What to expect before you're expecting: how to prepare for IVF

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a process where an egg is extracted from the ovaries and fertilised outside of the body. In this guide, a consultant gynaecologist and fertility specialist shares how IVF works, and how to prepare for it.

What is in vitro fertilisation?

IVF is an option for those who are struggling to become pregnant for a multitude of reasons, such as damaged or obstructed fallopian tubes, endometriosis, PCOS, or unexplained unsuccessful attempts at conception.

An IVF cycle has five main stages:

1. First, the menstrual cycle is repressed using medications
2. Then, hormonal medications are taken by the patient for around 10 days to stimulate their ovaries to produce more than one egg at a time.
3. In a short procedure called ovarian puncture, a needle is inserted through the vagina and into the ovaries to harvest the mature eggs.
4. The multiple eggs, ready for fertilisation, are mixed with sperm in a laboratory to be fertilised. Because there is more than one egg, the chances of successful fertilisation are higher.
5. The fertilised egg (or eggs), now an embryo, is transferred back into the womb of the patient. After two or so weeks, the patient can take a pregnancy test to see if the treatment has worked.

The rates for successful IVF that results in a live birth vary with the age of the patient but roughly there is around a 50 per cent or lower chance.

What do patients need to do before an in vitro fertilisation cycle?

Before undergoing an IVF cycle, patients typically undergo a few tests and screenings to ensure their bodies and their eggs or sperm are viable for this treatment.

This can include ovary and semen analysis to check how many eggs/sperm patients have, ultrasounds, blood tests, and uterine exams.

To better the chances of successful embryo implantation, there are recommended steps that waiting-to-be-expecting patients can take.

Consume healthily

Eating properly to ensure that the body has the minerals, nutrients, and vitamins required to produce healthy eggs (and sperm) and babies is vital!

Ideally, the diet should include at least two litres of water daily, leafy greens like kale and spinach, whole grains like oats and lentils, healthy fats like fish and organic yoghurt or eggs, and plenty of fresh fruit like strawberries, grapefruit, or blueberries. It is recommended to avoid or limit the consumption of red meat, alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine.

To further boost the intake of nutrients and vitamins, patients can also explore taking supplements such as:

• 400mcg of folic acid daily, which helps with neural tube development and is involved with the reduction of homocysteine which has been linked to miscarriage
• 1000mg of vitamin C daily, which stimulates progesterone production, which is used to build the uterine lining, and improves sperm quality
• Omega 3 DHA daily, which improves blood flow and manages sexual hormones
• 30mg zinc citrate, as zinc deficiency has been linked to miscarriage
• Probiotics daily, which increase IVF success from fertilisation to birth

Physical activity

Keeping active helps to strengthen the body and can reduce stress. During the IVF cycle, the medications that stimulate the ovaries make them larger, so exercise that is not too strenuous, such as walking, cycling, or jogging, is safe to do.

Sleep

A good quality of sleep also helps to manage stress. Inadequate or unrestful sleep can cause hormonal imbalances, which might interfere with the IVF medications. Create a consistent bedtime routine where there is a proper winddown and set-up to ensure comfortable, uninterrupted sleep nightly.

Peace of mind

As mentioned previously, it is very important to manage stress. Assisted conception can be difficult and, in the times where it is not successful, devastating. Taking part in relaxing activities or hobbies like yoga, crafts, and reading, and having a good support network is beneficial.

If you are interested in IVF, you can consult with a specialist on Top Doctors.