Prerequisites and recommendations before IVF: diagnostics, therapy and cycle planning.

Preparation for IVF is an important first step on the path to pregnancy.

Medically assisted reproduction procedures can be demanding for a woman's body, which is why high-quality and timely preparation is extremely important.
Before starting IVF, targeted diagnostics, optimization of general and hormonal health and, if necessary, individually tailored therapy are recommended (such as hormonal regulation or selected supplements as advised by your physician).
We guide you step by step through the preparation for IVF, from cycle planning and organizing daily obligations to what you can expect week by week, so that you enter the procedure informed, calmer and with a greater sense of safety.

Page Overview

What is preparation for IVF?

Preparation for IVF covers all the steps before the start of ovarian stimulation and the procedure itself, from the first conversation, the analysis of findings and the planning of therapy to practical instructions for daily life during the procedure.

The aim is for IVF not to be a „surprise", but a clearly structured process in which you know what comes next and when, what your realistic chances are according to age and findings, and how we can reduce risks and increase the prospects of success.

Medical preparation

A review of medical history, therapies, previous pregnancies and procedures, comorbidities, and the planning of a safe stimulation protocol.

Laboratory & diagnostics

Targeted blood tests, hormones, a semen analysis and an ultrasound assessment of the ovarian reserve in order to choose the optimal protocol.

Lifestyle and education

Recommendations regarding diet, sleep, physical activity, food supplements and everyday habits before and during IVF.

When is preparation particularly important?

Every couple goes through basic preparation, but there are situations in which extra attention and planning significantly contribute to the success of IVF. In these cases we adjust the length of preparation, additional tests and any changes in lifestyle habits.

Older age or a low ovarian reserve

Low AMH, earlier follicular depletion.

Detailed planning of the protocol, optimisation of the timing of the start of stimulation and a clear agreement on the expectations from the cycle.

Previous unsuccessful IVF or a poor response

A smaller number of egg cells or the absence of fertilisation

An analysis of previous procedures, additional tests by indication and an adjustment of the type and dose of stimulation medication.

PCOS, endometriosis or other diagnoses

Special protocols and risk monitoring

Preparation includes an assessment of the risk of hyperstimulation, an individualised protocol and clear instructions for monitoring symptoms.

Key steps in preparing for IVF

The entire preparation process most often takes place over one or two cycles, with clearly defined visits and tests.

1
First consultation appointment

A conversation about the couple's wishes and expectations, previous findings and any earlier ART procedures. Agreement on an outline plan.

2
Gynaecological ultrasound and reserve assessment

Ultrasound examination, antral follicles, the condition of the uterus and endometrium, and an assessment of the ovarian reserve in combination with hormonal results.

3
Hormonal and general blood tests

Thyroid hormones, sex hormones, a full blood count and other analyses according to age and comorbidities so that we can plan a safe protocol.

4
Semen analysis and male factor assessment

An analysis of sperm count, motility and morphology, with additional tests according to findings. When needed, we involve an andrologist/urologist.

5
Risk assessment and final stimulation plan

On the basis of the findings we define the stimulation protocol, the type of procedure (IVF/ICSI) and approximate dates for the start of therapy and the puncture.

6
Practical instructions and the start of stimulation

Detailed instructions on the administration of injections, follow-up appointments, recommendations for daily life and the number of days of follicular monitoring.

Exact appointment dates and the type of tests are adjusted to your cycle, age, findings and any other illnesses.

Preparation summary

You also receive all the steps of the preparation in writing (by email or in a discharge letter) so that you can quietly return to the information and prepare questions for the next visit.

Average duration of preparation

Typically 2-6 weeks, depending on any additional tests required and on your cycle. When needed, we can also adapt the preparation to a shorter stay in Split.

Preparing the woman before IVF

Preparing the woman focuses on assessing the ovarian reserve, hormonal balance and general state of health, with clear recommendations for daily habits during preparation and stimulation.

What does it most often include?

  • Gynaecological examination, Pap test, microbiological swabs and ultrasound with an assessment of antral follicles
  • In women with repeated unsuccessful attempts, additional work-up is often required, including tests such as: hysteroscopy, endometrial biopsy, testing for genetic and acquired thrombophilia, etc. 

