Before Treatment Begins

Before starting treatment, couples should try to do the following:

• Make sure that financial and insurance information is in order.
• Check with your healthcare provider for information about which pharmacies stock the medications you require,or if the medications can be purchased at the clinic.
• Build relationships with health care providers (for example, try to speak to the same nurse as often as possible).
• Arrange for flexible work hours.
• Determine the busiest time of day at the fertility centre and ask to schedule appointments or phone calls at another time.
• Establish a support system.
• Talk to others who have gone through similar treatments.
• Identify stress-relieving techniques that work (for example, walking, relaxation techniques, joining a support group, or seeing an infertility counsellor).
• Recruit a back-up person to administer injections.

When Treatment Begins

When treatment begins, patients should try to do the following:

• Use the stress-relieving techniques you have previously identified.
• Eat healthy, nutritious meals (discuss special dietary concerns with a nurse or doctor).
• Keep your partner involved throughout the treatment by having him/her mix medications, give injections, and/or go to appointments.
• Curb smoking and alcohol consumption (better yet, stop altogether).
• Women should take a folic acid supplement and prenatal vitamins.