Summer is the best time for successful IVF treatments. IVF stands for In Vitro Fertilization, which is a method where a woman’s eggs are retrieved and fertilized with sperm outside of her body.
After fertilization, the eggs are transferred back to the woman’s uterus to hopefully result in a successful pregnancy. IVF can be a stressful and expensive process and couples who want to go through it want the best chances of success. Summer is the best time for successful IVF treatments due to a few reasons which we will discuss in this article.
Reason 1: Better Weather
A significant reason why summer is the best time for successful IVF treatments is due to the better weather. IVF can be a sensitive process, and the weather and temperature can impact the success of the treatment.
In winter, the air is dry, and static electricity can interfere with fertilized eggs, and cold temperatures can damage frozen embryos. In summer, warmer temperatures allow smoother lab operations, and it also helps to avoid any temperature fluctuations as IVF laboratories need to be kept at certain temperatures to ensure success.
Reason 2: More Daylight for Treatment
Another reason why summer is the best time for successful IVF treatments is due to more daylight. Daylight is essential for IVF treatments as it allows better visualization during egg retrievals and also increases the chances of success.
Researchers have found that when women underwent IVF embryo transfer procedures in the morning, they had a 44% chance of success compared to only 30% in the afternoon. Longer daylight hours in the summer allow for more morning retrievals, resulting in a better chance of success.
Reason 3: Stress Relief
Summer is a great time to relax and unwind, which can help to reduce stress. Stress can negatively impact the success of IVF treatments, so it’s important that couples undergoing treatment take steps to manage their stress levels.
The warm weather, sunny skies, and longer days in the summer make it easier to engage in outdoor activities, such as walks, hikes, and picnics, which can help to reduce stress.
Reason 4: Healthier Diet and Lifestyle
Summer is a season full of fresh fruits and vegetables, and in general, people tend to eat healthier during this time of year. Eating a healthy diet is essential for successful IVF treatments.
In addition to a healthier diet, people tend to be more physically active during the summer months, which also plays a significant role in a successful IVF treatment. Regular exercise can help to regulate the body’s hormone levels, which are essential for the success of IVF treatments.
Reason 5: More Time for Fertility-Focused Activities
Summer offers a chance to take on a few fertility-focused activities and treatment options. Due to the longer days, people have more time to take on activities that can optimize the chances of success during IVF treatment.
This includes acupuncture and yoga, which are both highly effective in reducing stress, regulating hormone levels, and improving chances of conception.
Reason 6: COVID-19 Vaccines
The past few years have been a challenge for couples undergoing IVF treatment as restrictions on travel, treatments, and care have been disrupted due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
With the roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccine, there is now more hope for IVF treatments. Summer is the right time to take advantage of vaccination as the immunity conferred after vaccination needs some time to take effect. This puts couples undergoing, or planning to undergo IVF treatments, at a better advantage.
Reason 7: More Time to Recover
After an IVF treatment, the body needs time to rest and recover. Summer is an ideal time to undergo IVF treatments as it offers enough time to recover after the procedure.
With school vacations and breaks during the summer, couples undergoing IVF treatments can take advantage of this time to rest and relax. This helps them recover faster and support the success of the treatment.
Reason 8: Extended Breaks and Support From Employers
Summer provides extended breaks, time-off and flexibility from work for most employees which creates the opportunity to balance family and work lives.
Employers tend to be more apt to grant their employees time off for important extracurriculars such as IVF treatments. This creates the ideal opportunity for IVF treatments during the summer months creating a better calendar to follow the protocols provided by the providers.
Reason 9: Increase in Natural Supplements
During the summer months, certain herbs and plants are in season and can be easily obtainable and used for natural supplementation. Natural supplements like Vitamin D, C, E, Folic acid, CoQ10 and Omega-3 are beneficial for fertility hormone levels.
These natural supplements ease various conditions that may impede the success of IVF treatments, such as diabetes, PCOS, protocol-related side effects and stress.
Reason 10: Positivity From Nature
Finally, summer offers positivity from nature. Nature offers relaxation, stress relief and helps people to be more positive. It can be a source of healing, as a walk on the beach or a hike in the woods can be refreshing.
Being surrounded by nature and greenery, listening to the birds chirping, and feeling the warmth of the sun can bring about feelings of tranquility and happiness, both of which are essential for successful IVF treatments.
Conclusion
Summer is the best time for successful IVF treatments due to various reasons. The warm weather, longer days, healthier lifestyle, more time for recovery and all-around positivity are essential for success.
While IVF treatments could be a daunting process, engaging in positive activities like yoga, taking on acupuncture and enjoying the serenity of nature will help couples undergoing IVF treatments, stay positive, relaxed, and ready to take on the world.