Bavishi Fertility Institute

Lifestyle Changes to Boost IVF Success and Increase Your Chances of a Healthy Pregnancy

Lifestyle Changes to Boost IVF Success and Increase Your Chances of a Healthy Pregnancy

31 January 2025

Lifestyle Changes to Boost IVF Success and Increase Your Chances of a Healthy Pregnancy

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a transformative medical procedure that has helped millions of people around the world achieve their dream of parenthood. However, the journey to a successful IVF outcome is not just about the science of medicine and fertility treatments—your lifestyle choices can play a crucial role in enhancing the success of the procedure. If you’re preparing for IVF or in the midst of treatment, making certain adjustments to your everyday habits can improve both the quality of your eggs and sperm, as well as create a more supportive environment for embryo implantation.

Here’s a guide to some key lifestyle changes that could help optimize your IVF journey:

Maintain a healthy diet

What you eat is incredibly important for fertility. A nutrient-rich diet supports hormonal balance and helps improve the quality of both eggs and sperm.

  • Focus on whole foods: Aim for a diet that includes plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats like avocado, nuts, and olive oil.

     

  • Consider fertility-boosting foods: Some studies suggest that foods high in antioxidants (like berries, leafy greens, and nuts) may help reduce oxidative stress, which can damage eggs and sperm.

     

  • Avoid processed foods: Limit sugary snacks, fast food, and highly processed items, which can contribute to inflammation and affect reproductive health.

Achieve a healthy weight

Being either overweight or underweight can affect fertility and reduce IVF success rates. Maintaining a healthy weight can help ensure that your body is in the best possible condition for pregnancy.

  • For women: A body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24.9 is generally considered optimal for fertility. Being too thin or too heavy can interfere with hormonal regulation and ovulation.

  • For men: Men with excess weight may experience hormonal imbalances that can affect sperm quality and quantity. Losing even a small amount of weight can improve sperm motility and overall reproductive health.

Exercise regularly, but don’t overdo it

Exercise regularly, but don’t overdo it

Regular, moderate exercise is beneficial for improving circulation, boosting mood, and supporting overall health. It also helps to reduce stress, which is crucial during the IVF process.

  • Aim for balanced workouts: Activities like walking, swimming, or yoga are excellent for promoting blood flow to the reproductive organs. Studies suggest that yoga, in particular, can help with relaxation and reduce stress levels during IVF.

  • Avoid excessive exercise: Overtraining or intense physical activity (especially if it leads to excessive weight loss or stress) can have negative effects on fertility. It’s important to find a balance.

Manage stress

Stress is a common concern for couples undergoing IVF treatment. While it’s difficult to avoid stress entirely, managing it effectively can improve your chances of success.

  • Practice mindfulness: Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or progressive muscle relaxation can help calm the mind and reduce the physical effects of stress.

  • Stay connected: IVF can be an emotional rollercoaster, so it’s important to have a support system. Talk openly with your partner, friends, family, or even a counsellor to help alleviate stress and foster a positive mind-set.

Quit smoking, Limit alcohol, and Avoid caffeine

The substances you consume can directly impact your fertility and the chances of IVF success.

  • Say no to smoking: Smoking has been linked to lower egg quality, reduced sperm count, and higher miscarriage rates. If you’re smoking, quitting is one of the most important steps you can take before undergoing IVF.

  • Limit alcohol consumption:  Heavy drinking can harm fertility in both men and women. It’s best to avoid alcohol or limit it to a minimal amount (if any) before and during IVF treatment.

  • Watch caffeine intake: High levels of caffeine can potentially reduce fertility and affect pregnancy outcomes. Try to keep caffeine consumption to a minimum (under 200 milligrams per day).

Focus on fertility supplements

Focus on fertility supplements

While no supplement can guarantee success, certain vitamins and minerals are known to support fertility and may improve the odds of a successful IVF cycle.

  • For women: Consider taking a prenatal vitamin with folic acid, which is essential for reducing the risk of birth defects. And some other supplements that some studies suggest might improve egg quality, particularly for women over 35.

  • For men:  Zinc, selenium, and vitamin C are known to support sperm health. A well-rounded multivitamin, along with omega-3 fatty acids, can also help maintain male fertility.

Consider acupuncture

Acupuncture is increasingly popular among IVF patients as a complementary therapy. Studies have suggested that acupuncture may help improve blood flow to the uterus, reduce stress, and enhance the chances of embryo implantation.

  • Consult your doctor: If you’re interested in acupuncture, it’s important to consult with a licensed practitioner who has experience working with IVF patients. Acupuncture should always be considered as a supportive therapy rather than a replacement for traditional IVF treatments.

