If you are thinking of starting IVF Treatment, then you may be looking for some tips about increasing your chance of success with IVF. IVF can sometimes be a long, hard road – not only because of the financial burden but also because of the emotional highs and lows that can come along with it.
Most likely by the tip you are ready to start IVF, chances are you that you either have a known medical condition for your infertility or have probably been trying to conceive for some time without success. Perhaps you are looking for some tips to increase your IVF Success chances. Here are some tips to get you started:
If you or your partner smokes cigarettes, stop now.
Smoking cigarettes can impact your ability to conceive. Smokers generally take longer to get pregnant and can also interfere with your menstrual cycle. In men, smoking can affect the development and quality of sperm. If you do conceive and you smoke, there is a higher risk of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancies.
Reduce Your Caffeine Intake
If you have more than 2 cups of coffee or 4 cups a tea a day, then you should reduce your intake. If you consume cola soft drinks or hot chocolate then this will also have an impact on your fertility as well. This is because some research studies suggest a link between caffeine and delays in conception as well as sperm motility.
Limit Alcohol Consumption
Whilst drinking a few standard drinks a week are fine, too much alcohol can have a negative impact on your fertility. Some studies have pointed to a link between alcohol consumption in women and time taken to conceive. In men, alcoholism is linked to impotence and decreased testosterone levels which can affect sperm quantity, quality and motility.
Avoid Drugs
Marijuana can have a negative impact on your fertility both in men and women. Not only does it impact the menstrual cycle and ovulation in women, it can also impact sperm quality in men. Other drugs like cocaine, heroin and methadone are also harmful and should be avoided. Steroids can also reduce sperm function in men so it is worth discussing steroid use or any other prescription or non-prescription drugs with your doctor. It is not a good idea to use any drugs prior to or when undergoing IVF Treatment.
Have a Good Balanced Diet
A healthy balanced diet will not only make you feel better but it will also help you recover from surgical procedures such as IVF more quickly. Your diet should be rich in fibre with adequate vitamins and minerals. This means you should have lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, cereals, rice, pasta, beans in your diet as well as regular servings of fish, poutry, tofu or soy products. It means less pies, pizzas, battered fish and chips, cakes and sweets. You should drink plenty of water every day.
Following these steps and more will help increase your increase IVF Success chances.
