---IVF

"IVF TIPS, CYCLE DO’S AND DON’TS"

IVF TIPS, CYCLE DO’S AND DON’TS

• Always consult with your physician or RE before during and after an IVF cycle. IVF.ca accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any material contained herein. The information is not intended to replace medical advice offered by your own physician/Doctor. Readers/members are encouraged to confirm the information contained herein with other sources. 
  
  
  
  BEFORE you start your IVF Cycle:
• Eat a balanced diet.
• Exercise in moderation.
• Reach a healthy weight. A BMI over 30 could affect the outcome of your cycle in a negative way. An ideal BMI is between 20 and 25.
• Speak to your RE about all the medications, vitamins and/or herbs you’re taking. This is very important and unusual interactions between prescribed drugs and others will be more easily identified.
• Try to avoid caffeine or reduce it to 1-2 caffeinated beverages a day.
• Do not smoke. 
• Avoid alcohol or limit your alcohol intake to ½ a glass of red wine a day maximum.
  
  
  DURING your IVF Cycle: 
• Continue eating a well balanced diet.
• Try to reduce caffeine to 1-2 caffeinated beverages a day.
• Make sure you get adequate sleep: a minimum of 8 hours.
• Continue light to moderate exercise.
• Don’t smoke (male and female).
• Don’t drink alcohol (male and female).
• Don’t diet during treatment (losing 10% or more of your body weight can compromise the end result of your cycle). But do diet before if your BMI is greater than 30.
• Always avoid fish high in mercury. 
• Don’t take any medication, even over-the-counter drugs like allergy or cold medication, without talking to your RE about it. 
• Extreme heat can reduce fertility in both partners. 
• Drink lots of water, especially during stimulation.
• In case of OHSS, drink lots of fluids. Drink Pedialyte instead of Gatorade. It’s just better for you! Drinking 3-5 liters of water per day can prevent OHSS is some cases.
• Speak to your RE about baby aspirin. It’s a blood thinner that increases blood flow to the uterus to improve implantation.
• Last but not least, try not to stress and be positive. High stress levels are known to reduce fertility in both men and women and compromise the outcome of an IVF cycle.
  
  
  AFTER the Embryo Transfer:
• Don’t eat food older than 12 hours. 
• Don’t eat fish high in mercury.
• Avoid excessive exercise. Don’t over do it.
• Moderate walking is a great exercise during the 2 week wait. Helps to keep stress levels low.
• Make sure you get adequate sleep.
• Do not lift anything heavy. Some professionals believe anything over 2 pounds is too much; others, anything over 10 pounds. Bottom line: everything in moderation.
• Drink lots of water to prevent constipation. Water is also crucial for cell development.
• Extreme heat can reduce fertility in both partners.
• Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, breathing exercises, acupuncture or yoga postures that improve fertility. What’s important here is to do what you enjoy and what helps you relax. Some research suggests that lowering stress levels may improve IVF success rates.
• Think POSITIVE!!!!
  
  
  Tips for Male Factor Infertility & IVF
• Speak to your urologist about Serophene (Clomid). It helps improve sperm count and quality in 30% of males. Please keep in mind that this only applies in certain cases.
• Vitamins and supplements which may improve male fertility: (note: speak to your urologist or physician before starting anything)
  • A good multi-vitamin
  • Vitamin E
  • B12
  • Selenium
  • Zinc
  • Flax oil
  • Fish oil
  • Vitamin C
  • Beta Carotene
• Reducing the stress in your life is very important. Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, breathing exercises and/or acupuncture. Walking is also a great way to help you relax. De-stress in whatever way is good for you.
• Get adequate sleep. 
• Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. 
• Reach a healthy weight. A BMI over 30 could affect your fertility. An ideal BMI is between 20 and 25. 
• Don’t drink or smoke.
• Take it easy, don’t over do it, and think POSITIVE!!!

 http://www.ivf.ca/tips.htm