IVF Tips for Success

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IVF TIPS, CYCLE DO’S AND DON’TS

BEFORE you start your IVF Cycle:

•Eat a balanced diet.  Click here for a recommended diet plan.

•Exercise in moderation.

•Speak to your RE about all the medications, vitamins and/or herbs you’re taking. This is very important and unusual interactions between prescribed drugs and others will be more easily identified.

•Try to avoid caffeine or reduce it to 1-2 caffeinated beverages a day.

•Do not smoke.

•Avoid alcohol or limit your alcohol intake to ½ a glass of red wine a day maximum.

DURING your IVF Cycle:

•Continue eating a well balanced diet.

•Try to eliminate caffiene.

•Make sure you get adequate sleep: a minimum of 8 hours.

•Continue light to moderate exercise.

•Don’t smoke (male and female).

•Don’t drink alcohol (male and female).

•Always avoid fish high in mercury.

•Don’t take any medication, even over-the-counter drugs like allergy or cold medication, without talking to your RE about it.

•No Hot Baths.  Extreme heat can reduce fertility in both partners. 

•Drink lots of water, especially during stimulation.

•In case of OHSS, drink lots of fluids. Drink Pedialyte instead of Gatorade. It’s just better for you! Drinking 3-5 liters of water per day can prevent OHSS is some cases.

•Last but not least, try not to stress and be positive. High stress levels are known to reduce fertility in both men and women and compromise the outcome of an IVF cycle.

AFTER the Embryo Transfer:

•Don’t eat food older than 12 hours.

•Don’t eat fish high in mercury.

•Avoid excessive exercise. Don’t over do it.

•Moderate walking is a great exercise during the 2 week wait. Helps to keep stress levels low.

•Make sure you get adequate sleep.

•Do not lift anything heavy. Some professionals believe anything over 2 pounds is too much; others, anything over 10 pounds. Bottom line: everything in moderation.

•Drink lots of water to prevent constipation. Water is also crucial for cell development.

•Extreme heat can reduce fertility in both partners.

•Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, breathing exercises, acupuncture or yoga postures that improve fertility. What’s important here is to do what you enjoy and what helps you relax. Some research suggests that lowering stress levels may improve IVF success rates.

•Think POSITIVE!!!!

You may want to seek out an acupunturist in your city who specializes in female reproductive health, and have treatments two weeks before, during and for 2-6 weeks following transfer.

Tips for Male Factor Infertility & IVF

•Vitamins and supplements which may improve male fertility: (note: speak to your urologist or physician before starting anything)

◦A good multi-vitamin

◦Vitamin E

◦B12

◦Selenium

◦Zinc

◦Flax oil

◦Fish oil

◦Vitamin C

◦Beta Carotene

•Reducing the stress in your life is very important. Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, breathing exercises and/or acupuncture. Walking is also a great way to help you relax. De-stress in whatever way is good for you.  Abstain from ejaculation at least 3-5 days prior to the official semen sample used for the actual fertilization process (usually the same day as the egg retrieval).

• Get adequate sleep.
  

• Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.
  

• No hot baths or hot tubs.
  

• Don’t drink or smoke.
  

• Take it easy, don’t over do it, and think POSITIVE!!!
  

• Wear loose fitting underwear.
  

*Male partners should take vitamins and drink lots of water prior leading up to the day of ejaculation. 

3-5 days of a good sperm build-up is preferable.

■ Always consult with your physician or RE before during and after an IVF cycle.  The information is not intended to replace medical advice offered by your own physician/Doctor.  Readers are encouraged to confirm the information contained herein with other sources.

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