Authors: Dr Antoine Abu Musa, Chief Medical Officer, and Dr Luciano Nardo, Founder & President, NOW-fertility
The success of IVF can vary depending on several factors, including the age of the woman, the cause of infertility, the quality of the eggs and sperm, and the overall health of the individuals involved. As a general guideline, success rates tend to decrease with advancing maternal age. The reported live birth rate can be as high as 50% for women less than 35 years old and in those who have good quality genetically normal embryos.
There are several lifestyle and health factors that women and men should consider to potentially improve their chances of a successful IVF cycle. While individual responses can vary, adopting a healthy lifestyle can contribute to overall well-being and may positively impact fertility potential. Some suggestions include:
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Nutritious diet. Eating a well-balanced diet rich in nutrients is important for overall health and fertility. Consider incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Certain vitamins and supplements such as vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, selenium, zinc, co-enzyme Q10, omega-3 and folic acid are also recommended daily.
- Regular exercise. Engaging in regular physical activity can contribute to overall health. However, excessive exercise may have negative effects on fertility, so it’s important to strike a balance.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol.
- Avoid smoking. Smoking has been linked to decreased fertility in both women and men. Quitting smoking is generally recommended for those trying to conceive.
- Manage stress.
- Adequate sleep.
- Address any underlying health conditions. Managing and treating underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or thyroid disorders, can contribute to better fertility and pregnancy outcomes.
If you are considering IVF treatment, contact us to find out how we can help you.
