guide to ivf
Analogy past Alyssa Keifer

You're nigh to get-go your in vitro fertilization (IVF) journey — or perhaps you're already on it. But you lot're not alone — about ane in 8 women need this extra assist in getting pregnant.

If you're ready to start or add together to your family and have tried all other fertility options, IVF is oftentimes the best manner to have a biological baby.

IVF is a medical process in which an egg is fertilized with sperm, giving you lot an embryo — a babe seedling! This happens outside your body.

Then, the embryo is either frozen or transferred to your uterus (womb), which will hopefully outcome in pregnancy.

Yous may accept several emotions as you prepare for, get-go, and consummate an IVF cycle. Feet, sadness, and uncertainty are common. Afterwards all, IVF can accept time, exist physically demanding — and cost quite a chip — all for a hazard at getting pregnant.

Non to mention the hormones. Effectually ii weeks of regular shots tin raise your emotions and make your body feel completely out of whack.

It makes sense then, that the 30 days leading upward to your IVF bike are very of import for ensuring your trunk is healthy, strong, and fully prepared for this fairly intense medical procedure.

This is your guide to giving yourself and your partner the all-time chance possible at having a baby through IVF. With this advice, you'll not merely become through your IVF wheel, but y'all'll thrive throughout.

Set up to surprise yourself with your own strength.

Going through an IVF cycle means going through several stages. It'southward common to need more than one IVF cycle before things stick.

Here's a breakdown of the stages, including how long each one takes:

Preparation

The prep stage begins 2 to four weeks before yous start your IVF wheel. It includes making small lifestyle changes to brand sure you lot're at your healthiest.

Your physician might recommend medications to get your menstrual bicycle regular. This makes starting the rest of the IVF stages easier.

Stage 1

This stage takes just a day. 24-hour interval ane of your IVF is the offset 24-hour interval of your period closest to the scheduled IVF treatment. Yeah, starting your catamenia is a adept affair here!

Stage 2

This phase can have anywhere from 3 to 12 days. You'll begin fertility drugs that stimulate, or wake up, your ovaries. This gets them revved up to release more than eggs than normal.

Stage iii

You'll accept an injection of the "pregnancy hormone" or as it's too known, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This hormone helps your ovaries release some eggs.

Exactly 36 hours afterwards the injection, yous'll be at the fertility clinic where your doctor will harvest or take out the eggs.

Stage 4

This stage takes a 24-hour interval and has 2 parts. Your partner (or a donor) volition have already provided sperm or will do so while you're having your eggs harvested.

Either way, the fresh eggs will exist fertilized within hours. This is when you'll brainstorm taking a hormone chosen progesterone.

This hormone helps prepare your womb for a salubrious pregnancy and reduces the take chances of a miscarriage.

Phase v

Less than a week after your eggs were harvested, your healthy embryo will be put dorsum into your womb. This is a noninvasive procedure, and y'all won't feel a thing.

Stage 6

At 9 to 12 days afterwards, yous'll be back in your doctor'due south role. Your doctor will give you a scan to check on how well your little bulb has made a home in your womb. Y'all'll likewise have a claret test to bank check your pregnancy hormone levels.

Below, we comprehend the lifestyle changes that'll give your torso the best back up during your IVC wheel, pregnancy and for your general wellness.

What to consume during IVF

During an IVF cycle, focus on eating good for you, balanced meals. Don't brand whatsoever major or significant changes during this fourth dimension, like going gluten-gratuitous if you weren't already.

Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh, a reproductive endocrinologist, recommends a Mediterranean-style diet. Its plant-based, colorful foundation should provide the positive nutrition your body needs.

In fact, inquiry shows that a Mediterranean diet may meliorate the IVF success rate among women who are nether 35 years old and who don't have overweight or obesity.

While the study was small, eating a salubrious diet during the weeks leading up to the cycle certainly doesn't hurt.

Since nutrition besides affects sperm health, encourage your partner to stick to the Mediterranean diet with you.

