Increasing body weight, particularly a BMI over 30, is associated with a decrease in live birth rates following IVF treatment. For obese women, achieving weight loss before undergoing IVF is highly recommended to improve the chances of conception and successful pregnancy. Studies involving overweight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and infertility have demonstrated improved ovulation and live birth rates after lifestyle modifications and weight reduction.
A balanced diet plays a crucial role. Prioritize foods low in unhealthy fats and rich in protein, iron, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. Green leafy vegetables are highly beneficial. Incorporate foods known to support fertility, such as those rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., avocado, salmon, nuts), eggs, beans, and whole grains. Conversely, it is advisable to limit or avoid high-sugar and processed foods.
Regular physical activity is strongly encouraged. The American Heart Association recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, five days a week, including any activity that elevates your heart rate. Consistent exercise can help manage blood pressure, combat diabetes, and significantly enhance the chances of IVF success.
Smoking has a detrimental impact on both egg and sperm quality. Women who smoke often require higher doses of hormone medication for ovarian stimulation and may need more IVF cycles compared to non-smokers. Therefore, for couples planning IVF treatment, quitting smoking before starting the process is highly recommended to improve pregnancy chances.
Recent research suggests that excessive caffeine intake may reduce the likelihood of conceiving through IVF. Studies recommend that women limit their consumption to no more than three cups of coffee or its caffeine equivalent per day.
Prenatal multivitamin supplementation is often recommended before pregnancy. Beyond standard multivitamins, specific adjuvant therapies may be beneficial depending on the cause of infertility in both partners. For women, androgens (such as DHEA and testosterone) and antioxidants (like Coenzyme Q10) are believed to positively impact egg quality. For men, antioxidant supplements (e.g., L-Carnitine) are frequently suggested to reduce sperm DNA damage and improve sperm quality.
Stress can negatively impact an individual's reproductive potential by affecting the hormonal, central nervous, and immune systems. While chronic stress influences overall reproductive performance, acute stress, particularly during ovulation, can lead to undesirable outcomes. Stress can reduce the secretion of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus, subsequently decreasing the release of Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) from the pituitary gland, and estrogen from the ovaries, all of which have adverse effects on fertility. Therefore, effective stress management is crucial. Activities such as acupuncture, yoga, massage, meditation, walking, and journaling can be beneficial in coping with stress.