When it comes to the world of in vitro fertilization (IVF), knowledge is essential for couples looking for the best chances of conceiving. When you are having difficulty conceiving a child, it can be a challenge. Many couples have experienced a great deal of stress and frustration in their relationships as a result of infertility. At some point during your IVF journey, you may wonder if there is anything you can do to improve your chances of pregnancy. If you are on the same page, here are some suggestions by Dr. Ruchi Malhotra, Fertility Specialist, FSIVF - Crysta IVF, Delhi to boost your chances of conception.
There are specific steps you can take to increase your chances of conceiving tenfold. Wondering how to increase pregnancy chances? For all those planning pregnancies via IVF or other ART procedures, along with the right treatment, you need to make necessary changes to move in the right direction.
#1 Eat healthy to boost fertility
Before starting any fertility treatment, maintaining a healthy diet and weight is critical. Obesity (BMI >35) and underweight (BMI <19) increase the time it takes to conceive by 2 and 4 times, respectively, and lower IVF success rates. It is also more difficult to locate the ovaries during the IVF process if you are overweight and hence it raises the risk of complications during the egg retrieval procedure. Changes in diet and activity, along with the assistance of experts, are the best ways to proceed with fertility treatments for better results.
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#2 Incorporate regular exercise into your IVF cycle
Appropriate amount of exercise plays an important role during fertility treatment. Easy forms of exercises are recommended during your IVF cycles as increased levels of exercise tend to tax the reproductive system and can potentially alter your normal hormone levels. Strenuous exercise can reduce the ability of the embryo to implant and could result in pregnancy loss.
#3 Yoga workout supports fertility
Yoga is one of the best ways to reduce stress and also an ideal form of exercise. Fertility yoga is beneficial for you if you are trying to conceive and aim to boost your fertility. It is also a good way to prepare your body for the future pregnancy. The stress-relieving properties of yoga have helped many women mentally during their journey of IVF. Stress has adverse effects on your ability to conceive, and yoga is proven to be an effective form of relaxation. By regularly adopting yoga, you may experience more success when trying for a baby. It also helps to increase the functioning of the reproductive system. Specific yoga asanas and postures target the reproductive organs and pelvic area by enhancing blood circulation and hence improving the vitality of these organs.
#4 Try to obtain enough vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency affects over 40% of people, and there's some interesting research linking it to infertility and poor IVF outcomes. Request a vitamin D test from your doctor, and if necessary, consider taking a vitamin D supplement before starting your IVF treatment.
Also Read: Can a 'Fertility Diet' Increase The Chances of Getting Pregnant?
#5 Stop smoking
Smoking degrades egg and sperm quality and it can reduce the chances of pregnancy while undergoing IVF. Quitting smoking is a difficult task that usually necessitates a great deal of personal as well as professional assistance. Try to enlist the help of your family members to motivate you to complete the task. Structured programs and pharmacological assistance are the most effective methods for quitting smoking.
#6 Avoid trans fats
While undergoing IVF, consuming healthy fats every day is a significant factor for enhancing fertility and overall health. Trans fats are related to an enhanced risk of ovulatory infertility, because they negatively affect the insulin sensitivity. One should avoid consuming trans fats that are commonly found in hydrogenated vegetable oils and are usually found in fried foods, processed products, and baked goods.
Also Read: True Story: How A Woman With Bilateral Tubal Block Conceived Through IVF
#7 Sleep well
Stress can have an impact on both natural and assisted conception rates. Reducing stress during an IVF procedure can be one of the most difficult goals for couples to achieve. Acupuncture and other stress-relieving procedures, such as stress reduction, enrolling in mind-body programs, and attending resilience training workshops, have been linked to improved pregnancy outcomes in several studies.
#8 Limit your caffeine and alcohol intake
Alcohol and caffeine consumption is known to impact fertility in a bad manner. It reduces seminal quality, leads to low testosterone levels and decreases semen volume and sperm count. In females, it causes hormonal imbalance, irregular ovulation and early menopause.
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