With over two decades of experience as an IVF specialist, I (Dr Prajnanika Gurung) have had the privilege of assisting countless individuals and couples on their journey to parenthood.
Without a doubt, the most frequently asked question I encounter from my patients is, “What are my personal chances of success with IVF?”
At PHS Fertility Clinic, recognized as one of the best IVF clinics in Kolkata, we have achieved remarkable success rates. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that each person’s IVF journey is unique and can be influenced by various factors. Please read our article about what are the top 6 questions to ask your IVF doctor to have a better understanding and clarity about the IVF process.
In this pursuit of enhancing your IVF success, it is essential to consider key aspects beyond the clinic’s reputation. Factors like maintaining a balanced diet, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and understanding the intricacies of the process can significantly impact your chances.
Therefore, I invite you to explore 9 vital ways to improve your odds of success in your IVF journey as we delve into practical guidance and insights that can make a world of difference in your quest for parenthood.
Let’s get started.
1. A Balanced Diet
This is the most vague statement to make. We all know that a balanced diet helps in every situation; however, how do you contextualize it to your IVF process?
Let’s break this down.
Boosting Egg and Sperm Quality:
- A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein helps regulate hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and insulin, which are vital for egg development and ovulation. Studies show diets like the Mediterranean pattern, rich in these foods, can improve ovarian reserve and egg quality in women with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) undergoing IVF
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- Adequate intake of antioxidants like vitamins C and E in colourful fruits and vegetables can protect sperm from damage and improve motility.
Creating a Nurturing Environment:
- A healthy endometrium (inner lining of the uterus) is crucial for embryo implantation. Omega-3 fatty acids, abundant in fatty fish like salmon and flaxseeds, have anti-inflammatory properties that may promote a receptive uterine environment.
- Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet lowers the risk of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, common complications during pregnancy that can impact IVF outcomes.
Essential Nutrients for IVF Success:
- Folate: This B vitamin plays a vital role in preventing birth defects. Aim for 400 mcg daily from leafy greens, fortified cereals, and beans.
- Iron: Adequate iron intake is crucial for oxygen delivery to the developing embryo. Include iron-rich foods like red meat, lentils, and tofu.
- Vitamin D: This sunshine vitamin supports immune function and cell growth. Get your daily dose of fatty fish, eggs, and fortified milk.
To find out more about maintaining a balanced diet. Read our article.
2. Avoid Smoking and Drinking
Complete abstinence from smoking several months before the commencement of one’s IVF process and moderation in one’s drinking habits is strongly recommended.
Smoking:
- Studies point to a decrease in egg quality and quantity in women who smoke. Cigarette smoke contains toxic chemicals that can damage ovarian follicles and DNA, leading to early menopause and fewer viable eggs.
- Smoking thins the uterine lining, making embryo implantation less likely. One study showed a 0.6 mm decrease in endometrial thickness in smokers compared to non-smokers on embryo transfer day, hindering implantation success.
- Smoking significantly increases the risk of miscarriage and complications like preeclampsia and placental abruption.
Drinking
- Excessive alcohol consumption disrupts hormone balance, impacting egg quality and ovulation. Studies suggest that even moderate drinking can decrease live birth rates in IVF cycles.
- Alcohol consumption in men can negatively affect sperm count, motility, and morphology, reducing fertilization chances.
- Alcohol exposure can impair embryo development and hinder implantation, lowering pregnancy rates.
3. Adequate Sleep is Necessary
The emotional turbulence of the IVF journey can frequently disrupt sleep patterns. Nonetheless, prioritising getting sufficient sleep is paramount, as it significantly maximises your chances of success.
- Studies show Sleep disruption affects hormone balance critical for ovulation, follicle development, and embryo implantation—poor sleep quality during IVF results in lower progesterone levels, which is vital for pregnancy.
- Melatonin, the sleep hormone, regulates the reproductive cycle. Inadequate sleep reduces melatonin levels, further disturbing hormone balance.
- IVF is stressful, and sleep deprivation worsens it, leading to anxiety and depression. Chronic stress harms the immune system and hormone regulation, impacting IVF outcomes.
- Sufficient sleep enhances stress resilience and emotional well-being. Women with adequate sleep during IVF experience lower anxiety and improved coping mechanisms. Study.
- Sleep deprivation harms egg and sperm quality. Men with sleep issues face reduced sperm count and motility, lowering fertilization chances.
- Poor sleep negatively affects egg development and maturation in women, potentially impacting embryo viability.
4. Consumption of Pharmaceutical Supplements
The importance of consuming pharmaceutical supplements during the IVF process is a complex and nuanced topic. While some supplements may offer potential benefits, it’s crucial to approach them cautiously and under the guidance of a healthcare professional experienced in IVF. Below are the potential benefits of certain supplements during one’s IVF process. You need to consult your IVF specialist before taking any supplements.