Get sufficient sleep

Sleep is essential for maintaining hormonal balance and overall health, both of which are crucial for fertility.

  • Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night: A well-rested body is more likely to respond to IVF treatment positively. Poor sleep patterns have been linked to hormonal imbalances and lower fertility rates, so prioritizing quality rest is key.

  • Establish a sleep routine: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, and create a relaxing pre-sleep ritual to ensure you fall asleep easily.

Avoid environmental toxins

Exposure to environmental toxins can negatively impact fertility. Try to reduce your exposure to chemicals, pesticides, and endocrine-disrupting substances found in everyday products.

  • Use natural or organic products: Opt for skincare and cleaning products free from harmful chemicals like parabens, phthalates, and BPA. Choose BPA-free plastic bottles and containers when possible.

  • Be mindful of environmental pollutants: Whenever possible, limit your exposure to polluted air or toxic environments, especially during the IVF process.

Stay positive and patient

Stay positive and patient

The road to IVF success can be long and emotionally taxing, but maintaining a hopeful attitude and being patient with yourself and the process can make a world of difference.

  • Cultivate resilience:  While IVF treatments can be stressful and overwhelming, keeping a positive outlook can help your mental and emotional health. Building resilience through therapy, support groups, or self-care practices is essential.

  • Stay informed:  Educate yourself about IVF and its success rates. Understanding the procedure, setting realistic expectations, and having an open dialogue with your fertility specialist can help manage anxiety and keep you focused on the goal.

Conclusion

IVF can be a life-changing option for those struggling with infertility, and making mindful lifestyle changes can significantly impact the outcome of your treatment. By focusing on a healthy diet, exercise, stress management, and other fertility-enhancing habits, you can boost your chances of success and approach the IVF process with a greater sense of preparedness and confidence. 

At Bavishi Fertility Institute we are dedicated to providing you with the care and support you need every step of the way. Our team of specialists is here to guide you through the IVF process, helping you achieve your dream of becoming a parent. Remember, your journey to parenthood is unique—taking care of your body and mind is just one of the many ways to support your IVF success. 

For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact us today. We’re here to help you build the family you’ve always dreamed of.

Author bio

Dr. Parth Bavishi

Dr. Parth Bavishi, MD in Obstetrics and Gynecology, brings over 12 years of invaluable work experience to his role as Director of Bavishi Fertility Institute, leading a group of IVF clinics committed to helping couples realize their dreams of parenthood.

Bavishi Fertility Institute is dedicated to providing customized and personalized treatments which are simple, safe , smart and successful. Bavishi Fertility Institute works with success and satisfaction for all at heart. Providing an ideal blend of professional treatment and personalised care.

Dr. Parth had special training in infertility at Bavishi fertility Institute, the Diamond Institute, USA, and the HART Institute, Japan.

Dr. Bavishi is a distinguished expert in his field. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr.Bavishi is the author of the acclaimed book, ‘Your Miracle in Making: A Couple’s Guide to Pregnancy,’ offering invaluable insights to couples navigating the complexities of fertility. He loves to empower patients to make the correct choice by education both online and offline.

His exceptional contributions have earned him the prestigious Rose of Paracelsus award from the European Medical Association. Dr. Parth has been an invited faculty at many national and international conferences.

FAQs

It’s ideal to start making healthy lifestyle changes at least 3-6 months before undergoing IVF treatment. This gives your body enough time to adjust and optimize fertility.

Yes, your partner’s health and lifestyle choices, including diet, exercise, and avoiding substances like smoking and alcohol, can play a significant role in sperm quality and overall IVF success.

Besides prenatal vitamins, some women may benefit from additional supplements like vitamin D, Coenzyme Q10, and myo-inositol to improve egg quality. Always consult with your fertility doctor before starting any supplements.

Some studies suggest acupuncture may enhance blood flow to the uterus and reduce stress, improving IVF chances. It is generally safe when performed by a licensed practitioner with experience in fertility care.

If your BMI is outside the optimal range (18.5-24.9), it can impact hormone levels, ovulation, and sperm quality. Your fertility specialist can help assess your weight and provide guidance on achieving a healthier range.

It is recommended to limit caffeine to under 200 milligrams per day. Excessive caffeine can affect implantation and pregnancy outcomes, but moderate amounts are generally considered safe.

Yes, stress can affect fertility, and effective stress management practices such as mindfulness, yoga, and therapy can enhance IVF outcomes by promoting emotional and physical well-being.

Establishing a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and avoiding caffeine or electronics before bed can help improve sleep quality, which is crucial for hormone regulation and fertility.

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