In vitro fertilisation (IVF), the fertilisation of an egg with sperm outside the body before transferring to a uterus, offers a powerful path to parenthood for many people. But there’s a key step before the first injection or appointment: preparation.
Preparing for IVF isn’t just about scheduling blood tests or following a medication plan. It’s about bracing for the emotional highs and lows, organising your life around a demanding schedule, and making mental, physical, and emotional space for what’s ahead.
Whether you're just beginning to explore IVF or gearing up for your first cycle, this guide will help you embark on your IVF journey with confidence. We’ll walk you through:
- Practical steps you can take to prepare
- How to take care of your mental health
- What to expect medically
- Expert-backed IVF tips to support you along the way
What is IVF?
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a medical procedure in which an egg is fertilised by sperm outside the body, then transferred to a uterus to help achieve pregnancy. IVF is one of the most widely used and effective forms of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Over 10 million babies worldwide have been born from IVF.
The process typically involves several steps: ovarian stimulation with IVF medications, egg retrieval, fertilisation in a laboratory, embryo development, and embryo transfer. In some cases, genetic testing may also be performed before transfer.
IVF can be a great option for a variety of situations, including but not limited to:
- Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
- Low sperm count or motility issues
- Ovulation disorders
- Unexplained infertility
- Age-related fertility decline
- Endometriosis
- Genetic concerns requiring embryo screening
- People using donor eggs, sperm, or gestational carriers
- LGBTQ+ people seeking to grow their families
Why preparation matters before IVF
Being intentional about how you prepare for IVF will help you improve the odds of pregnancy and protect your well-being through a process that can be physically and emotionally demanding.
While IVF is one of the most effective fertility treatments available, success rates vary widely based on age, diagnosis, and other health factors. According to the HFEA's Fertility Treatment 2023 report, the average IVF birth rate per fresh embryo transfer in the UK was 35% for those aged 18 to 34, dropping to around 5% for those aged 43 to 44 using their own eggs.These numbers don’t define your journey, but they do emphasise the importance of going into the IVF process with realistic expectations and a strong support system.
Preparation can help. Physically, a healthy lifestyle may improve egg and sperm quality, hormone balance, and your response to fertility treatment. Emotionally, being proactive about mental health through therapy, support groups, or mindfulness, can make a real difference in how you cope with uncertainty, delays, or setbacks.
In short: you can’t control every outcome, but you can prepare your mind, body, and life to face IVF with greater resilience.
Step-by-step guide: How to prepare for IVF
Preparing for IVF is about building a foundation that supports you through every stage of the process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help your fertility treatment preparation go as smoothly as possible.
1. Medical preparation
Before you begin treatment, your fertility clinic will want to assess your overall reproductive health and rule out any medical issues that could affect IVF outcomes. This usually includes:
- Scheduling a fertility assessment, including bloodwork, ultrasounds, and (if applicable) a semen analysis for your partner.
- Reviewing your medical history and medications with your GP or fertility consultant to ensure nothing interferes with treatment.
- Addressing underlying health concerns, such as thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, or PCOS, that could impact your cycle.
- Ensuring vaccinations are up-to-date, particularly the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine, which the NHS recommends checking before pregnancy. If you haven't had two doses or aren't sure, ask your GP surgery to check your vaccination history.
2. Lifestyle adjustments
Your everyday habits can directly influence your reproductive health. Making a few mindful changes now can help improve success rates.
- Focus on nutrition. Eat a balanced, fertility-friendly diet rich in whole grains, leafy greens, lean proteins, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats (like olive oil and avocado). Antioxidant-rich foods and reduced intake of processed sugar and trans fats may support egg and sperm health.
- Exercise regularly. Engage in moderate physical activity like walking, swimming, or yoga, to support a healthy weight and reduce stress. Avoid excessive or high-intensity workouts, which can sometimes interfere with ovulation.
- Avoid smoking, excessive alcohol, and recreational drugs. All of these things can negatively impact fertility and IVF outcomes.
- Manage caffeine intake. Caffeine is reliably associated with negative pregnancy outcomes, so it’s a good idea to reduce your dependency on it now.
3. Emotional and mental preparation
Understand that IVF can take an emotional toll, and that hormones absolutely impact your mood. Preparing mentally can help you navigate the ups and downs with less overwhelm.
- Acknowledge the emotional impact. It's okay to feel hopeful, scared, frustrated, and/or exhausted all at once, at any point.
- In the UK, Fertility Network UK runs free peer-led support groups across the country, and the British Infertility Counselling Association holds a directory of accredited fertility counsellors.
- Practice stress-reduction techniques. Even a few minutes a day of mindfulness activities like meditation, journaling, breathwork, or yoga can make a noticeable difference.
4. Financial and logistical planning
IVF is a significant investment, emotionally, physically, and financially. Planning ahead can help you avoid added stress once treatment starts.
- Understand IVF costs and funding routes. While IVF is funded by the NHS for those who meet certain criteria, eligibility varies significantly by integrated care board (ICB), often referred to as the "postcode lottery". NICE recommends three full cycles for eligible women under 40, but most ICBs fund fewer. If you don't qualify for NHS-funded treatment, private IVF in the UK typically costs between £4,000 and £6,000 per cycle, plus medication. Many people self-fund, use employer-sponsored fertility benefits, or combine the two. Check with your clinic about what's included, what isn't, and whether payment plans are available.
- Plan work and travel schedules around treatment dates. Some appointments are time-sensitive and may require flexibility.
- Arrange for support at home or work during key phases. This is especially important after egg retrieval and embryo transfer, when rest is often recommended.
5. Partner and family communication
The IVF process can impact your relationships, especially with those closest to you. Open, clear communication can help maintain connection and mutual support.
- Talk with your partner or a trusted friend about expectations, fears, and how you’ll support each other through each stage.
