Starting an IVF cycle for the first time can be daunting and overwhelming. You may have every good intention but are unsure where to begin. At HOPE Fertility and IVF we want you to be successful so we want to share with you our top tips for preparing your mind, body and spirit, so you can give you the best possible start. NO SMOKING The negative effects of smoking on fertility and ovarian response has long been clear. Smoking damages the lining of your uterus reducing the likelihood of implantation while also affecting the quality of the sperm. NO CAFFEINE Studies on caffeine and fertility are somewhat inconclusive. However caffeine is known to decrease blood flow to the uterus, can increase anxiety and stress levels and studies are suggesting that it may be a risk factor for delayed conception. Too much caffeine may also increase the risk of clotting and miscarriage. NO ALCOHOL Clinical research suggests that alcohol intake negatively impacts IVF success. Evidence shows it takes longer to conceive and there is an increase of miscarriage as well as cause acute drops in sperm count. AVOID STRENUOUS EXERCISE Try to avoid strenuous exercise, such as aerobics or running. Your body needs rest as your hormonal system shuts down to prepare for IVF. Try gentle forms of exercise instead, such as walking or yoga. LESS SUGAR AND PROCESSED FOODS Avoid chocolate, sugary, and processed foods, salty snacks, coffee, tea, coke and other carbonated drinks and alcohol. These all counteract the beneficial effects of vital nutrients and some have a diuretic effect. MORE WHOLE, FRESH, ORGANIC FOODS Remember, the foods you eat provide your body with the building blocks needed to produce healthy eggs, sperm and ultimately a healthy baby. Eat, not just for fuel, but to nourish yourself and your body. Your diet influences every aspect of your health and fertility. Try new foods and recipes. Make this a lifestyle choice. It will be the best decision you have ever made! HYDRATE Drink at least 2 liters of water a day. Drinking water helps flush out unwanted toxins. In fertility, it plays a key role in helping to transport hormones, develop follicles and maintain consistency and quantity in both cervical fluid and semen. PROTEIN Protein is an essential building block when it comes to fertility. Protein is broken down into amino acids that are used for growth and repair. Protein is vital for egg production, growth of our endometrial lining, sperm production and for making your hormones FSH and LH. You need an average size serving (equivalent to the palm of your hand) of protein rich foods two to three times a day. Protein helps to build your endometrial lining and assist in egg production. You should aim to consume about 60grams of protein a day from both meat and/or vegetarian sources. BONE BROTH When it comes to fertility, bone broth is the elixir of life. It is loaded with every amino acid and mineral our body needs. Along with collagen, fat and protein- all the building blocks to creating healthy embryos and babies. Broth supports you during every stage of your fertility journey, conception, pregnancy and post partum. It’s a great source of amino acids, there are three in particular that are important when talking about gut health and fertility, Glycine, Glutamine and Proline. MEDITATION The mind-body connection has a huge impact on our fertility. One of the key aspects of fertility is to initiate the relaxation response. Whilst sex is fantastic for this, there is so much pressure around “making a baby” that even the most pleasurable act can become stressful. Taking a few minutes a day can make a tremendous impact on your well-being journey. CALM YOUR MIND. According to recent psychological studies, research suggests that stress and the psychological symptoms associated with infertility are similar to those associated with other life-threatening medical conditions. This research suggests that mind-body techniques that elicit a relaxation response such as meditation and yoga can reduce stress and increase chances of conceiving. Contact us to make an appointment with our HOPE Fertility specialists, Dr. Aytug Kolankaya and Dr. Christine Schembri Deguara.
