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A well-prepared body enhances embryo quality, responds better to drugs, and builds a stronger uterine lining for implantation. Small changes can help you to improve your IVF path.
IVF: An Overview
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a fertility treatment that involves combining eggs and sperm in a lab. Once an embryo forms, it is transferred into your uterus. IVF supports women with blocked tubes, low egg reserves, PCOS, or unexplained infertility. Success depends on many factors, including your age, hormone levels, and the health of both eggs and the uterus.Why Do You Need to Prepare Your Body for IVF?
Your body benefits from being in the best possible condition to respond to IVF medicines. Preparation supports stronger egg quality, improves uterine lining, and creates a healthy environment for implantation. A balanced approach before treatment can help minimise side effects and improve your chances of success. Proper support from the start may also help in a better recovery afterwards.How to Prepare Your Body for IVF?
Here are some ways to prepare your body for IVF:Understand your IVF timeline
From hormone stimulation to egg retrieval and embryo transfer, each IVF cycle follows a structured process. Over several days, you'll undergo scans, blood tests, and receive injections. Understanding what to expect can help you better plan for rest, nutrition, and emotional well-being. For a personalised timeline and detailed information about each phase, consult your healthcare expert.IVF preparation steps
Here are the important steps to help your body get IVF-ready:- Follow a fertility-friendly diet: Add whole grains, bright fruits, leafy greens, and good fats. High-protein meals and foods heavy in omega-3s help to support egg health and hormone balance.
- Reduce processed foods and sugar: Reduce junk food, refined sugar, and trans fats.
- Support your digestive system: Supporting your digestive system with probiotics, fibre, and adequate water intake may aid digestion and help your body absorb nutrients more efficiently.
- Control your stress: Hormone flow is changed by persistent stress. To relax, try guided meditation, light exercise, or deep breathing.
- Prioritise quality sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night to support hormone balance and improve your body’s response to fertility treatment.
- Keep busy but not too busy: Try to do gentle exercises such as yoga, walking, and stretching. These help to boost circulation without putting too much strain on your body.
- Keep a good weight: Maintaining a healthy weight may support better IVF outcomes, as both underweight and overweight ranges are linked to reduced success.
- Steer clear of alcohol and smoking: Avoiding alcohol and smoking may support uterine health, especially before and during IVF.
- Check your supplements: Your fertility specialist can help guide you on suitable supplements, including folic acid, which is often part of prenatal vitamins.
- Vitamin D and thyroid levels: These directly affect ovulation and implantation. Correcting deficiencies early supports a healthier cycle.
How early should you start getting ready?
It’s best to start preparing at least 3 months before your IVF cycle. This gives your body enough time to adjust, repair, and build strength. Eggs take around ninety days to mature, so the changes you make now influence the quality of eggs in your current cycle. Starting early is especially helpful if you are managing hormonal imbalances, metabolic issues, or lifestyle-related factors.Optimise your diet for IVF
Better IVF outcomes are supported by a nourishing, anti-inflammatory diet.What to eat
Focus on foods that offer steady energy, antioxidant support, and key fertility nutrients.- For folate and iron: Add leafy greens such as kale, spinach, and rocket to support red blood cell production and overall reproductive health.
- For antioxidants: Include colourful fruits like berries, oranges, and pomegranates to protect eggs from oxidative stress.
- For blood sugar balance: Choose whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, and oats to help maintain hormone stability.
- For healthy fats: Incorporate avocados, olive oil, and seeds to aid hormone production and egg development.
- For egg health: Add lean proteins from sources like eggs, pulses, fish, or chicken to support follicle development.
- For zinc and vitamin E: Include nuts and seeds, especially pumpkin, flax, and sunflower, to promote cellular health.
- For ovulation support: Moderate intake of full-fat dairy may be beneficial for some individuals trying to conceive.
- For hydration and comfort: Sip on herbal teas and water throughout the day to reduce bloating and maintain fluid balance.
What to avoid
Common foods to avoid include:- Highly processed foods: These increase inflammation and may disrupt hormones
- Sugary drinks and snacks: Spikes in blood sugar can impair ovulation
- Trans fats: Fried items and packaged snacks, which affect egg quality
- Raw or undercooked meat, eggs, and fish: Eating raw or undercooked meat, eggs, or fish increases the risk of getting a foodborne illness.
- Unpasteurised dairy and soft cheeses: May contain bacteria unsafe during IVF prep
- Limit caffeine: Keep it under 200 mg per day (about one regular cup of coffee)
- Avoid alcohol: Alcohol can affect ovulation and reduce IVF success rates.
Manage stress and support mental health
Stress may not directly stop IVF from working, but it can affect your hormones, sleep, and overall health. Staying calm helps your body respond better to treatment. Mental health also plays a role in emotional resilience during the IVF journey.Simple ways to ease stress and support balance include:
- Daily breathing or relaxation exercises to calm your nervous system
- Gentle movement, like yoga or stretching, to reduce tension
- Talking to a trained counsellor for emotional guidance and coping tools
- Journaling or meditating before bed to unwind and support better sleep
- Connecting with others through support groups or shared experiences
Maintain a weight that supports reproductive health
Reaching a weight that supports fertility can improve your chances during IVF. Weight extremes, either too high or too low, may interfere with hormones and cycle regularity.Why BMI matters for IVF success
Your Body Mass Index (BMI) affects how your body responds to fertility medication. A high BMI may often make ovulation less predictable and increase IVF risks like miscarriage or low implantation rates. Having a very low body weight may lower your oestrogen levels, which can interfere with ovulation.Clinics often recommend a BMI between 19 and 25 before starting IVF, but this may vary for each person. It’s important to discuss your individual health needs with your specialist.
