IVF or In Vitro Fertilization is a popular and effective assisted reproductive technology that has helped many couples conceive babies.

But the IVF success rates can depend on various factors, including the age, health, and lifestyle of the couple, the quality of the eggs and sperm, and the fertility clinic’s expertise and facilities. Fortunately, there are some small changes that you can make to improve your chances of IVF success.

1. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Being overweight or underweight can affect your hormonal balance, menstrual cycles, and ovulation, all of which are crucial for IVF success. Therefore, it’s important to maintain a healthy weight before and during IVF treatment.

You can achieve this by following a balanced diet, avoiding junk food and sugary drinks, consuming more protein and fiber, and exercising regularly. Consult your doctor to determine the ideal weight for your age and height.

2. Quit Smoking

Smoking can reduce your fertility by damaging your eggs and sperm, affecting your hormone levels, and constricting your blood vessels, which can reduce the blood flow to your reproductive organs.

Therefore, it’s essential to quit smoking before and during IVF treatment. You can join a smoking cessation program, use nicotine replacement therapy, or seek support from your family and friends. Quitting smoking can also improve your overall health and well-being.

3. Reduce Stress

IVF treatment can be stressful, both emotionally and physically, as it involves numerous injections, medications, procedures, and uncertainties.

Stress can affect your hormonal balance, menstrual cycles, and immune system, and increase your risk of miscarriage, premature labor, and other complications. Therefore, it’s crucial to reduce stress before and during IVF treatment. You can do this by practicing relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, deep breathing, and visualization.

Additionally, you can seek counseling, support groups, or other coping mechanisms.

4. Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep is essential for your overall health and fertility. Lack of sleep can disrupt your hormonal balance, menstrual cycles, and metabolism, and reduce your immunity and mental focus.

Therefore, it’s important to sleep for at least 7-8 hours per night and maintain a regular sleep schedule. You can improve your sleep quality by avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and electronics before bedtime, creating a comfortable sleeping environment, and establishing a relaxing bedtime routine.

5. Stay Hydrated

Drinking enough water is crucial for your fertility, especially during IVF treatment. Water can help flush out toxins, regulate your body temperature, improve your blood flow, and maintain your cervical mucus.

Therefore, it’s recommended to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water per day and avoid sugary and caffeinated beverages. You can also consume other fluids like herbal tea, fresh juice, and coconut water.

6. Take Prenatal Vitamins

Taking prenatal vitamins before and during IVF treatment can provide your body with essential nutrients that support your fertility and pregnancy.

Prenatal vitamins usually contain folic acid, iron, calcium, vitamin D, and other vitamins and minerals that are important for your egg quality, hormone production, blood formation, and bone health. Consult your doctor to determine the right type and dosage of prenatal vitamins for your needs.

7. Avoid Alcohol and Drugs

Consuming alcohol and drugs can harm your fertility, pregnancy, and baby’s development. Alcohol can affect your hormonal balance, ovulation, and sperm quality, and increase your risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and fetal alcohol syndrome.

Drugs like marijuana, cocaine, and opioids can also reduce your fertility, impair your judgment and behavior, and lead to addiction, overdose, and other health problems. Therefore, it’s important to avoid alcohol and drugs before and during IVF treatment.

8. Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions

Your fertility doctor will provide you with detailed instructions on how to prepare for IVF treatment, when to start taking medications, how to administer injections, when to come for check-ups and procedures, and what to expect during and after the treatment. It’s crucial to follow these instructions closely and ask any questions or concerns that you may have. Your doctor can also monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

9. Choose the Right Fertility Clinic

The success of IVF treatment also depends on the expertise, experience, and facilities of the fertility clinic that you choose.

Therefore, it’s important to do your research and choose a reputable and accredited clinic that has a high success rate, experienced doctors and staff, advanced equipment and technology, and a personalized approach to treatment. You can also ask for referrals from friends, family, or your primary care provider, or read online reviews and ratings.

10. Be Patient and Positive

IVF treatment can be a journey of ups and downs, and it’s important to be patient and positive throughout the process. Remember that the success rate of IVF treatment can vary, and it may take more than one cycle to achieve a positive result.

Additionally, it’s essential to maintain a positive mindset, stay hopeful and optimistic, and seek emotional support from your spouse, family, and friends. You can also join online communities or support groups that share your IVF experiences and challenges.