“You can make your IVF more successful by preparing yourself well prior to the treatment. Choose a reliable hospital, eat plenty of good food, avoid stress, avoid heavy exercise and take ample rest to improve your chances of success. Also, take good care of your physical and emotional well being.”
If you are considering In vitro Fertilization(IVF), you must know that the odds of artificially conceiving are about one in three. Younger women have higher chances of pregnancy while women with low quality and quantity of eggs are less likely to succeed through IVF. It also depends on the type of fertility problems the couple is facing and how carefully the treatment is performed. It not only costs a lot of money but also requires a lot of time for preparation, medications and treatment for IVF; therefore, it is beneficial to know how to make your IVF successful on the first time. Here are 10 tips that every infertile couple needs to know to improve the chances of IVF success.
1. How to make IVF more successful?
Besides the right hospital or doctor, the important step to make IVF more successful is the preparation of your body and mind for the IVF treatment journey.
2. What should I eat for IVF success?
Recent studies have found that eating foods rich in monounsaturated fats can help women trying to get pregnant through IVF treatment. These good fats protect the heart, lower inflammation in the body and improve fertility. Foods like avocados, nuts and seeds, sunflower oil and olive oil are rich in monounsaturated fats, so eating plenty of these foods can improve fertility and also provide much-needed nutrition for the development of the fetus. Women on a diet rich in saturated fats found in butter and red meat are known to produce fewer but healthy eggs. Fresh fruits, vegetables and lean proteins, like fish and poultry are considered best after IVF process.
3. Does stress affect IVF success?
Meditation and De-stressing
Too much stress can adversely affect health and negatively impact the reproductive system. Even though it is not a major factor that contributes to IVF success, avoiding stress can help improve its chances. Meditation, gentle breathing or listening to soothing music can greatly help to reduce stress and allow your body to function as normal. It can also distract you from worries and lower anxiety so that you feel relaxed during treatment.
4. How to choose good IVF doctor and center?
Selecting a good IVF Center or doctor is important in determining your chances of a successful pregnancy. Although all the clinics operate similar to one another, the experience of the doctors, the care they provide, facilities and conditions in the lab play a role in increasing chances of success. To make sure the clinic is ideal for your treatment, ask the hospital about:
- Pregnancy ratio per embryo transfer
- Success rate for IVF treatment
- Accreditation of the clinic and board-certification of the physicians
- The cost of the procedure
- The duration for which embryos can be stored and the cost involved
- Successful pregnancies with twins or multiple births
5. Can you walk after embryo transfer?
Walk Instead of Doing Heavy Exercise after Embryo Transfer (ET)
While it is recommended to maintain good health through exercise, strenuous exercise can reduce fertility levels in women and decrease their rates of conception. Excessive exercise is also likely to cause implantation failure and pregnancy loss during IVF process so go for low-intensity exercises such as walking, yoga or swimming.
6. Is bed rest required after IVF?
It’s important that a woman maintains a consistent sleeping routine to allow the body to rest and recover. Your sleep cycles should be regular for at least two weeks prior to your IVF cycle. It is recommended that you sleep without the interference of light as it helps regulate the melatonin levels in the body, which, is critical for a good night’s sleep and your physical and emotional well being. It is also known to help in the development of healthy follicles for your IVF.
7. Why abstaining from sex is required before IVF?
Avoid Ejaculation to Augment Sperm Count
Male partners whose sperms are used for the IVF process can have a higher success if they avoid ejaculating 3 to 4 days prior to the donation. Refraining from sexual intercourse or masturbation can help increase sperm count and chances of a successful IVF. It’s also important to examine the semen quality before undergoing the process. Sperm quality can change over time; therefore it is better to undergo a semen analysis to eliminate chances of IVF failure.
8. How acupuncture is good for IVF success?
Acupuncture is an Asian tradition used to treat many health issues. Studies have shown that acupuncture is beneficial for women undergoing IVF, especially on the day of embryo transfer. Acupuncture is known to improve blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, which stimulates the release of neurotransmitters. It is also observed that women who have an acupuncture treatment on the day of transfer have more chances of pregnancy. Women who want to improve their chances of IVF success can use this procedure, as it has no side effects.
9. How Alcohol and Caffeine affect IVF success rate?
Glycemic Index (GI) is a ranking system to classify foods according to their rate of digestion. Low GI foods are digested slowly, thereby ensuring a gradual yet steady supply of energy. This is important for maintaining healthy blood glucose levels and reducing weight. Legumes, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, broccoli, sweet potato and mushrooms are some of the foods that come under this category. Processed foods, on the other hand, have a high Glycemic Index, therefore are bad for the body. They elevate inflammation, affect hormone levels in the body and negatively affect the immune system. Alcohol and caffeine are detrimental to the development of the fetus hence it must be avoided at all costs. Smoking should also be avoided. If you have an addiction, talk to your doctor before going for IVF treatment.
10. How sex is beneficial after IVF?
Although some experts are against it, studies have found that having sexual intercourse after the IVF process can improve the chances of success to some extent. The natural hormones and chemicals released during sex can help in conception. However, consult your fertility expert before going ahead.
11. How talking to a counselor helps during IVF?
Your mental condition significantly affects your physical health and chances of conception. IVF can affect your mental and emotional well being so be prepared. Get help from a counselor on taking care of your emotional feelings, as you will go through feelings of hope, fear, excitement and sometimes disappointment. Emotional support from spouse, close friends or family can help best in these situations.
Taking good care of physical and emotional well being around IVF cycle can boost chances of a successful pregnancy. You can also take the help of Shine Fertility infertility specialists to know more about precautions and advices so that you can make your IVF more successful. We also help you find the best fertility centre and doctor in your city at the lowest IVF treatment cost. Call us at +91 77018 86525 to book a free appointment with one of our recommended IVF doctors.
Disclaimer:
The content provided in this blog regarding surrogacy and fertility treatments is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be interpreted as legal or medical guidance. Laws and regulations related to fertility and surrogacy can differ significantly by region and may evolve. We advise consulting with experienced legal and medical professionals to receive tailored advice suited to your circumstances. ShineFertility disclaims any liability for actions taken based on the information presented in this blog.
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