In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatment is expected to create a stressful environment at home due to the hormone injections needed to stimulate the ovaries. Combined with the high costs associated with IVF treatment, most couples can usually handle one treatment cycle. To ensure you’re mentally and physically prepared, please follow the 6 tips below to help achieve the optimal outcome.
# 1 - Healthy Body Weight
Scientists studying the relationship between fertility and Body Mass Index (BMI) have found that conception in women was negatively affected by those who were either under or overweight. A study from 2022 concluded that fertility levels were highest at a BMI of 19.5. Having a healthy body weight enables the patient to go about their daily routine and exercise with more energy. It’s also crucial during pregnancy since overweight women have a higher risk of miscarriages and stillbirths.
# 2 - Well balanced diet
The key to a healthy body weight in preparation for the IVF treatment is to alter your diet accordingly. Doctors generally recommend increasing the amount of healthy oil, lean meat and vegetables and lowering consumption of sugar, alcohol and processed foods. Replacing them with antioxidant fruits and vegetables are proven to reduce oxidative stress and help with the quality of eggs and sperm. The easiest way is to color your plate by adding fruits and veggies in a variety of colors.
# 3 - Vitamins
Asides from a well-balanced diet, essential vitamins and minerals are also important for the IVF treatment. Good prenatal vitamins help ensure the baby is receiving a proper amount of folic acids and DHA. Coenzyme Q10 is a type of enzyme the body naturally produces but starts to drop off after turning 30 years old. It improves ovarian response to stimulation and quality of both eggs and sperm. Last but not least, the pomegranate extract has been found to boost fertility by increasing blood flow to the uterus, promoting uterine lining and increasing sperm quality.
# 4 - Active Lifestyle
Consistent exercise can help with weight management, hormone balance, blood circulation, and metabolism. Having good blood circulation and metabolism helps the body stimulate well in response to the medications. Exercise also makes the body release endorphins which can help reduce stress experienced during the process. However, once the patient begins taking these stimulating medications, exercise should be avoided. As a result of the medications, the enlarged ovaries should not undergo extreme movement and pressure.
# 5 - Sleep Schedule
Having both quality and complete sleep is important since it influences sex hormones, sperm production, and ovulation. It is best to avoid blue light from digital screens such as laptops and cellular devices because it can disrupt your brain’s sleep cycle. Alcohol and Caffeine can also affect sleep quality and interfere with healthy sleep cycles. The best conditions to rest quickly and well is in a quiet, dark, and relaxing environment with a comfortable temperature.
# 6 - Meditation
IVF treatment can be psychologically and emotionally stressful. Different levels of stress may arise from daily injections, blood draws, ultrasound, and egg retrieval. Complications may occur at any point during these phases. It is important to identify and limit stress levels through meditation. Meditation allows one to practice calming techniques and helps the mind by focusing intentionally on the present and reducing stress.