be less than a year old at the time of your IVF cycle. You will receive this list of tests either from your RFP doctor at an appointment or you will receive a letter in the mail with the requisitions after you register on the waitlist. If you live outside of the Calgary area you will receive a letter you can take to your local doctor to arrange the testing. There are basic prescreening tests for both female and male partners. These are the basic tests everyone needs. Additional tests may be ordered specifically for you as well.

Do I have to do the steps in order?

No, you can choose to do your prescreening before you attend the evening session for example. However keep in mind that our waitlist for IVF treatment is usually 3-6 months. Once you are sure you want to proceed with IVF you should register on the waitlist and for the evening session as soon as you can so you can move forward with your treatment

Do I need to check if my results have been received by the clinic?

Not usually. If you know that you have completed the tests within the last year then there is no need to check if they are on your chart. The RFP clinic can now access most test results in Alberta electronically on-line through Alberta Health. If you are from out of province it would be wise to check if all results are on your chart 2-3 weeks after you and your partner have completed them all.

If I get offered treatment and can't accept - do I go to the bottom of the waitlist?

No, you do not. You will likely be offered treatment the next month again. Keep in mind that if you delay treatment for a significant time your prescreening may need to be repeated.

What can I do while on the waitlist?

While on the waitlist you need to ensure that your prescreening tests are getting done and that you have attended the evening session. The female partner needs to call in her periods.

IVF treatment is expensive. You can expect to spend between $6000 and $8050 on treatment alone. This does not include drug costs. That can range from $2000 to $7500. Use the time on the waitlist to check with any benefit plan you have about drug coverage and to save up as necessary.

Start taking folic acid. At least 1 mg per day is recommended for women attempting to get pregnant. It is important to start this supplement at least 6 weeks prior to attempting pregnancy

Consider a multivitamin. Now is a good time to assess your daily diet. Increasing the number of healthy fruits and vegetables and whole grains in your diet and decreasing processed foods will help set you up to feel well and be well through your IVF treatment and hopefully your pregnancy. This is not the time for radical or fad diets. Extreme diet changes and sudden weight loss can create by-products that are toxic to growing embryos. If you have concerns about your diet consult a certified nutritionist and let them know you are attempting pregnancy

Talk with your family and friends about what you are going through. This often will help decrease anxiety. You don't have to tell everyone - choose people who will support you throughout this stressful time