Here are easy ways to revamp your nutrition with the Mediterranean nutrition:

  • Fill up on fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Choose lean proteins, like fish and poultry.
  • Eat whole grains, like quinoa, farro, and whole grain pasta.
  • Add in legumes, including beans, chickpeas, and lentils.
  • Switch to low-fat dairy products.
  • Eat healthy fats, such as avocado, extra-virgin olive oil, nuts, and seeds.
  • Avert ruby-red meat, saccharide, refined grains, and other highly processed foods.
  • Cutting out common salt. Flavor food with herbs and spices instead.

How to piece of work out during IVF

Many women avoid or stop exercising during their IVF cycle because they worry that hitting the mat might not be good for a potential pregnancy. Don't worry. Almost women tin continue their do routine.

Dr. Eyvazzadeh recommends you continue doing what you've been doing, especially if you already take a consistent fitness regimen.

She advises that if y'all have a salubrious body mass index (BMI), have been exercising, and have a healthy womb, you should go on exercising.

Eyvazzadeh does, however, recommend all women undergoing IVF keep their running to no more 15 miles per week. Your knees will cheers besides!

"Running is more than disruptive to our fertility than any other form of exercise," she says.

She explains that information technology can take negative effects on the thickening of the womb lining and shift blood away from the womb to other organs and muscles when the reproductive system needs it most.

If you're an avid runner, safely replace your long runs with:

  • light jogging
  • hiking
  • the elliptical
  • spinning

Which products to toss and chemicals to avert

Consider tossing or avoiding some household items made with endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs).

EDCs interfere with:

  • hormones
  • reproductive wellness
  • prenatal development

Not to mention, they're not skilful for your overall health.

The Endocrine Social club has said these listed chemicals cause "significant concern to human health." Dr. Eyvazzadeh recommends checking the products you use near and switching to more natural alternatives.

Chemicals to avert and where they're establish

Formaldehyde

  • nail polish

Parabens, triclosan, and benzophenone

  • cosmetics
  • moisturizers
  • lather

BPA and other phenols

  • food-packaging materials

Brominated flame retardants

  • piece of furniture
  • clothing
  • electronics
  • yoga mats

Perfluorinated compounds

  • stain-resistant materials
  • nonstick cooking tools

Dioxins

  • meat
  • dairy
  • art clay

Phthalates

  • plastic
  • medication coatings
  • cosmetics with fragrance

As you prepare to start your IVF bicycle, tell your fertility physician about any medications y'all accept. Make sure to listing everything, even the virtually ordinary drug, similar:

  • a daily allergy pill
  • acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil)
  • any prescriptions
  • over-the-counter (OTC) supplements

Some medications could potentially:

  • interfere with fertility drugs
  • crusade hormonal imbalances
  • brand IVF handling less effective

The medications below are the virtually of import to avert. Enquire your physician if it's possible to prescribe alternatives during your IVF cycle and even during pregnancy.

Medications to flag to your fertility physician

  • prescription and OTC nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), like aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Midol), and naproxen (Aleve)
  • medications for depression, feet, and other mental health conditions, like antidepressants
  • steroids, like those used to treat asthma or lupus
  • antiseizure medications
  • thyroid medications
  • peel products, especially those containing estrogen or progesterone
  • chemotherapy drugs

There are a few natural supplements y'all tin can accept to assist support a new pregnancy.

First a prenatal vitamin in the thirty days (or fifty-fifty several months) before your IVF wheel begins to increase your folic acrid. This vitamin is critically important, as information technology protects against brain and spinal birth defects in developing fetuses.

Prenatal vitamins can fifty-fifty help your partner boost their sperm health.

Dr. Eyvazzadeh also recommends fish oil, which tin support embryonic development.

If your vitamin D levels are depression, start taking vitamin D supplements before your IVF cycle. Depression levels of vitamin D in the mother may be linked to autism.

