25/05/2026
Before you book that IVF appointment — read this first.
This is not a sponsor post, I just want to educate us about IVF before anyone of us embark on this journey.
Long post Alart: but please read it to the end.
IVF is one of the most beautiful and most challenging journeys a woman can take. I want to make sure you go in informed, prepared and supported.
Here is everything nobody tells you before you start👇🏾
WHAT IS IVF — IN SIMPLE TERMS
IVF stands for In Vitro Fertilisation.
In simple terms — your eggs are collected from your body, fertilised with s***m in a laboratory, and the resulting embryo is placed back into your womb to hopefully implant and grow into your baby.
It sounds simple. The journey is anything but. And that's okay — because knowing what's ahead helps you prepare.
📋 WHO NEEDS IVF?
You may be recommended for IVF if you have:
🔴Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
🔴Endometriosis
🔴Low ovarian reserve (fewer eggs than expected for your age)
🔴Male factor infertility (low s***m count or motility)
🔴Unexplained infertility after 2+ years of trying
🔴PCOS that hasn't responded to other treatments
🔴Repeated IUI failures
🔴Age-related fertility decline (especially over 38)
🩺 THE IVF PROCESS — STEP BY STEP
✅Step 1 — Consultation & Testing
Both you and your partner will undergo full fertility testing. Blood work, ultrasounds, semen analysis. This gives the doctor your full picture.
✅Step 2 — Ovarian Stimulation (10–14 days)
You'll self-inject hormone medications daily to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs. You'll have regular monitoring scans during this period.
✅Step 3 — Egg Trigger Shot
When your eggs are mature, you'll receive a trigger injection to prepare them for collection — usually given at a very specific time, often midnight.
✅Step 4 — Egg Retrieval
A minor surgical procedure under sedation. Your doctor uses a thin needle to collect the eggs from your ovaries. You'll rest for a few hours and go home same day.
✅Step 5 — Fertilisation
Your eggs meet the s***m in the laboratory. You'll receive a fertilisation report the next day telling you how many fertilised successfully.
✅Step 6 — Embryo Development (3–5 days)
The embryos are monitored as they grow. The strongest ones are selected for transfer.
✅Step 7 — Embryo Transfer
A simple procedure — the embryo is placed into your womb using a thin catheter. No anaesthesia needed. You'll rest briefly and go home.
✅Step 8 — The Two Week Wait (TWW) 😔
The hardest part. You wait 10–14 days before taking a pregnancy test to see if implantation was successful.
THE FINANCIAL REALITY — NIGERIA
Let's talk money honestly because IVF is a significant financial commitment.
Cost Item
Estimated Cost (Nigeria)
📌Initial consultation & tests
₦50,000 – ₦150,000
📌Medications/injections
₦300,000 – ₦600,000
📌Egg retrieval procedure
₦400,000 – ₦700,000
📌Laboratory & embryo culture
₦300,000 – ₦500,000
📌Embryo transfer
₦200,000 – ₦400,000
📌Full IVF cycle total
₦1.2M – ₦2.5M per cycle
Important things to know financially:
IVF is not always successful on the first cycle. Many women need 2–3 cycles
Budget for at least 2 cycles if possible ( #2.4M-- # 5M)
before you start
Ask about frozen embryo storage costs — if you have extra embryos they can be stored for future use
Some clinics offer payment plans — always ask.
There is currently no government subsidy for IVF in Nigeria so the full cost falls on you
Start a dedicated IVF savings account at least 6–12 months before you plan to start
💔 THE EMOTIONAL REALITY
This is what people don't prepare you for enough.
You will feel hope and fear at the same time — every single day.
The injections are daily. The waiting is constant. The uncertainty is relentless. And if a cycle doesn't work — the grief is real and it is valid.
What to emotionally prepare for:
Hormone injections affect your mood — you may cry, feel anxious or irritable. This is normal and temporary
The fertilisation report can be devastating — not all eggs fertilise, not all embryos survive to transfer
A failed cycle feels like a loss — allow yourself to grieve it fully
Your relationship may be strained — the pressure of IVF affects couples deeply. Communicate openly with your partner
Social media can be painful — pregnancy announcements during your TWW can feel like a knife. Protect your peace
Faith will be tested — and that's okay. God is still in this story
What helps emotionally:
A trusted friend or sister who knows your journey
A prayer community like ours 🙏🏾
A journal to process your feelings daily
Limiting social media during the TWW
Celebrating small wins — every egg retrieved is a miracle.
💪🏾 THE PHYSICAL REALITY
Your body will go through a lot. Prepare it with love.
