If you’ve always wanted to have a baby but you have had trouble conceiving naturally, you may be seriously thinking about IVF treatment. It’s important to remember that IVF treatment is no guarantee, though. Under normal circumstances, IVF has a one in three chance of success and this must be weighed up against the increasing costs of the treatment and the emotional rollercoaster that often accompanies the process.
This is why it’s so important to make every single IVF cycle count. In this context, here are ten ways that you can increase your chances of success during the treatment:
- Research Your IVF Center Carefully
You might think that every single fertility clinic in Bangkok is the same; while it is true that they all do the same thing, there are some differences. If you’re going to invest thousands of dollars in IVF treatment, you want to know that your money is being well spent.
Here are some things you need to look for in a good clinic and lab:
- The success rates of the clinic, especially for people of a similar age
- The qualifications of the technicians at the clinic and their board certifications
- The financial costs of the IVF treatment and how much it costs to store any embryos
- Increase Your Sperm Count
IVF treatment is not just about the woman. If you have a male partner, the quantity and the quality of his sperm will affect success rates of the treatment. As a man, if you don’t ejaculate at least three or four days before the treatment, you can contribute higher numbers of sperm, thus increasing the chance of successful fertilization. This means no sexual activities or masturbation that results in ejaculation.
It’s also wise to have your semen analyzed before each cycle to determine the quality and quantity of sperm. This may also determine the course of IVF treatment and any possible alternatives.
- Fat May Actually Be Good for You
There’s a big difference between good fats and bad fats. A Harvard study found that foods containing monounsaturated fats, such as avocado, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, actually help to improve a woman’s fertility. They also help to lower inflammation throughout the body and promote good cholesterol. These so-called good fats are also important to help with fetal development.
- If You’ve Never Tried Acupuncture, Now Might Be the Time
Data suggest that women who have acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer seem to have a higher chance of success of pregnancy. We know that acupuncture does help to improve blood flow to certain areas of the body and increasing blood flow to the uterus may actually result in higher rates of success.
Of course, as with many things, the studies may have some room for error but having acupuncture won’t hurt and it may be worthwhile adding it to your list of things to try.
- Avoid as Much Stress as Possible
We live in a fast, stressful world but avoiding stress and anxiety is important when it comes to IVF treatment success rates. If you’re under stress, it can affect your fertility and this will then have a big impact on the success or failure of your IVF treatment.
One of the best ways to de-stress is to take plenty of time out for yourself, seek the support of friends and family, and start some meditation. Engaging in mindfulness techniques and meditation has been found in numerous studies to reduce stress and promote better overall physical, emotional, and mental health.
- Sex After the IVF Procedure Can Help
There is some data to suggest that sexual intercourse right after an IVF treatment can help increase the chances of a successful implantation and pregnancy. It’s thought that the chemicals and hormones released during sex can boost the chances of pregnancy. If nothing else, it’s definitely worth a try.
- Some Foods Can Definitely Decrease Your Chances
Just as some foods can help to increase your chances of success, some foods won’t help much at all. Drinking alcohol is a definite no-no because it can harm the fetus and cause health problems. If you love your coffee, you might also want to decrease your intake also. Caffeine in amounts over 200mg can also adversely affect the normal development of the fetus. If you can, avoid it altogether during your IVF treatment.
- Counseling Might Help You
The fact is that IVF treatment is a tough emotional ride for most people. It’s a time when you’ll need the support of your family and friends but it is also a time when seeing a professional counselor can also help. He or she may be able to provide extra support and a different perspective so that the IVF treatment process is easier to manage. As always, it’s really important to remember that life is about more than IVF and finding distraction and the support you need can make a big difference.
- Reconsider Your Exercise Routine
Normally, exercise is good for us and our well-being but exercise that is too heavy and strenuous can affect female fertility levels. And it’s definitely not a good idea to exercise heavily after an IVF treatment because this can decrease the chances of a successful implantation and pregnancy.
If you really do want to exercise, try something such as walking or swimming. Swimming in particular is a low-impact exercise that supports the body and has been shown to have many benefits.
- Make Sure That You Find Time to Rest
When you’re going through IVF treatment, it can become an all-consuming process. Indeed, you might think of little else. However, it’s also important to ensure that you get good sleep throughout the process. Eight hours a night of sleep will make you feel more rested and will improve your rates of fertility. Sleeping in darkness will also help to maintain healthy melatonin levels in your body, which will improve the health of the follicles of your ovaries.
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