Optimizing IVF Success: Guidelines for Couples on Their Fertility Journey

Couples facing challenges conceiving a baby are increasingly turning to IVF treatments for assistance. In vitro fertilization, also known as IVF, is a widely utilized assisted reproductive technology where a woman's egg is fertilized with sperm outside the body in a laboratory dish to create an embryo. This embryo is then transferred back into the uterus to facilitate pregnancy.

For couples undergoing IVF, there are essential guidelines to follow during both the IVF stimulation phase, which involves hormonal medication to stimulate egg production, and after the embryo transfer process. Dr. Avani Pillai, Senior Consultant & Additional Professor at Amrita Fertility Centre, Kochi, shared valuable insights with WION on World IVF Day.

Guidelines for Optimal IVF Success

• Educate Yourself: Understanding the IVF process is crucial, including egg retrieval, fertilization, and embryo transfer.
• Follow Doctor's Instructions: Adhering to dietary, medication, and lifestyle recommendations provided by your fertility specialist is vital.
• Prioritize Health: Maintaining good overall health before and during IVF is essential, including a nutritious diet and disease prevention measures.

Get Adequate Sleep: Quality sleep is important for reproductive health. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night to reduce stress and promote well-being.

Manage Stress: Minimizing stress is crucial for a successful IVF outcome.

Engage in relaxation techniques, creative activities, and maintain a positive outlook.

Be Mindful of Hormones and Emotions: Understand and address emotional changes that hormonal injections may cause positively.

Engage in Light Exercise: Consult your doctor for suitable light exercises like walking.

Avoid intense workouts or excessive weight loss efforts.

Take Adequate Rest: Rest is important for the embryo's proper attachment to the uterine wall. Avoid strenuous activities and focus on relaxation and positivity during this period.

Avoid These Practices During IVF Stimulation and After Embryo Transfer

• Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: Both smoking and alcohol consumption can negatively impact fertility and IVF outcomes. Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake to enhance success chances.
• Avoid Excessive Coffee Consumption: Cutting out caffeine, especially during the implantation period, is advisable to improve chances of successful embryo implantation.

Avoid Cosmetics/Perfumes: Chemical exposure from cosmetics and perfumes should be minimized during and after embryo transfer to avoid potential harm to embryos.

Avoid Travel: Travel during IVF treatment is not recommended to minimize stress, adhere to treatment schedules, and prevent potential complications.

Avoid Intense Exercises: Engage only in gentle exercises during IVF stimulation and refrain from high-intensity workouts after embryo transfer.

Avoid Intercourse: Abstain from intercourse following the "trigger shot" during IVF stimulation and after embryo transfer to optimize implantation chances.

Avoid Extremely Hot Water Baths: Hot baths can elevate body temperature and impact embryo implantation.

By following these guidelines diligently, couples undergoing IVF can contribute to a more successful treatment and a healthier pregnancy journey.

It is essential to consult healthcare providers for personalized advice and guidance throughout the IVF process. If you want to share your stories and opinions, you can now write for WION at their website. Join the community and contribute to the conversation.