Remember that the Nutrient and Drug Administration doesn't regulate supplements for quality and purity like they do for drugs. Always review supplements with your doctor before y'all add them to your daily nutrition.

You tin as well cheque labels for an NSF International certification. This means the supplement has been certified as safety by leading, independent evaluation organizations.

Sleep and fertility are closely connected. Getting the right amount of sleep tin back up your IVF cycle.

A 2022 study found that the pregnancy rate for those who sleep seven to 8 hours each night was significantly higher than those who slept for shorter or longer durations.

Dr. Eyvazzadeh notes that melatonin, a hormone that regulates both slumber and reproduction, peaks between 9 p.m. and midnight. This makes x p.grand. to 11 p.g. the platonic time to fall asleep.

Here are a few means to make good for you sleep function of your routine:

  • Absurd your chamber to lx to 67ºF (16 to 19ºC).
  • Take a warm shower or soak in a hot bath merely earlier bed.
  • Lengthened lavender in your bedchamber (or apply in the shower).
  • Avoid caffeine 4 to 6 hours before bedtime.
  • Stop eating 2 to 3 hours before bedtime.
  • Mind to soft, slow music to relax, similar symphonic pieces.
  • Limit screen time for at least 30 minutes before bed. This includes phones, TVs, and computers.
  • Exercise gentle stretches before bedtime.

1 of the bully ironies of infertility is that at that place's zippo straightforward or easy about the sex that should be responsible for making these babies!

In the iii to four days earlier a sperm retrieval, men should avoid ejaculation, manually or vaginally, says Dr. Eyvazzadeh. She notes couples want the "whole pot full" of the very best sperm when information technology comes fourth dimension to collect, equally opposed to sourcing "what'due south left" from a postal service-ejaculate sample.

That doesn't mean total abstinence from sex activity, though. She says couples can engage in amorous contact, or what she likes to call "outercourse." And then, equally long as the human isn't ejaculating during that prime sperm development window, feel free to mess around.

She likewise recommends couples keep penetration shallow and avoid deep vaginal intercourse, as this can irritate the cervix.

Yous may want a drink after carrying the emotional burden of IVF. If so, there's good news from Dr. Eyvazzadeh. She says information technology's possible to drink in moderation.

Only beware that a couple of drinks during the week could have negative effects on the outcome of the IVF cycle.

Likewise, you may not respond well to booze on summit of the fertility drugs. It may leave you lot feeling miserable.

A 2011 study found that live birth rates were 21 percent lower in women who consumed more than four drinks in a week and 21 pct lower when both partners consumed more than four drinks in a week.

Of course, once you lot've completed the embryo transfer, you lot should abstain from drinking any alcohol at all.

As unpredictable as an IVF cycle can be, one matter's a certainty: myriad concrete symptoms.

Every woman and every bicycle are different, so there's no sure way to know which side effect you'll experience on any given mean solar day of any given bike.

Here are some ways to manage or fifty-fifty beat out the side effects of fertility drugs.

Bleeding or spotting

  • Call your doctor immediately if haemorrhage or spotting occurs during the bicycle.
  • Light bleeding or spotting after an egg retrieval is normal. Heavy bleeding is not.
  • Do not utilise tampons.

Dr. Eyvazzadeh advises her patients to "expect the worst period of their life after an IVF cycle, because the hormones used not only help the eggs to abound, simply also thicken the lining."

She cautions that this isn't anybody's experience, merely if information technology'south yours, don't worry and take pain medications as needed and per your medico'southward recommendations.

GI and digestive issues

There are plenty of OTC options available to treat digestive bug. Effort taking:

  • Gas-Ten
  • a stool softener
  • Tums
  • Pepto-Bismol

Bloating

It may seem counterintuitive, just taking in more fluids can salve bloating. If water is getting tiresome, hydrate yourself with:

  • coconut water
  • low-sugar electrolyte drinks or tablets
  • LiquidIV

Nausea

If natural remedies aren't working, try an anti-nausea medication, such equally:

  • Pepto-Bismol
  • Emetrol
  • Dramamine

But get-go, talk to your doctor to make sure OTC anti-nausea drugs are rubber for yous.

