Many people think that the embryo transfer is the most stressful part of in vitro fertilization (IVF). But for me, and most of the other women I?ve spoken to, it?s egg retrieval that?s most difficult. Here?s what it?s really like.
Pre-retrieval: Drugs, shots and monitoring

Having your eggs retrieved generally starts with two processes: down-regulation and stimulation. (I say ?generally? because some women are never down-regulated.) Let me explain: On a monthly basis, a woman?s body produces certain hormones?more specifically, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)?that trigger the development and subsequent release of one mature egg. Down-regulation suppresses this response so that the development and release of multiple eggs can be controlled. This process (medication, timing) differs for each woman, depending on why she is seeking fertility assistance. No two treatment plans are alike. But no matter what the treatment plan, all women who undergo IVF need daily blood work and ultrasound monitoring so that their doctors can determine how their eggs are developing and when they should be harvested.

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5 things you should know before starting IVF
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