Fertility treatments are a boon for couples who face difficulty in conceiving naturally. In-vitro Fertilization, or IVF, is a popular alternative reproductive technology that helps in conception despite fertility issues. It is obvious couples go through a lot of physical and emotional distress during IVF cycles. Couples must look for ways to prepare their body and mind before undergoing IVF treatment. Research proves that lifestyle changes can increase the success rate of IVF treatment. This blog offers IVF success tips and lifestyle changes to increase the chances of conception through IVF.
IVF is an assisted reproductive technology where the egg and the sperm are allowed to be fertilized in a laboratory. The fertilized embryo is then implanted inside the uterus. Successful implantation of the embryo in the uterus indicates successful conception.
Embarking through the IVF journey is not easy. It is an extensive process, as an IVF cycle involves various stages. You may need more than one cycle for a successful conception. Properly understanding the treatment process can help you undergo the IVF procedure confidently. The following are the stages of an IVF cycle.
When you opt for IVF procedures to get pregnant, your doctor may help you regulate your menstrual cycle and advise certain lifestyle changes to prepare your body for IVF cycles. The preparation phase is the first few weeks before the IVF procedure. During this phase your doctor might advise you on certain blood tests and prescribe you certain supplements to correct your deficiencies and might advise a course of antibiotics if there is any infection. During the first week of your menstrual cycle, your doctor will prescribe oral medicines and hormone injections to stimulate your egg production so that your ovary releases more high-quality eggs.
The eggs will be harvested after about 10-12 days after the administration of these hormone injections. Sperm is collected from men on the day of egg retrieval which happens under anesthesia and the embryologist performs an ICSI procedure to fertilize the eggs, resulting in an embryo. In the next stage, the embryo is placed inside your uterus through a simple procedure.
In the later weeks, your doctor may recommend a blood test or a scan to know how the embryo has implanted in the uterus lining. A blood test is also done to check for pregnancy. It takes around three weeks to complete a single IVF cycle.
Lifestyle factors and IVF are closely associated. IVF procedure puts an extra toll on your physical and mental health. Specific lifestyle changes can improve your overall well-being when undergoing an IVF procedure.
Quit Smoking and Drinking: Alcohol consumption may interfere with your fertility treatment. Smoking also disrupts your normal fertility functions. So, it is highly recommended to stop drinking and smoking when you wish to start your journey as a parent.
Focus on Your Diet: Dietary changes for IVF are crucial as they impact your health to a greater extent. Eating balanced and nutritious food directly affects the fertility of both men and women. Eat foods rich in minerals, vitamins and antioxidants that boost your fertility health. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meat, etc, contribute to your overall well-being. Include food rich in omega-3 fatty acids to improve your reproductive health. Limit the intake of highly processed food, as it can affect your hormonal balance. Cut off sugar as it disrupts the body's absorption of nutrients. Reduce the intake of coffee and tea, as caffeine can interfere with your fertility health. Consult a nutritionist who can help you with a personalized diet plan to support your reproductive health.
Stay Hydrated: Increase your fluid intake when you are trying to conceive. Staying hydrated ensures the proper functioning of your body and increases the chance of success during fertility treatment.
Manage Your Weight: Maintaining an ideal weight can help you avoid certain complications when trying to conceive. Obesity disrupts your fertility functions and is also a primary reason for fertility issues. Practice mindful eating, which helps you eat the right quantity of food. Eating at regular intervals can also help you manage your weight. Replace snacks with healthy food items like nuts, crackers, etc.
Sleep Well:
Sleep is important for the proper functioning of your body. It is also closely associated with fertility. Set a sleeping routine and enjoy a peaceful sleep for 7- 8 hours when you're preparing your body to undergo IVF treatment.
Manage Stress: IVF is an overwhelming procedure. Each body is different; you cannot expect success in the first IVF cycle. Repeated IVF cycles can result in anxiety, leading to stress. Stress management for IVF plays a key role in taking care of your mental health. Get involved in stress-relieving activities like cooking, gardening, painting, etc. This helps to relieve your stress due to repeated IVF failures. Practice meditation and breathing techniques to manage your emotions during your IVF journey. Listen to music as it soothes your mind.
Set an Exercise Routine: You must stay active when trying to get pregnant. Practice light exercises like walking, jogging, cycling, yoga, etc. Avoid strenuous exercises, as they impact your fertility.
Never Skip Your Prenatal: Eating a balanced diet cannot help meet your daily nutritional requirements. You may require supplements like folic acid, vitamin D, iron and omega-3 fatty acids to boost your fertility health. Consuming your prenatal is vital when you're under fertility treatments.
IVF treatment is a multifaceted process that demands proper medical care, adopting lifestyle changes and positive thinking. Follow the above to increase the chance of getting pregnant through IVF.
