In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
How to Improve Your Chances of IVF Success
Fertility treatment can be a very stressful time in the lives of IVF patients and their partners. We hear questions like, “What are my chances of getting pregnant?” and “Are there steps on how to improve your chances of IVF success?” every day here at Fertility Centers of New England, so you’re not alone if you’re feeling uncertain or anxious at the beginning of your journey to parenthood.
Patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) often look for ways they can increase their chances of a successful pregnancy. Whether you’re starting your first IVF cycle or you’re trying again, there are simple steps on how to improve your chances of IVF success. Keeping your body and mind healthy and asking questions can all help throughout the fertility treatment process.
Easy Workouts for Fertility
Exercise, in moderation, is safe and beneficial before, during, and after pregnancy. We do ask our patients to scale back on any high-impact workouts while they undergo treatment, but simple workouts for fertility like walking, swimming, and yoga can be very effective and beneficial. This is true for both men and women—a study from 2016 found that moderate exercise improves sperm number and quality. Staying active will also help to relieve some of your feelings of stress surrounding IVF.
Vitamins and Supplements for Fertility
There are so many vitamins and minerals available on the market; it can be a bit overwhelming to decipher which are the best for fertility. First, it’s important to take a step back to be sure that your daily diet supports fertility. Eating for fertility includes eight to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables per day, in a wide variety of colors. This ensures you’re consuming many different nutrients in your daily diet.
In addition to your daily fertility diet, you can also opt to take prenatal vitamins. Prenatal vitamins include folate, which has been shown to help prevent birth defects and improve egg quality and IVF success rates. Also, Vitamin E can be advantageous for implantation, as studies show that it can increase the thickness of the endometrial lining. Always check with your doctor before taking any supplements and ask which ones can and should be continued into pregnancy.
Stress and IVF Success
It’s only natural that IVF patients feel stress or anxiety concerning their treatment. There is no evidence that stress has an adverse effect on IVF success; however, it is important to manage your stress to benefit your overall health. Exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and support groups like RESOLVE are all effective methods for managing stress while undergoing treatment.
Asking Questions
Whether you have questions about your cycle or are feeling overwhelmed, we are here to guide you through your IVF treatment and give you all that you need for success. Our team is dedicated to answering your questions and helping you feel empowered and confident in your decision to seek treatment with Fertility Centers of New England.
