If you are planning a health overhaul as part of your preparation for IVF this year, there are lots of ways you can help your health, wellbeing and your chance of IVF success.
The sooner you start to prepare for your treatment, the better. But even if your cycle is due to start in only a few weeks, it is never too late to make positive changes to give yourself the best chance of conceiving:
Your weight & BMI
Ensuring you are in a healthy BMI range is one of the biggest ways to help your IVF chances because BMI makes a significant difference to IVF outcome.
We will advise you if you need to reduce or raise your BMI before treatment begins. If you need expert help to reach a healthy BMI range before IVF, we can recommend ways to reach your BMI goal.
Your lifestyle
Did you know that even a small smoking habit can negatively affect your fertility? (Always check on e-cigarettes as most contain nicotine). Or that using drugs like steroids might lead to better performance in the gym but usually signifcantly reduce sperm count. Excessive caffeine can also affect fertility.
Changing your lifestyle is one of the easiest ways you can help improve your chance of IVF success. It is sensible advice to quit smoking, drinking and drug use pre-IVF, and reduce caffeine intake.
Your diet
Many people review their diet at this time of year, and the good news is that certain foods are known to benefit fertility for men and women, such as those of a Mediterranean-style diet.
Choose whole grains, fresh vegetables, fresh fruit and foods rich in healthy, good fats such as olive oil, nuts and fish. All women who are trying to conceive should also take folic acid and Vitamin D.
Sleep
Are you getting enough sleep? Research has indicated that lack of sleep may affect fertility. Good quality sleep is important to overall health and wellbeing in all sorts of ways, including fertility hormone levels. Try to establish a routine of 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night before starting your IVF.
Stress
It is natural to feel anxious about starting IVF. But do not worry about whether it will affect your chances; there is no solid link between stress and IVF outcome.
Our highly trained counsellors are also available to you at any stage of the treatment journey.
We are dedicated to looking after our patients during these unprecedented times. We promise to continue to provide the highest standard of care possible and keep you safe through your treatment. We are here for you every step of the way.
You can contact our New Patient Co-ordinator team on 0161 958 6130 or book a free one-to-one for all the information, advice, support and understanding you need to begin your own fertility journey.
Last updated: 23rd June 2022
