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If you’re going through in vitro fertilization (IVF), you’re likely feeling a host of emotions. IVF is no small thing to put your body through, and much of the process can be completely uncharted territory for you and your partner.
In addition to talking to your doctor, friends, and family members, there’s a wide range of books and resources out there that can help put your mind at ease and make the process seem less daunting.
Before settling on a book or seeking out another form of support, think about what you’re looking for.
Is the IVF medical jargon overwhelming and you’d like to see it broken down in an easy-to-understand way? Are you wanting to have your emotions validated?
Or perhaps do you just want to read something you can relate to by someone who’s actually gone through what you’re dealing with?
You might find that talking to your doctor or even a friend can help you narrow it down.
We chose these books primarily based on reader reviews, while also keeping diverse family structures in mind. We also tried to find different offerings, from breaking down the medical jargon to relatable stories to help readers feel less alone.
The Underwear in My Shoe: My Journey Through IVF, Unfiltered
In this book, author Brett Russo shares a relatable account of her complicated and discouraging journey through multiple rounds of IVF, realizing that the path to parenthood wouldn’t be as simple as she thought.
“This book provides an honest look at the emotional journey of infertility and IVF, offering readers support for their own,” says Jamie Webber, Healthline Parenthood editorial director. “It’s a must-read for anyone experiencing infertility and it’s a book I wish I had when I was going through it myself.”
It Starts with the Egg: How the Science of Egg Quality Can Help You Get Pregnant Naturally, Prevent Miscarriage, and Improve Your Odds in IVF
For those looking for straight scientific facts to help them understand their individual experience with infertility, this book offers comprehensive, health-focused advice.
Many reviewers praised the digestible information provided in the book, which can often be a lot to absorb and digest in a short doctor appointment.
IVF, a Detailed Guide: Everything I Wish I Had Known Before Starting My Fertility Treatments
Written by a woman who has experienced infertility and IVF, this book is a good resource for people who want to know what to expect during an IVF cycle before getting started.
In addition to giving the lowdown on standard and frozen IVF cycles, this read also gives helpful advice whether you’re a single person on an IVF journey or navigating it with a partner. Reviewers praised this book for offering the voice of a fertility coach and girlfriend at the same time.
Making Babies: Personal IVF Stories
“Making Babies” shares accounts from 14 individuals who have undergone IVF, offering a diverse range of stories from single mothers as well as long-term heterosexual and gay couples. Reviewers praised the readable short-story format that the book provides, which focuses more on the emotional aspect of IVF rather than just the medical and scientific.
Hilariously Infertile: One Woman's Inappropriate Quest to Help Women Laugh Through Infertility
If you or a friend tend to prefer humorous reads, this book will serve to make you laugh and take a bit of the edge off the arduous process of IVF. “Hilariously Infertile” follows author Karen Jeffries’ journey through infertility and getting pregnant via IVF to have her two children.
Although some reviewers lamented the fact that parts of the book focus on Jeffries’ personal life unrelated to her infertility journey, many praised the book’s humor and relatability.
Not Pregnant: A Companion for the Emotional Journey of Infertility
While they certainly increase your chances, fertility treatments don’t necessarily guarantee pregnancy. Thought this book, co-author Cathie Quillet (who experienced four miscarriages and years of infertility) joins OB-GYN Dr. Shannon Sutherland to offer a space for women experiencing infertility and the emotions that come with it.
“Not Pregnant” offers authentic stories from people readers can relate to, as well as insight as to how infertility can affect a marriage. Several reader reviews commented that the content helped them feel less alone in their feelings and experiences.