Safe ways to reach a healthy weight
Avoid crash diets or overexercising during IVF preparation. Instead:- Eat balanced, whole meals at regular intervals.
- Choose high-fibre foods to support digestion and maintain blood sugar balance.
- Include gentle exercises, such as walking or prenatal yoga, in your routine.
- Avoid skipping meals, particularly breakfast.
- Consult a nutritionist to create a personalised diet plan.
Adopt some lifestyle habits
How you live daily has a strong impact on how your body responds to IVF. Building small habits now creates a healthy environment for your eggs and improves hormone balance.Importance of good sleep
Good sleep helps balance hormones, manage stress, and support immunity. Aim for 7–9 hours of rest in a dark, quiet room. Limit screen time before bed and stick to a consistent sleep schedule to support ovulation and energy levels during treatment.Stopping smoking and avoiding toxins
Smoking might lower success rates since it affects your uterine lining. Quitting is one of the most important steps you can take. Second-hand smoke is also harmful, so avoid smoke-filled areas.Also, reduce exposure to environmental toxins like plastics (BPA), pesticides, and strong household cleaners. Choose glass or stainless steel for food storage, and eat organic produce when possible.
Important medical check-ups before IVF
Getting key health checks before starting IVF gives you the best chance for success. These tests help your fertility expert tailor your treatment based on your body's current state.Hormone tests
Blood tests check your hormone levels and how your ovaries may respond to stimulation. Common hormones include:- FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone): Measured on days 2–5 of your cycle to assess ovarian reserve.
- LH (luteinising hormone): Helps determine ovulation timing and pituitary function.
- AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone): Provides an estimate of your egg count or ovarian reserve.
- Estradiol (E2): Reflects how your ovaries respond early in the cycle.
- Progesterone: Checked mid-luteal phase to confirm ovulation.
- Thyroid function tests (TSH and T4): Thyroid imbalance can affect fertility and IVF outcomes.
- Prolactin: Elevated levels may disrupt ovulation.
Check for vitamin or mineral deficiencies
Nutritional imbalances can affect your response to IVF and early pregnancy health. The following nutrient levels are commonly assessed:- Vitamin D: Low levels are linked to reduced implantation and IVF success. Supplementation may be recommended if deficient.
- Iron: Anaemia can impact energy levels and overall well-being during fertility treatment.
- Vitamin B12 and Folate: These are essential for cell division and prevent neural tube defects.
- Zinc and selenium: Important for egg development and hormonal regulation.
Supplements to support IVF preparation
Which supplements to take
Some supplements can help prepare your body for a successful IVF cycle. These include:- Prenatal multivitamin: A daily supplement with folic acid, iron, iodine, and vitamin D to support overall reproductive health.
- Folic acid: It supports healthy cell formation and is vital for your baby’s early development.
- Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): Supports energy production in cells and may improve egg quality, especially if you're over 35.
- Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA): They help to manage inflammation and promote a healthy uterus.
- Vitamin D: It helps support immune health during conception.
- Inositol (myoinositol): This may improve insulin sensitivity and egg development, especially for women with PCOS.
- Zinc and selenium: Minerals like zinc and selenium assist hormone activity and protect reproductive cells from damage.
When to start taking supplements
It’s best to begin supplements at least 3 months before your IVF cycle. Egg maturation takes around 90 days, so nutrients need time to support this process. Continue taking your prenatal and any recommended supplements through your IVF journey and into early pregnancy unless told otherwise.Prepare emotionally for IVF
IVF can be emotionally and physically demanding, and setting realistic expectations from the start can make the process more manageable. It helps to understand that one cycle may not lead to pregnancy, and individual responses to medications or embryo transfer may vary. Emotional ups and downs, hormonal shifts, or delays are common, and being prepared for these can reduce anxiety.Building a strong support system plays an important role in coping with these challenges. Open communication with your partner, close friends, or family can provide comfort and clarity. Joining a fertility support group or speaking with a counsellor may also help you feel more understood and emotionally equipped throughout your IVF journey.
Preparing your body for IVF is not only about medical steps; it’s about creating the best environment physically, emotionally, and mentally for a successful outcome. Managing stress, sleeping well, eating right, and starting supplements early can all support your body for IVF.
Understanding your IVF timeline, tracking your cycles, and undergoing key medical tests are essential to support your hormone balance and fertility health. Good preparation also means recognising the emotional weight IVF can carry. Being mentally ready and surrounded by support makes the process smoother and more manageable.
Simple, steady lifestyle changes made early may improve IVF outcomes and support a healthier pregnancy. Stay informed and check in with your healthcare professional along the way.
FAQs on How to Prepare Your Body for IVF
- Can stress affect my IVF success?
Yes. Chronic stress may affect hormone regulation and ovulation. Mindfulness, counselling, or joining support groups can help lower stress and improve emotional resilience during IVF. - Can exercise help prepare my body for IVF?
Yes, gentle exercises like yoga, walking, or stretching can improve circulation and reduce stress, which may support your IVF journey. However, it’s important to consult your healthcare expert before starting any exercise routine, as overexertion or intense exercise may negatively impact hormone levels.
