When it comes to IVF, women and the family always look for ways to improve the chances to conceive. In vitro fertilization is an artificial reproductive technology in which the egg recovered from the ovaries is fertilized with sperm in vitro to form an embryo.
The embryo formed is then transferred into the mother’s or the surrogate’s womb (uterus). The journey of IVF for women will be an emotional roller coaster from preparation to start to completion of a cycle. It is always better to be prepared for the fairly intense medical process to increase the chances of success. This post rounds up some common tips to enhance the success rate of IVF Turkey.
Maintain a healthy weight
According to an expert Obstetrics and Gynecologist, a healthy weight is extremely crucial for fertility and IVF. Being obese with BMI above 35 and underweight with BMI below 19 increases conception by two and four times respectively and also has a negative impact on success rates of IVF.
Monitoring the ovaries might be difficult in women who are obese during the IVF process. Also, egg retrieval becomes challenging and poses a lot of complications during IVF. One can maintain their weight by altering diet and day-to-day lifestyle habits with the help of a professional. Work closely with a dietician and set appropriate diet goals to achieve the required results.
Optimize the sperm health
Both the partners are equally important during the IVF journey. Infertility may be in both men and women. In men, infertility may be due to low sperm count; slow sperms, etc. to maintain sperm health, men should take multivitamins and maintain optimal body weight.
Men are also suggested to use briefs over boxers. Men can also start on medications to boost sperm quality and number and have a positive impact on the success rate of IVF. Go for a semen analysis by a male infertility specialist to detect any form abnormalities.
Don’t overlook sleep
Sleep and fertility go hand in hand. Getting the ideal amount of sleep has a positive effect throughout the IVF cycle. According to a study conducted in the year 2013, the rate of pregnancy was higher in people who slept for 7 to 8 hours a night than people who slept for a shorter or longer period.
A hormone called melatonin reaches peak concentration between 9 pm and midnight, making the in-between time best to fall asleep. Here are some steps one can follow to have a healthy sleep routine.
- Let the bedroom be between 60 to 67ºF (16 to 19ºC)
- Get a warm shower before going to bed.
- Lavender oil or extract relaxes the mind which one can diffuse in the bedroom or use while in the shower.
- Cut caffeine 4 to 6 hours before going to bed.
- Finish the dinner at least 2 hours before bedtime
- Also, limit the screen to at least 40 minutes before bedtime.
Quit smoking
Smoking makes IVF success rates drastically plummet because smoking damages the quality of egg and sperm. Quitting smoking is not a simple task and often needs a great deal of support from friends, family, and professionals. Friends and families will play a huge role to help you quit smoking. One can also go for structured programs or pharmacological assistance for smoking cessation.
Focus on taking supplements
During an IVF cycle, one can focus on taking natural supplements. The most prominent supplement that affects the quality of sperm and egg are DHEA and CoQ10. The mother can also start taking a prenatal vitamin at least 30 days before the IVF cycle begins to enhance the levels of folic acid. The prenatal vitamin helps in the proper development of the brain in the fetus.
Focus on foods to eat and foods to avoid
The fertility of a person can be enhanced with a well-curated diet. A high-fat, low-carb diet to minimize inflammation through the body, the gastrointestinal tract, and the reproductive system is a must. The right diet also helps maintain the balance of hormones and cholesterol derived from fat. It is also important to consume food-rich antioxidants before the embryo transfer. Foods that one should include before embryo transfer include:
- Soups
- Whole grains such as quinoa, farro, and whole-grain pasta
- Legumes such as beans, lentils, and chickpeas
- Healthy fats: avocado oil, extra-virgin olive oil, walnuts, seeds, etc.
- Lean proteins such as fish and chicken
- Fresh fruits and veggies including Berries, Pineapple, and avocados
- Water with lemon
The foods that one must avoid during IVF are as follows:
- Cold beverages like smoothies and sodas
- Sugar
- Red meat products
- Highly processed foods
- Salt – season with herbs and spices instead
- Coffee and tea
Don’t stop exercise altogether
Many women abruptly stop exercising as they start their IVF journey as they worry about hurting the potential pregnancy. Stopping the exercise regimen abruptly will have a negative impact on the health rather than a positive effect. It is better to continue whatever the person has been doing, especially with a consistent fitness regimen. Exercise is a must to maintain a healthy BMI and a healthy womb.
It is better to reduce the intensity of the exercise while undergoing IVF. Keep running to less than 15 miles per week. Heavy or excessive running becomes disruptive to reproductive health. Running may negatively affect the thick lining of the blood by shifting the blood from the womb to other organs. If running is a major of the regimen, they can replace it with:
- light jogging
- hiking
- The elliptical
- spinning
Bottom line
The IVF success rate is not a fixed number instead it is a goal influenced by various factors such as the patient’s health, fertility, etc. Following a strict fertility procedure increases the success rate of IVF.