Folic Acid: Taking 400 mcg of folic acid daily can prevent birth defects during embryo development. This becomes crucial for women with a history of pregnancy complications or specific genetic conditions.
Vitamin D: Sufficient vitamin D levels are associated with enhanced egg quality and improved pregnancy rates in certain studies. However, ongoing research is needed, and excessive doses can be harmful.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): This antioxidant can potentially enhance egg quality and mitochondrial function, benefiting both egg and sperm health. Nevertheless, the evidence is limited and requires further research.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These fats are anti-inflammatory and could improve endometrial receptivity. However, additional research is necessary to establish their effectiveness.
5. Practising Abstinence 2 to 4 Days Before Sperm Collection
The conventional recommendation of complete abstinence before sperm collection for IVF has evolved. Specialists now debate the ideal duration of abstinence, as research indicates that a window of 2-7 days can potentially enhance sperm quality. However, determining the optimal abstinence period may vary among individuals due to specific factors. Let’s break this down.
Benefits of Short Abstinence
Studies suggest longer Abstinence (up to 7 days) can increase sperm count and volume, possibly by allowing sufficient time for spermatogenesis, the sperm production process.
However, shorter abstinence (2-4 days) is linked to enhanced sperm motility (movement), morphology (shape) and sperm function, which can positively impact fertilization rates and contribute to embryo development.
Reduced DNA Fragmentation: A shorter abstinence interval is associated with decreased sperm DNA damage, potentially improving embryo quality and implantation chances.
Disadvantages of Prolonged Abstinence
Reduced Semen Volume: Abstinence exceeding 7 days may decrease semen volume. While it may not necessarily harm sperm quality, it could pose challenges for successful sperm collection.
Elevated Sperm Senescence: Prolonged abstinence (over 7 days) may heighten the risk of sperm senescence, where sperm undergo age-related functional decline. This could lower fertilization potential.
6. Research and Questioning
Effective research and active questioning are crucial for enhancing the success rate of IVF. People don’t have to do it, but in my experience, patients who are informed and ask questions tend to help themselves achieve a better success rate.
For instance, Patients should thoroughly investigate their fertility clinic’s reputation, success rates, and treatment options. Patients can actively participate in treatment decisions by asking informed questions about the most suitable protocols or potential lifestyle changes.
Understanding the intricacies of IVF, including medication choices and potential side effects, empowers patients to make informed choices aligned with their needs. Open and transparent communication with IVF specialists ensures personalized care and fosters a collaborative approach, optimizing the chances of a successful IVF journey tailored to individual circumstances.
7. Substances to Avoid
Several chemical substances have been linked to decreased IVF success rates. While research is ongoing and individual sensitivities may vary, minimising exposure to the following during your IVF journey is generally advisable.
Environmental Toxins:
1. Bisphenol A (BPA): Found in plastics, food packaging, and receipts, it can disrupt hormones, affecting egg quality and embryo development.
2. Phthalates: In personal care products and vinyl flooring, these disrupt hormone function, potentially impacting fertility.
3. Pesticides and Herbicides: Exposure harms sperm quality and egg health; choose organic food and minimize contact.
4. Air Pollution: Particulate matter and volatile organic compounds can harm sperm quality. Avoid high-traffic areas and use air purifiers.
Other Substances:
Excessive Caffeine: High intake linked to lower IVF success rates; limit or avoid.
Heavy Metals: Lead and mercury can harm sperm and egg quality; be cautious of food and environmental sources.
8. Importance of Consistent De-Stressing
Recognizing the profound connection between the mind and body, it’s increasingly evident that nurturing positive mental health is pivotal in enhancing IVF success rates.
Chronic Stress: Elevates cortisol levels, hindering egg quality, embryo development, and implantation. It disrupts ovarian function and uterine blood flow, impeding IVF success.
Emotional Strain: Infertility and IVF can induce anxiety, depression, and reduced emotional well-being, affecting sleep, diet, and self-care. This, in turn, affects the body’s ability to cope with IVF demands.
Read our article to learn more about the correlation between stress and IVF.
9. Choosing the Right Doctor
Everyone’s IVF journey is unique. This statement stands true for both you and your IVF specialists. The right doctor has the necessary experience and expertise to diagnose each patient differently and appropriately guide you while prioritising your situation, concerns and issues. A thorough background check on your doctor and their success rate should also be prioritized when choosing the right IVF specialist.
PHS Fertility Clinic in Kolkata offers compelling reasons to be your top choice for your IVF journey. We are dedicated to providing Personalized Care and respecting your values and needs.
Our team is known for its Support and compassion, ensuring a nurturing environment throughout the emotionally charged process. We adhere to Global Standards in fertility care, emphasizing Quality and excellence.
With consistently High Success Rates and a state-of-the-art laboratory, we offer expert fertility care. Our Specialist Andrology Services also address male reproductive and sexual health. Count on our Committed Expertise to help you overcome infertility challenges. Book a consultation at PHS Fertility today for a caring, quality-driven IVF experience.