What your body will experience:
Daily self-injections — usually in the stomach or thigh
Bloating and abdominal discomfort during stimulation
Mood swings from hormone medications
Fatigue — especially after egg retrieval
Mild cramping after embryo transfer
Possible Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) — bloating, nausea, discomfort. Usually mild but tell your doctor immediately if symptoms are severe
How to support your body:
Eat anti-inflammatory foods — leafy greens, berries, nuts, fish
Stay hydrated — especially during stimulation phase
Avoid alcohol and caffeine completely
Light walking is fine — avoid intense exercise during stimulation and after transfer
Sleep 7–8 hours every night
Take your prescribed supplements — folic acid, CoQ10, Vitamin D
🧠 THE MENTAL REALITY
IVF is a mental marathon not a sprint.
Mental challenges to expect:
Obsessive Googling — every symptom, every statistic. Try to limit this
Comparison — hearing someone else's success story when yours didn't work is deeply hard
Identity crisis — some women begin to feel their worth is tied to their fertility results. It is NOT
Decision fatigue — fresh transfer vs frozen, how many embryos to transfer, when to stop. These decisions are heavy
The question of "how many cycles" — decide your limit before you start so you're not making emotional decisions mid-journey
What helps mentally:
Set an intention before each cycle — "Whatever the outcome, I will be okay"
Talk to a counsellor if available — many IVF clinics in Lagos now offer this
Stay connected to your purpose and your faith
Remember — IVF failure is not personal failure.
🤝🏾 PRACTICAL TIPS BEFORE YOU START
✅ Get two opinions from two different fertility specialists before committing
✅ Ask your clinic their success rate per age group — not just overall success rate
✅ Ask specifically about their lab quality — the embryology lab is everything
✅ Understand your protocol before you start — don't be afraid to ask questions
✅ Have your support system in place before day one
✅ Take at least 3 months to prepare your body before starting
📌 Get your partner's semen analysis done first — no point starting without this
✅ Join a support community of women on the same journey — you need people who understand
🏥 TOP IVF CLINICS IN NIGERIA TO CONSIDER
These are some of the most reputable fertility centres in Nigeria 👇🏾
🥇 1. NORDICA FERTILITY CENTRE
📍 Lagos (Lekki & Lagos Island) | Abuja
🌐 nordicafertility.com
📱 Nordica Fertility Centre
One of Nigeria's most established fertility centres. Known for high success rates, experienced embryologists and transparent patient communication. They have handled thousands of IVF cycles across Nigeria.
Why they stand out: Strong laboratory infrastructure, experienced team, multiple locations
🥈 2. LAGOON HOSPITALS FERTILITY CENTRE
📍 Lagos (Apapa, Victoria Island, Ikeja)
🌐 lagoonhospitals.com
📱 Lagoon Hospitals
Part of the well-respected Lagoon Hospitals group. Offers comprehensive fertility services with experienced consultants and strong aftercare support.
Why they stand out: Trusted hospital brand, strong all-round medical support
🥉 3. BRIDGE CLINIC
📍 Lagos (Victoria Island)
🌐 thebridgeclinic.com
📱 Bridge Clinic
One of Nigeria's pioneering IVF clinics. Has been operating for over 20 years and has one of the strongest track records in the country.
Why they stand out: Experience, longevity, strong embryology team
4. MEDICAID RADIO-DIAGNOSTICS & FERTILITY CENTRE
📍 Lagos (Surulere)
📱
More affordable option without compromising quality. A good choice for women who need a trusted clinic at a slightly lower price point.
5. NISA PREMIER HOSPITAL FERTILITY UNIT
📍 Abuja
🌐 nisahospital.com
📱
Best option for women based in Abuja and Northern Nigeria. Comprehensive fertility unit within a full-service hospital.
Why they stand out: Best Abuja option, full hospital support system on site
💛 CLOSING WORDS FOR EVERY WOMAN READING THIS
IVF is not giving up on God.
IVF is not lack of faith.
IVF is using the wisdom and medicine God placed in the hands of doctors — while trusting Him with the outcome.
Sarah waited. Hannah prayed. Elizabeth believed.
And YOU — you are still in your story. The last chapter hasn't been written yet. 🌸
If you're on this journey and need someone to pray with you and walk with you — we have a private prayer and support community for serious TTC women. The link to join is in my bio. 💛
IVF is not just a medical procedure — it's an entire journey of the body, mind, soul and finances 💛 Before you start, make sure you're truly prepared. Save this post and share it with every woman who needs it. And if you need a community to walk this road with — we're here. Send me a DM 🙏🏾
