How to Best Prepare for IVF at PCRM
Beginning an IVF journey is both a scientific and deeply personal experience. At PCRM, our personalized, patient-centric approach ensures you're supported medically and emotionally every step of the way. This blog will provide information on what to expect during your IVF treatment, and ways you can best prepare.
Step 1: Initial Consultation & Testing
(Time from your appointment with your Family Doctor, Nurse Practitioner, or OBGYN until your first visit)
Connection & Planning
You will start with a physician referral to Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine to meet with a fertility specialist and discuss your situation.
Pre-visit Prep
After booking, you'll receive login info for PCRM’s Prelude Connect portal. Please complete intake forms and any lab requisitions before your appointment.
What Happens
Your first visit (in-person or phone) includes a review of your medical history and test results, with time for Q&A with your physician (typically 30 minutes).
Step 2: Medications & Ovarian Stimulation
(Weeks 2–4)
Prescription Process
Your fertility specialist will prescribe fertility meds—FSH, LH, GnRH agonists/antagonists—to stimulate multiple follicles.
Daily Administration
Injections typically last 8–14 days, administered at home via auto‑injector pens or syringes.
Close Monitoring
Expect frequent blood tests and transvaginal ultrasounds to track growth and hormone levels.
Step 3: Trigger & Egg Retrieval
(Weeks 4–5)
Trigger Shot Timing
When follicles reach ~17–20 mm, you'll have a final trigger injection (hCG or GnRH-agonist) roughly 36 hours before retrieval.
Egg Retrieval Procedure
This outpatient, ultrasound-guided aspiration takes about <30 minutes under IV sedation.
Post-Retrieval
You’ll rest briefly and then recover at home. Mild cramping and bloating, as well as spotting and light bleeding, are normal for 1–2 days.
Step 4: Fertilization & Embryo Development
(Days 1–7 Post-Retrieval)
Lab Magic
Eggs are fertilized via conventional IVF or ICSI. Embryos are grown to the blastocyst stage (day 5–6), assessed by our experienced embryologists, and, when appropriate, undergo PGT.
Quality Matters
PCRM uses advanced grading protocols to identify embryos most likely to implant successfully.
Step 5: Embryo Transfer & Luteal Support
(Weeks 5–6)
Transfer Options
Options include fresh or FET (frozen embryo transfer), with FET offering flexible timing and often better outcomes.
Procedure
A quick, catheter-based transfer takes 10–15 minutes—no anesthesia needed.
Hormonal Support
Progesterone (and sometimes estrogen) supports uterine receptivity post-transfer.
Step 6: The Two‑Week Wait & Pregnancy Testing
Waiting Window
This emotional phase lasts ~10–14 days post-transfer. We provide resources for mental wellbeing, should you want some extra support during this time.
Support Tips
- Keep routines gentle
- Avoid early home tests
- Lean on your support team
Beta-hCG Test
Your PCRM team will advise you when to go to lab to complete a blood test to confirm pregnancy.
IVF Timeline Overview
Total Duration: Approximately 4–6 weeks once you're cleared for treatment.
Top Tips to Prepare for IVF
- Get organized early: Complete your portal intake, collect past medical records, and set medication reminders.
- Embrace tracking: Log your daily medications, symptoms, and mood—apps like PCRM’s Prelude Connect can help.
- Mind your health: Eat whole foods, stay hydrated, and sleep well.
- Build a support system: Lean on loved ones—consider therapy or support groups available through PCRM.
- Clarify costs early: PCRM provides transparency on IVF and ICSI fees; ask about the BC funded IVF program if you're in B.C.
- Ask questions: Understand ICSI, embryo freezing, PGT, etc. Your PCRM team can flag decisions tailored to your needs.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for IVF at PCRM means more than undergoing a medical procedure—it’s a well-supported journey guided by expertise, respect, and innovation. From your first consult to that life-changing pregnancy test, our team is with you, every step of the way.
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About the PCRM Blog
Welcome to the Pacific Fertility Centre for Reproductive Medicine Blog! Nationally and internationally recognized for providing exceptional reproductive care, our team believes in empowering people with the knowledge they need to navigate their unique fertility journeys.
From information on the latest fertility treatments to valuable insights on egg donation, surrogacy, and everything in between, the Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine Blog is your ultimate resource for all things reproductive care and support. Read on to learn more, and contact us today if you have any questions or want to schedule a new patient appointment.