IVF can be a daunting process that needs involvement at a physical, emotional and spiritual level. Very often the uncertainty of what will happen next is worrisome as not every woman will give a fixed response to treatment and a fixed outcome in percentage success. Sometimes you may just wish there was something you could do to ensure better outcome – Yes you Can!
As an IVF expert there are things that I wish my patients did and things that I would want them to avoid to be complimentary and sometimes supplementary to our treatment protocols. Hence this list of Do’s and Don’t’s…
Do’s
- Cut down on stress and have a positive outlook. Some patients find that meditation helps. Keep your day as normal as it always is.
- Get educated about IVF – the procedure, risks, benefits, success rates, etc. The more you know, the less stress you will feel.
- Health is wealth – is not such a cliché with IVF. The healthier you are to start with the better is the outcome with IVF.
- A healthy diet with lots of proteins, fruits and leafy vegetables along with good hydration helps. Avoid getting dehydrated.
- Optimise you weight to near normal for your height. Work on this well before you start treatment. A BMI of over 30 or less than 19, is associated with poorer outcomes despite all other parameters being normal.
- Get adequate sleep.
- Exercise regularly and in moderation
- Make sure you take any recommended vitamins and micronutrient supplements regularly.
- Stay Positive!
Don’ts
- Don’t listen to negative people. Every couple’s situation and case is different. The outcome of someone else’s case has no bearing on you.
- Don’t neglect your general health and wellbeing.
- Don’t smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. These will affect success and chances for a pregnancy.
- Do not over exert yourself physically.
- Don’t give up after one failed cycle. Some couples will need multiple IVF cycles before achieving pregnancy.
- Don’t lose hope. There is always a plan B that your doctor will be able to counsel you about.