- Decide how much to share with friends, family, or colleagues. You may prefer to keep things private, or find strength in community.
- Set boundaries around what kind of support you need and what you don’t. It’s okay to protect your emotional space.
Common questions about preparing for IVF
What should I eat before IVF?
A fertility-friendly diet focuses on whole, nutrient-dense foods. Aim for plenty of vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats (like olive oil and avocado), and antioxidant-rich fruits. Limiting processed foods, added sugars, and trans fats can also support hormone balance and egg quality.
How long should I prepare before starting IVF?
Ideally, start preparing around three months before treatment. This allows time to make lifestyle changes that can support egg and sperm development, regulate cycles, and address any health concerns with your care team.
Can stress affect IVF outcomes?
Yes, chronic stress can disrupt hormone levels and interfere with reproductive function. While stress alone doesn’t cause infertility, managing it through techniques like mindfulness, therapy, or light exercise can improve emotional well-being and may support more favorable outcomes.
Should I take supplements or vitamins?
The NHS recommends taking a daily 400-microgram folic acid supplement from before you conceive until you're 12 weeks pregnant, alongside a daily 10-microgram vitamin D supplement. Some people are advised to take a higher 5mg dose of folic acid, for example, if you have a BMI above 30, diabetes, epilepsy, a family history of neural tube defects, or are taking certain medications.Depending on your individual health needs, you may want to consider additional supplements such as DHEA, vitamin D, CoQ10, or omega-3s. Always check with your GP or fertility consultant before adding new supplements to your routine, and know that eating a variety of nutrient-dense foods is the most important thing.
Is it safe to travel during IVF treatment?
It depends on where you are in your cycle. Travel may be fine early in the process, but once monitoring begins, you’ll need to stay close to your clinic. If you have travel plans, talk with your fertility team well in advance.
Expert tips for IVF preparation
While no two IVF journeys are exactly alike, certain habits and insights can help smooth the path. Fertility experts frequently highlight how thoughtful preparation can ease the IVF process and support both emotional and clinical outcomes.
“We know that many of the developmental factors that may impact a newborn's health are actually under our control. Smoking, alcohol and recreational drugs will impact babies' health in a negative way. A healthy diet, Folic acid, Vitamin D and moderate exercise are all potential game-changers in ensuring healthy babies. And don't forget it 'takes two to tango' as male health and lifestyle also impact fertility and pregnancy outcomes." - Dr Gill Lockwood, fertility specialist at Fertility Family
“What you eat may play a significant role in your fertility journey. Nutrition is crucial, but it’s important to remember that no single food can make an instant, considerable difference. Try to avoid creating more stress by cutting out large groups of foods you enjoy, like grains or caffeine. Instead, shift toward a whole foods diet incorporating plenty of plant-based choices.” - Rebecca Blake, MS, RD, CDN at Carrot Fertility
“While you can't do anything to 100% guarantee your IVF cycle will be successful, there is a lot you can do to optimise your health and give you the best chance of achieving your goal: a healthy pregnancy and baby. Here's what you CAN do:
- Prioritise your health prior to starting IVF treatment
- Manage your stress levels (think: yoga, meditation, therapy)
- Get enough sleep each night (8 hours is optimal)
- Take your prenatal vitamins
- Be proactive and ask your care team questions.” - Jocelyn Crespo, RN at Illume Fertility
Here are some additional expert-backed strategies that can support your success:
- Track your cycle before starting treatment. The ability to predict your menstrual cycle and confirm ovulation through fertility awareness methods is empowering. Even if your clinic will take over monitoring, understanding your body’s natural rhythms can help you identify irregularities worth discussing ahead of time.
- Prepare questions in advance for your care provider. Create a list before consultations, including questions about success rates based on your specific profile, treatment timelines, side effects, and support resources.
- Prioritise sleep. Quality sleep has been shown to support hormone regulation and improve reproductive outcomes. Aim for 7–9 hours per night, and avoid screen time before bed to improve sleep quality.
- Be proactive with mental health support. Studies consistently show that patients who engage in counseling or structured emotional support have lower anxiety and report better treatment experiences overall. Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed, start early.
- Understand the long game. On average, it takes 2–3 IVF cycles to achieve pregnancy. This is simply part of the process. Reduce the pressure on yourself and be mentally and financially prepared for more than one cycle.
IVF preparation checklist
Here’s a streamlined checklist you can reference or save for later:
Medical
- Schedule fertility assessment (bloodwork, ultrasound, etc.)
- Review medications and medical history with your GP or fertility consultant
- Address underlying health concerns (thyroid, PCOS, diabetes, etc.)
- Check vaccinations (MMR for rubella protection)
Lifestyle
- Adopt a fertility-friendly diet
- Limit caffeine and avoid alcohol, smoking, and recreational drugs
- Maintain moderate, consistent exercise
- Get 7–9 hours of quality sleep nightly
Mental & emotional
- Identify and reach out to a therapist or support group
- Try mindfulness or stress-reduction techniques
- Acknowledge and plan for emotional ups and downs
Logistics
- Check your NHS funding eligibility with your GP, and understand your financial plan for any private treatment
- Plan time off around treatment dates
- Arrange home or childcare support as needed
Communication
- Talk with your partner about roles, boundaries, and expectations
- Decide how much to share with others
- Set emotional boundaries and ask for the kind of support you need
Resources for Carrot members
Carrot offers access to vetted, inclusive providers specialising in IVF and fertility treatment. Members have unlimited access to chats with specialised Carrot Experts who can help them understand the IVF process and provide information on the various clinics, treatment options, family-forming options and available resources through the Carrot benefit.
If you're a Carrot member wanting to learn more about preparing for IVF and your fertility journey, sign in to your account to learn more about your options.
