Many couples who cannot conceive naturally opt for In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF). IVF is one of the most successful reproduction methods wherein the sperm and egg are combined outside the human body. IVF treatment has led to many successful pregnancies; the babies born from IVF pregnancies are healthy and have normal birth weights.
A healthy body and mind are essential for the success of IVF treatment. Changing your lifestyle for the better can significantly increase your chances of having a successful pregnancy. Unwanted anxiety and an unhealthy diet can impact the IVF treatment adversely. Furthermore, it can affect the baby negatively as well.
Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to enhance your IVF success rate and boost your chances of a successful pregnancy:
Choose Fertility Clinics with High Success Rates
When choosing IVF treatment, it is very important for you to choose the right fertility centre equipped with advanced technologies, state-of-the-art assisted technology and a team of proven IVF specialists with good track records. A fertility centre with proven high IVF success rates can inspire you with the confidence of opting for treatment in the centre.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being overweight and having a low BMI is not conducive to being fertile. To prepare for a healthy pregnancy, doctors recommend maintaining a healthy weight by keeping your Body Mass Index (BMI) within the normal range. IVF treatment is not appropriate for women who are underweight or overweight.
Control Blood Sugar
Increased blood sugar levels can impede your IVF treatment. Choose a healthy diet control procedure and ensure your blood sugar level is normal. Increased blood sugar levels might pose a problem during pregnancy as well.
Consume Fertility-Boosting Diet
A healthy diet provides the nutrients, minerals, and vitamins required for healthy eggs and sperm production, thereby raising the chances of successful IVF treatment.
Unhealthy food can affect the quality of your egg or sperm. You need to indulge in food that contains high sugar or starch. You need to reduce the intake of unprocessed meats, refined grains, canned food, caffeinated drinks, etc.
Instead of unhealthy food, you can opt for fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, pulses, mono-saturated fats, lean proteins and low-fat dairy products.
Limit Caffeine Consumption
Doctors advise limiting caffeine consumption to 1-2 cups per day. Caffeine consumption can reduce your chances of a successful pregnancy.
Avoid Smoking and Alcohol Consumption
Reducing your alcohol intake during IVF treatment might boost your chances of successful implantation. Drinking large amounts of alcohol can decrease your likelihood of successful IVF, decrease sperm quality, reduce fertility, damage the DNA of the sperm, and lessen the probability of successful uterine embryo implantation.
After the embryo transfer, it is recommended to entirely avoid alcohol, assuming pregnancy may be underway. Moreover, alcohol consumption during pregnancy is associated with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS).
Get Sufficient Sleep
Sleeping helps rejuvenate organs and various metabolic processes in the body; therefore, doctor’s advice you to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night, refrain from eating 2-3 hours and avoid drinking caffeine for at least 4-6 hours before bedtime.
Sperm Enhancement
Sperm quality and strength are crucial factors contributing to IVF success rates Therefore, the doctor advices the male partner to strengthen his sperm before the beginning of the IVF cycle, such as:
- Maintaining a healthy BMI
- Exercising regularly
- Avoiding smoking and alcohol,
- Getting sufficient sleep.
Doctors also recommend drinking plenty of water – at least 2 litres per day, and taking supplements and vitamins such as A, B12, C, E, and zinc to keep sperm healthy and robust.
Abstain from Sexual Intercourse before Sperm Collection
The doctor advises the male partner or father-to-be to refrain from sexual intercourse, masturbation, or ejaculation for 3-4 days before sperm collection to obtain a sufficient sperm volume.
Reduce Stress and Think Positively
Many couples need to undergo more than one cycle of IVF treatment to improve their chances of a pregnancy, which can lead to high stress thanks to uncertainty. As a result, doctors recommend the couple to think positively, encourage each other to ease their minds and engage in activities that would help their bodies release endorphins. Reducing stress and a positive attitude can help improve IVF success rates.
Ensure you have a support system near you. Be sure to socialise regularly. Massage during IVF is also completely safe, as it provides relaxation and relief. You may also want to practise journaling, gratitude, and other techniques to help de-stress and unwind.
Supplements for IVF Success
Sometimes, you don’t receive all the nutrients you need from your food. That’s when you need to take extra supplements to support your body.
Here are some of the supplements that can help improve IVF success rates:
- Folic acid
- Omega 3 fatty acid
- Vitamins
- Selenium
Conclusion
While there’s no guaranteed way to ensure a positive outcome, these strategies might help you increase your IVF success rates. IVF may be a stressful process for you and your family. However, there are various ways you can increase your odds of success, such as through your diet, reducing stress, getting adequate sleep, and supplements. IVF journey requires patience and perseverance, and by approaching the treatment with positivity and preparation, you can achieve your dream of a successful pregnancy with the help of experts in the fertility clinic.