How Technology Kept Me Organized During My IVF Journey

As someone who has navigated the challenging path of infertility treatments, I understand firsthand the emotional rollercoaster and logistical challenges that come with the territory. However, integrating technology into my journey eased some of the stress and uncertainty I faced.

When I first embarked on the IVF process, I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information, appointments, and tasks that needed to be managed. It was all too easy for important emails to get lost in my inbox, medication schedules to become muddled, and questions to slip my mind during appointments.

Enter technology. By implementing tools like labeled email folders, the Keeps app, and Google Docs templates into my routine, I gained a stronger sense of control and organization.

In this article, I’ll explore how these tools can streamline communication, task management, and information gathering during fertility treatments.

1. Gmail Label Folders for IVF:

One way to keep track of important emails and documents related to in vitro fertilization (IVF) is by utilizing Gmail label folders. I believe other email platforms have this feature as well (I promise I’m not a secret gmail influencer). I first used this tool when I was trying to look for a specific email from my nurse, who was also named Jessica. So you can imagine how unhelpful it was to search my entire inbox for any email that had my name in it. By creating a dedicated IVF folder and labeling relevant emails, such as appointment confirmations, test results, and communication with healthcare providers, you can easily access essential information when needed. This ensures that nothing gets lost in the depths of an overflowing inbox and that all pertinent details are readily available.

Here’s how to use Gmail Label Folders

Step 1: Create a Label:

• Log in to your Gmail account and navigate to the left-hand sidebar.

• Scroll down until you find the "More" option, then click on it.

• Select "Create new label" from the dropdown menu.

• Name your label folder (e.g., "IVF") and click "Create."

Step 2: Apply the Label:

• Open the email you want to categorize under the IVF label.

• Click on the "Label" icon (it looks like a tag) at the top of the email.

• Choose the IVF label from the list or search for it if necessary.

• Click "Apply" to assign the label to the email.

Step 3: Accessing the Label Folder:

• To view emails labeled under IVF, simply click on the label folder in the left-hand sidebar.

• Gmail will display all emails categorized under that label, making it easy to access relevant information whenever needed.

2. Keeps App for Organizing To-Do Lists:

Managing the many tasks associated with infertility treatments can feel like a full-time job. The Keeps app offers a solution by providing a platform for creating and organizing to-do lists. Whether it's scheduling appointments, tracking medication schedules, or researching treatment options, Keeps enables users to stay on top of their tasks and collaborate with their partners in real-time. Shared lists ensure that multiple individuals are aware of upcoming responsibilities, fostering a sense of teamwork and support throughout the process. Sharing lists with my partner gave us a sense of collaboration and support, as we navigated the journey together, each knowing our responsibilities and next steps.

Here's how to use Keeps and share lists with a partner:

Step 1: Download and Install Keeps:

• Visit the app store on your smartphone (available for both iOS and Android devices).

• Search for "Keeps: Write To-Do Lists, Notes & Reminders."

• Download and install the app on your device.

Step 2: Create a To-Do List:

• Open the Keeps app on your device.

• Tap on the "+" icon to create a new list.

• Name your list (e.g., "IVF Tasks") and add tasks to it by typing in the task field and hitting "Enter" or tapping the "+" icon.

Step 3: Organize Tasks:

• Prioritize tasks by dragging and dropping them into the desired order.

• Add due dates and reminders to ensure timely completion of tasks.

Step 4: Share with Your Partner:

• To share a list with your partner, open the list you want to share.

• Tap on the three-dot menu icon in the upper-right corner of the screen.

• Select the "Share list" option from the dropdown menu.

• Enter your partner's email address or choose them from your contacts list.

• Tap "Send" to share the list with your partner.

Step 5: Collaborate in Real-Time:

• Once shared, your partner will receive an invitation to view and collaborate on the list.

• Both you and your partner can add, edit, and check off tasks in real-time, ensuring that both individuals are aware of upcoming responsibilities and progress.

• Keeps synchronizes changes across devices, so you can stay updated whether you're at home or on the go.

By utilizing the Keeps app and sharing lists with a partner, individuals can streamline task management, foster collaboration, and maintain a sense of teamwork and support throughout the infertility treatment process.

3. Google Doc Templates for Appointment Notes:

Effective communication with healthcare providers is crucial during infertility treatments. To ensure that all questions are answered and next steps are clear, utilizing a Google Docs template for appointment notes can be immensely beneficial. Before each appointment, you can fill out the template with relevant questions and concerns, ensuring that no important topics are overlooked during the discussion. Additionally, notes from the appointment can be added to the document, serving as a reference for future appointments and facilitating continuity of care between the patient and the clinic.

Here is an example of a google doc template. Template for IVF appointment notes  You can MAKE A COPY of this one or create your own. 

Conclusion:

Infertility treatments often involve complex schedules, extensive information, and emotional ups and downs. By leveraging technology tools such as Gmail label folders, the Keeps app, and Google Docs templates, individuals and couples can streamline communication, stay organized, and feel more empowered throughout their fertility journey. By incorporating these tools into their routine, you can focus more on self-care and emotional well-being, knowing that the logistical aspects are being efficiently managed.

Remember, while technology can be immensely helpful, it's essential to prioritize self-care and seek support when needed, whether from loved ones, support groups, or mental health professionals. Together, with the right tools and support network, you can navigate infertility treatments with greater ease and resilience.