Fertility Info

Just the state of being in need of infertility treatments subjects some women to feel like they are helpless in the fight for conception. Women need to be empowered by the actions they can do to increase their odds for a successful IVF cycle.

What you can do prior to the start of treatment:

If you are a smoker the best thing you can do for yourself and your future child is to stop smoking. If you feel that you cannot stop permanently, then it is recommended that you stop at least 2 months prior to your IVF treatment. If you cannot stop 2 months prior; then at least go tobacco-free for two weeks prior to when you are scheduled to have your eggs retrieved.

Studies show that the by-products of tobacco are toxic to the eggs. There are also some studies that suggest that smoking reduces your chances of becoming pregnant.

Drinking alcohol, which is a drug, is contraindicated when trying to conceive by way of IVF treatment. It is recommended that women venturing into the IVF realm reframe from drinking alcoholic beverages from the moment they receive their IVF medications until the time they have a confirmed pregnancy test (either negative or positive).

When you are willing to invest the time and money into a procedure such as IVF, it is imperative that women understand that they do have the power to favorably influence the outcome of the treatment. Making decisions such as quitting smoking or to stop drinking are ways that women can take control over what is happening with their body.

There is information that you have about what happens in your life that may be of vital importance to your treatment. You should be truthful concerning information such as medical history including sexual diseases, past surgeries etc. during the initial visit. It is also important to inform the medial staff of all medications both prescription and over the counter that you are taking. Drug interactions must be closely monitored. IVF requires that you take certain fertility drugs so interactions are possible. It is also possible that other medications you may be taking might have an adverse affect on the fertility drugs, or the procedure that you may need to undergo, especially surgical procedures.

Going through IVF treatments can be stressful for both the male and female. It is therefore important that especially the female find a way to de-stress and to be able to control her emotions. This is a good time to strengthen your support system of friends, family, pastor/clergy, or therapist. Fertility memberships and groups are also a good source of support.

Understand before you start the IVF treatment that certain exercises are prohibited during ovarian stimulation. Such exercises that are generally advised against are: aerobics, jogging, and strenuous sports and weight lifting.

What the male can do prior to the IVF treatment to empower success.

Sperm are produced 3 months prior to ejaculation. It is vital that during the initial visit the male is as factual as he can be concerning any illnesses he has had, especially any fevers of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher 3 months prior to the scheduled IVF treatment. Fever can damage sperm. Should the male become ill during the IVF cycle it is important to control any fever by taking Tylenol immediately and then to inform the medical staff of your illness and any fever present.

It is important that the man also refrain from taking any alcoholic beverages, non-prescription drugs or to smoke prior to the IVF treatment.

It is equally important that the man be truthful about all medical information and drug usage or sexual diseases while filling out the medical history forms. He should also inform the medical staff of any prescription medication taken within the 3 months prior to the IVF treatment.

It is important that the male not sit in any hot tubs, Jacuzzis, saunas or spas during the 3 months prior to the IVF treatment.

Any endurance type of exercise may be detrimental to the success of the IVF cycle and should be delayed during the 3 months prior to and the period of time during the IVF cycle.

Follow all instruction regarding refraining from semen ejaculation prior to your scheduled IVF semen contribution collection (usually 2 – 3 days prior).