Preparing for IVF: Questions to Ask Before Starting a Cycle

Starting IVF can feel like holding many pieces at once: scans, blood tests, injections, consent forms, costs, timing, and hopes that may already feel very tender. A clear question list will not remove every uncertainty, but it can help you walk into appointments feeling steadier.

This guide is for education only and does not replace advice from your fertility specialist. IVF plans are personal. Your diagnosis, age, medical history, ovarian reserve, sperm factors, previous treatment and clinic protocols all matter.

Why a question checklist helps before IVF

IVF is not one single procedure. It is a series of linked steps, usually including ovarian stimulation, monitoring, egg collection, fertilisation in the laboratory, embryo culture, embryo transfer, and a pregnancy test. Some cycles also involve freezing embryos, genetic testing, donor gametes, ICSI, or a freeze-all plan.

Many people remember new questions only after leaving the clinic. That is normal. Before your next visit, write down the points that matter to you and bring them along. If you have a partner, ask them to add their concerns too.

A good discussion helps you understand:

• Why IVF has been recommended

• What the proposed protocol involves

• What decisions may arise during the cycle

• What risks and costs to prepare for

• When to update the fertility team about other care, including acupuncture or Chinese medicine

  
  

Questions to ask about your diagnosis and treatment plan

Start with the “why”. Understanding the reason for IVF can make the rest of the plan easier to follow.

Ask your fertility team:

• What is our current diagnosis or working diagnosis?

  This may involve ovulation issues, tubal factors, sperm parameters, endometriosis, age-related factors, unexplained infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, or a combination.

  
  

• Why is IVF recommended now rather than another option?

  Ask how IVF compares with timed intercourse, ovulation induction, IUI, surgery, or further investigations in your situation.

  
  

• Are there any tests we should complete before starting?

  This may include blood tests, ultrasound assessment, semen analysis, infectious disease screening, thyroid or prolactin checks, uterine cavity assessment, or genetic carrier screening where relevant.

  
  

• What result would change the plan?

  For example, ask whether a cyst, hormone result, lining concern, or semen result might delay or alter the cycle.

  
  

• What are realistic expectations for our case?

  Ask your doctor to explain expected chances in a way that reflects your personal factors, not only general clinic figures.

  
  

Questions to ask about protocol, medicines and monitoring

IVF stimulation protocols can vary. Some are shorter, while others include medicine before stimulation starts. Your doctor will choose based on your medical history and how your ovaries are expected to respond.

Ask about the cycle structure:

• Which IVF protocol are you recommending, and why?

  Ask whether it is an antagonist, long agonist, mild stimulation, natural or modified natural cycle, or another approach.

  
  

• When do I start medicines?

  Clarify the expected start date, what to do if your period comes early or late, and who to contact after hours.

  
  

• What medicines will I take, and what is each one for?

  This may include stimulation injections, medicines to prevent early ovulation, trigger injections, progesterone support, oestrogen, antibiotics, or other prescriptions.

  
  

• How should medicines be stored and taken?

  Ask about refrigeration, injection timing, missed doses, travelling with medicines, and whether someone can demonstrate the injection technique.

  
  

• How often are scans and blood tests needed?

  Monitoring may become more frequent as egg collection approaches. If work or caregiving duties are a concern, ask about likely timings early.

  
  

• What signs should prompt a call to the clinic?

  Ask about severe bloating, significant pain, bleeding, fever, breathlessness, vomiting, fainting, or any symptoms the team wants to know about quickly.

  
  

• Who gives instructions after each scan?

  Confirm whether updates come from the doctor, nurse, embryologist, or clinic coordinator, and by what time of day.

  
  

Questions about consent, embryos and laboratory decisions

IVF involves decisions that may feel bigger than expected. Some are discussed before the cycle starts, while others may arise after egg collection or fertilisation results.

Ask before signing consent forms:

• Which procedures are included in this consent?

  Check whether consent covers egg collection, sperm preparation, ICSI, embryo culture, embryo transfer, freezing, thawing, embryo disposal, or storage renewal.

  
  

• Will ICSI be recommended?

  ICSI involves injecting a single sperm into an egg. Ask why it is suggested, whether it is planned for all eggs or only some, and what factors may change the decision.

  
  

• How many embryos are usually transferred in my situation?

  Ask how the clinic weighs pregnancy chance against the risk of multiple pregnancy. Multiple pregnancy can carry higher risks for the pregnant person and babies.

  
  

• What happens if there are extra suitable embryos?

  Ask about freezing, storage duration, annual storage fees, future use, and what choices are available if you decide not to use them later.

  
  

• Will preimplantation genetic testing be discussed?

  It is not needed or suitable for everyone. Ask what it can and cannot tell you, the cost, possible limitations, and whether it changes the transfer timeline.

  
  

• What updates will we receive from the lab?

  Ask when you will hear about egg numbers, fertilisation, embryo development, freezing, and transfer day decisions.

  
  

Questions about risks, costs and timing in Singapore

IVF care in Singapore can involve medical appointments, laboratory procedures, medicines, storage fees, and time away from work. Costs vary by clinic, treatment choices and whether additional procedures are needed.