Headache and pain

Some OTC remedies for hurting relief include:

  • acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • ibuprofen (Motrin)
  • heating pads

Before taking whatever OTC drugs, talk to your dr. and ask nigh the all-time dosage for you.

Exhaustion and fatigue

  • Get 7 to eight hours of sleep each nighttime.
  • Try taking 30- to 45-minute naps during the twenty-four hour period.
  • Don't overcommit or overbook yourself. Accept it piece of cake (and say "no" whenever you lot desire to!)

Stress and anxiety

  • Do a slow, restorative breathing regimen.
  • Employ the FertiCalm app for support and good for you means to cope.
  • Utilize the Headspace app for meditation.
  • Practice yoga. Here's our definitive guide.
  • Go on your exercise regimen.
  • Stick to any established routines and schedules.
  • Get enough of sleep.
  • Take warm showers or baths.
  • Visit a therapist.
  • Accept sexual activity to release feel-good hormones.

Hot flashes

  • Vesture light, breathable clothing.
  • Stay in air-conditioned spaces.
  • Add together a fan to your bedside or desk-bound.
  • Stay hydrated with cool water.
  • Avoid smoking, spicy foods, and caffeine.
  • Practice deep-animate exercises.
  • Exercise depression-bear upon exercises like pond, walking, or yoga.

Preparing for and getting through IVF will probable be i of the near challenging experiences of your life.

There's a lot to exist said for mind over matter and making the virtually of uncomfortable, painful, and inconvenient situations. This is one of them.

Starting to have care of yourself early on and often can be very helpful. Doing and so will help you better manage, and even avert, some of the pain points of an IVF cycle. Here are some tips:

  • Drink enough of water.
  • Get enough of sleep and treat yourself to naps.
  • Stock up on your favorite snacks.
  • Socialize with friends.
  • Proceed a date with your partner.
  • Exercise yoga or other gentle exercises.
  • Meditate. Here are some how-to videos and poses to try.
  • Accept a long, hot bath.
  • Get a massage.
  • Get a pedicure or manicure.
  • Read a book.
  • Take a vacation day.
  • Go to a movie.
  • Buy yourself flowers.
  • Journal and track your thoughts and feelings.
  • Get a haircut or blowout.
  • Have your makeup done.
  • Schedule a photograph shoot to remember this fourth dimension.

He may not conduct the brunt of the IVF cycle, just your partner is an equally important cog in this wheel. Very presently, he'll requite the most important sperm sample of his life.

His diet, sleep patterns, and cocky-care are of import, too. Here are v ways your male person partner tin can support your IVF efforts and ensure you lot're both in this together:

  • Drink less. A 2019 study found men who drank booze daily contributed to the reduced success of the cycle. Non smoking — weed or tobacco — helps, too.
  • Sleep more. Not getting enough sleep (at to the lowest degree 7 to eight hours per nighttime) can touch testosterone levels and sperm quality.
  • Avoid chemicals. A 2022 study showed that some chemicals and toxins also wreak havoc on hormones in men. This may lower sperm quality. Have your human being toss harmful products and continue your home as toxin-free every bit possible.
  • Clothing underwear… or don't. A 2022 study found no significant departure in semen quality in the boxers versus briefs fence.
  • Eat well and exercise. A lower BMI and good overall nutrition can improve the quality of sperm nerveless during IVF.
  • Be supportive. The virtually important thing your partner can practise is be in that location for yous. Turn to them to talk, heed, snuggle, become help with shots, exist proactive about pain medication, manage appointments, and pick up the slack. In brusque: Be the loving, supportive person you barbarous in dearest with.

Brandi Koskie is the founder of Banter Strategy, where she serves as a content strategist and wellness journalist for dynamic clients. She'south got a wanderlust spirit, believes in the power of kindness, and works and plays in the foothills of Denver with her family unit.