  • Hormonal analyses (AMH, FSH, LH, oestradiol, TSH, prolactin and others by indication)
  • Monitoring of blood pressure, body weight and comorbidities (e.g. thyroid, diabetes, hypertension)
  • A plan for therapy that needs to be continued, adjusted or temporarily paused in agreement with the responsible doctors

Recommendations for daily life

  • Regular and good-quality sleep (7-8 hours, as far as possible within your rhythm)
  • A balanced diet with an emphasis on fresh foods and adequate fluid intake
  • Moderate physical activity, avoiding excessive exertion and extreme diets
  • Stopping or reducing smoking and alcohol, as far as possible
  • In agreement with your doctor, food supplements (e.g. folic acid, vitamin D) according to individual needs

 You will receive specific recommendations after the examination, tailored to your findings, age and the planned stimulation protocol.

Preparing the man

The male factor accounts for a significant share of the causes of infertility, and good preparation and timely processing of the semen analysis help to choose the best approach (IVF or ICSI) and to reduce uncertainty on the day of the procedure.

The most important steps

  • Semen analysis with an assessment of sperm count, motility and morphology
  • When needed, additional tests (microbiology, hormones, genetic analyses) according to findings and age
  • Counselling on lifestyle, harmful habits and general health

Practical recommendations for the semen analysis

  • 2-5 days of sexual abstinence before giving the sample
  • Avoiding sauna, jacuzzi and prolonged exposure to heat in the weeks before the test
  • Reducing alcohol and smoking, as far as is realistically possible
  • Agreement on any food supplements or therapy on the doctor's advice

You will receive detailed instructions on how to provide the sperm sample when booking or at the first appointment.

Tests and laboratory work before IVF

We tailor the list of tests to age, diagnosis and previous findings, but it broadly covers hormonal analyses, general laboratory tests and tests related to ART procedures.

Hormones

  • AMH, FSH, LH, oestradiol
  • TSH and thyroid hormones
  • Prolactin and others by indication
General laboratory tests

  • Full blood count and biochemistry
  • Coagulation when needed
  • Glucose and other analyses related to comorbidities
Semen analysis and additional analyses

  • Semen analysis as the basic work-up
  • Microbiological tests according to findings
  • Additional analyses arranged with a urologist/andrologist

Practical recommendations before the start of stimulation

Once we define the protocol, you will receive detailed instructions on when and how to start therapy, which medicines to use and when to come for follow-up examinations.

  • The exact date for the start of stimulation and the time for taking the therapy
  • Instructions on self-administration of injections (with a demonstration at the surgery if needed)
  • A plan of visits for follicular monitoring and endometrial check-ups
  • Recommendations concerning work, travel and physical activity during stimulation
What does everyday life look like during stimulation?

Most patients continue their usual daily activities, with adjustments to physical exertion and better organisation of the journey to the polyclinic on follicular monitoring days. In the case of specific complaints, symptoms or travel, you can always contact us and receive clear instructions.

Why undertake IVF preparation at Cito Polyclinic?

At this stage in particular it is important that you understand every decision, that all the steps are clearly planned and tailored to you, with realistic expectations and open, continuous communication throughout the whole process.

IVF

Individualised IVF protocols

The stimulation protocol, the doses of medicines and the type of procedure (IVF/ICSI) are chosen according to your age, findings and previous experience, not according to a „one model fits all" approach.

UZV

Advanced diagnostics and ultrasound

A detailed assessment of the ovarian reserve and the uterus using modern ultrasound enables more precise planning of stimulation and a reduction of uncertainty during the cycle.

LAB

Embryology and laboratory in the same centre

We coordinate the preparation plan with the work of the embryology laboratory, so that the day of egg retrieval and fertilisation is ideally aligned with your cycle.

24/7

Continuous communication and support

For questions during preparation you can contact us by email or telephone; it is important to us that you feel safe and well informed at every step.

Price of IVF preparation 

The prices of all the services included in IVF preparation at Cito Polyclinic are defined transparently and in line with the methods used and the medical services included. 

At the first consultation we explain in detail all the items, what is included in the price and what is charged additionally - with no hidden costs.

You can get the first available consultation appointment by calling +385 21 457 800 or by sending a short message via the contact form

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