In the course of a fertility treatment, such as in vitro fertilization, patients go through an emotional period that includes many variations in mood, with the confidence of achieving pregnancy in the least possible number of attempts. All this, bearing in mind that the success of fertility treatments and, therefore, embryo implantation depends on many factors.
During this process, many patients hope to increase the success rate of the reproductive process, so they seek advice to improve fertility. Not all advice is based on scientific criteria, but there are certain behaviors that can positively influence the development of pregnancy.
Lifestyle during fertility treatment
Infertility treatment affects all aspects of patients’ lives. Women must take hormone-stimulating medications, which are often accompanied by stress. Even so, experts advise patients to lead a normal life.
They also state that during this stage it is not necessary to go into a state of absolute rest. The practice of the usual sports activities during these early stages of the process has no negative effects. On the contrary, it can be beneficial, because it stimulates the metabolism and contributes to better health. Exercise can also regulate insulin secretion and improve hormone levels, allowing for increased fertility.
On the other hand, couples can continue to have sexual relations, as they provide well-being, contributing to improve physical condition and mood.
It is important to report all medical tests and treatments that are not directly related to the fertility treatment. In this way, the fertility clinic’s medical specialists can evaluate the compatibility of the various medications taken with the assigned treatment plan.
Unhealthy habits in the process
Experts recommend that, whether during a fertility treatment or not, nicotine should be completely stopped. Regular smoking reduces fertility, in both men and women, not to mention passive smokers, who are also affected.
In addition, this unhealthy habit reduces the success rates of fertility treatments by increasing the risk of chromosomal abnormalities.
On the other hand, alcohol consumption should be reduced to small amounts and coffee should be limited to one or two cups a day. If consumption is not reduced, the probability of successful treatments can decrease by up to 50%. In this regard, it is also important to avoid the consumption of caffeinated beverages such as energy drinks.
Food to follow during fertility treatment
It is important to eat a diet rich in vitamins and fiber, avoiding the abuse of ultra-processed products, as well as dairy products and wheat, as this will increase the success of the fertility treatment. Even so, practically all foods can be consumed without any problem, since they do not influence the success of the treatment.
Recommendations before the embryo transfer
On the day of the embryo transfer, specialists advise to arrive in time for the appointment in order to avoid unforeseen events that may influence the mood. In addition, it is advisable to dress comfortably so that you can change easily.
On the other hand, it is necessary to come without makeup or perfume, since the transfer is performed in the operating room, where a sterile environment must be maintained to avoid contaminating the material or the samples.
It is also recommended to come to the consultation with a half-full bladder, with the idea that the bladder will be full during the ultrasound that accompanies the embryo transfer.
Once the transfer has been performed, the nurses will provide the patient with all the necessary prescriptions and information about the medication to be taken until the twelfth week of pregnancy.
Recommendations to follow after embryo transfer
Once the embryo transfer has been performed, the patient is in the Beta-awaiting phase. It is an emotional time. During these ten days of waiting it is important to keep the mind entertained. In any case, the patient should know that the fact of not having symptoms does not mean that the success of the treatment is in danger.
After the embryo transfer, it is advisable to take a series of precautions so as not to endanger the embryo. It is important to avoid high-impact sports and those involving heavy lifting. It is also important to avoid all treatments that raise the body temperature in an extreme way, since this can affect the embryo.
If you need help or have any questions about the different fertility treatments, do not hesitate to contact the IVF-Donostia center.