Ask about risks:

• What side effects are common with stimulation medicines?

  Ask what is expected, what is not, and which symptoms need urgent attention.

  
  

• What is my risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome?

  The risk is higher for some patients, such as those with a high ovarian reserve or polycystic ovary syndrome. Ask how the team reduces risk and whether a freeze-all cycle might be advised.

  
  

• What are the risks of egg collection and embryo transfer?

  Ask about pain control, sedation, bleeding, infection, injury to nearby structures, recovery time, and when to return to normal activities.

  
  

• What happens if the cycle is cancelled?

  Ask what situations may lead to cancellation before egg collection or transfer, and what the financial implications are.

  
  

Ask about costs and practical planning:

• Can I have an itemised estimate?

  Include consultations, scans, blood tests, medicines, procedure fees, laboratory fees, freezing, storage, pregnancy blood tests, and add-ons.

  
  

• Which costs are fixed, and which may change?

  Medicine costs may vary depending on response. Extra laboratory procedures may also affect the total.

  
  

• Are there payment deadlines or refund rules?

  Ask when payment is due and what happens if the cycle changes.

  
  

• How many days might I need to be flexible?

  Egg collection timing depends on follicle growth. Transfer timing depends on embryo development and whether a fresh or frozen transfer is planned.

  
  

• What should I tell my workplace?

  You do not need to share personal medical details unless you choose to. Ask the clinic what appointment frequency is likely so you can plan leave or flexible hours.

  
  

Questions about lifestyle and TCM care

Lifestyle questions often come with pressure, but IVF preparation does not need to become a strict project. Aim for safe, realistic habits and ask your medical team before making big changes.

Helpful questions include:

• Are there any activities I should pause during stimulation?

  Ask about high-intensity exercise, heavy lifting, swimming after procedures, intercourse, alcohol, smoking, vaping, and travel.

  
  

• What should I know about diet and supplements?

  Ask which supplements are appropriate, what dose to take, and whether any should be avoided. Tell the team about all vitamins, herbs, powders, and over-the-counter products.

  
  

• How should we handle illness during the cycle?

  Ask what to do if you develop fever, COVID-19 symptoms, stomach flu, urinary symptoms, or need other medicines.

  
  

• When should I tell the fertility team about acupuncture or Chinese medicine?

  Tell them before starting the cycle, and update them if anything changes. This includes acupuncture appointments, Chinese herbal medicine, supplements, or any other complementary care.

  
  

Your TCM physician assesses and manages your TCM treatment plan. Your fertility specialist manages the IVF protocol, medicines and procedures. Share your treatment details with both so that plans are coordinated, and discuss any prescribed medication changes with the prescriber.

At Olive3, your TCM consultation includes time to discuss sleep, tension, digestion, menstrual history and your IVF timetable. Traditional principles such as calming Shen (settling the mind) and regulating Qi and Blood (traditional concepts of functional activity and nourishment) guide treatment selection according to the assessed pattern. Physician Koh explains suitable options and plans review points with you. Individual responses vary.

Short FAQ

Should I ask all these questions in one appointment?

You can, but it may be easier to group them. Ask the most urgent medical and timing questions first. Save cost, consent and lifestyle questions for the nurse, counsellor, embryologist, or finance team if your clinic has separate support staff.

Can IVF plans change after stimulation starts?

Yes. Follicle growth, hormone levels, sperm sample results, lining thickness, symptoms, or safety concerns can change the plan. Ask your clinic who will explain changes and how quickly you need to decide.

Is acupuncture safe during IVF?

Acupuncture suitability should be assessed by a registered practitioner. Share treatment dates, medicines, symptoms and pregnancy status with your TCM physician and fertility specialist. Discuss procedure-related precautions, and seek prompt advice for new or severe symptoms.

Should I take Chinese herbs during IVF?

Discuss herbs with your TCM physician and fertility specialist before starting them during IVF. Review the ingredients, medicines, hormones and supplements together for interactions and pregnancy safety.

Your practical next step before starting

Before your next fertility appointment, make a one-page note with three parts:

1. Your current understanding

   
   

   Write your diagnosis, planned protocol, expected start date, and any known concerns.

   
   

2. Your top questions

   
   

   Choose five to eight questions from this guide that feel most relevant now.

   
   

3. Your full care list

   
   

   Include prescribed medicines, supplements, acupuncture, Chinese medicine, allergies, medical conditions, and any recent illness.

   
   

Bring the note to your appointment and ask who to contact if new questions come up. IVF often moves quickly once a cycle starts, so a clear contact route can reduce confusion.

Related care: TCM fertility, IVF and IUI support in Singapore

Reviewed and approved by Physician Koh Soo Hoon, September 2026.

Sources

• NHS IVF overview: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ivf/

• ASRM patient IVF guide: https://www.reproductivefacts.org/news-and-publications/fact-sheets-and-infographics/in-vitro-fertilization-ivf-a-guide-for-patients/

  
  
• 
  

TCM terminology reference: WHO international standard terminologies on traditional Chinese medicine. Reference for the traditional TCM terms used in this article.

• 
  
• 
  

• 
  
•