What to Avoid during IVF Treatment?

There are many fertility options available in the healthcare sector today. But when it comes to the highest possible success rate, IVF is the one to rely on. And this is why it has also gained immense popularity in recent years. However, women under 35 have known to have a better shot at this. With an increase in age, the chances that you will get a successful pregnancy get lesser. Therefore, when considering this mode, it is of utmost importance that you consider every factor involves, take precautions, and have the necessary information that can facilitate a better output.

Whether it’s diet, exercise, medication, stress management, or more, it’s important to know what is healthy for you and what is not. In addition, you can avoid a few things during your IVF treatment so that you can increase your probability of a successful outcome while maintaining your health. If you are planning for IVF or have scheduled an IVF treatment, make sure you avoid these things for ensuring your health and high success rate. Here is what to avoid during IVF treatment:

During IVF Treatment – What Not To Eat?

Many pieces of research proved how diet can impact fertility and IVF success rates in a direct and indirect manner. Having a healthy and balanced diet is never a question, but a necessity whether it’s IVF or not. However, there are some foods that can indirectly impact health. So, you need to avoid this when undergoing IVF treatment.

Here are some of them:

Alcohol

Excess of everything can lead to negative effects and alcohol can cause erratic ovulation. Regular consumption of alcohol, especially when you are planning IVF can affect the health of eggs, and cause fetus impairment. Alcohol should be avoided by both partners as it does not only affect the health of eggs, but also sperm production.

Artificial Sweeteners or Refined Sugar

Women who are going through their IVF treatment must avoid having refined sugar and artificial sweeteners. Due to the faster breakdown of sugar in your blood, refined sugar can cause insulin resistance that affects the fertility rate. Similarly, artificial sweeteners might contain chemicals that can affect your fertility. Therefore, if you are having artificial sweeteners, consult your gynecologist.

High Mercury Foods- Aquatic Animals

Aquatic animals like fish, prawns, etc are rich in mercury. It does not only cause birth defects but if stored in the body can cause low sperm count. In addition, half-cooked seafood like prawns, and fish, can result in infections. Therefore, it is advised that couples who are trying for pregnancy or IVF treatment must avoid high-mercury foods. However, there are some fishes that are rich in good nutrients that you can try.

Cigarettes

Cigarettes are extremely harmful and can have adverse effects on sperm count. Couples who are trying to conceive must avoid smoking cigarettes.

Raw Eggs

If you have a habit of eating raw eggs or half-cooked eggs, stop. To conceive or during the IVF cycle, it’s important to avoid raw eggs. Raw eggs have salmonella which can result in food poisoning. In addition, it’s important to avoid foods that might contain raw eggs such as caesar salad.

Cheese and Caffeine

During your IVF treatment, it’s important to limit your caffeine, tea, and cheese intake. You can take a cup of coffee or tea a day and cheese products. However, if you are addicted to more than 1 cup and regularly take cheese products, share this concern with your doctor to avoid any issues.

Processed Meats

Meats like hotdogs, salami, etc should be avoided as they have higher hormonal residue that can impact sperm count and quality.

Medications To Avoid During IVF Treatment

During IVF treatment there are chemicals that might have a negative impact on your IVF process and health. Therefore, it becomes crucial to convey your medication details beforehand. If you have been taking or have taken any medications it’s important to share them with your gynecologist. In addition, if during the process you are facing an issue, even if it’s minor, do not take medications without consultation. Here are a few medications that you should avoid such as:

• Allergy pills
• OTC- over-the-counter supplements
• Advil
• Any previous prescriptions
• Thyroid medications
• Skin products with estrogen
• Medications for anxiety

These medications can cause hormonal imbalance, reduce the effect of IVF treatment, and can impact fertility.

Chemicals to Avoid During IVF Treatment

There are some chemicals that might cause a hindrance during IVF treatment. Therefore, it’s critical to ensure you avoid them. Here are some of the chemicals that you need to avoid:

• Dioxins- Found in art clay, meats, and dairy.
• Brominated Flame Retardants- Found in furniture, clothing, electronics, and yoga mats.

Similarly, there are chemicals like BPA and other phenols. In today’s hectic and modern lifestyle, it is difficult to avoid these chemicals, but you can take precautions as much as possible.

What You Can Do During IVF Treatment

During your IVF, the above-mentioned things are what to avoid during IVF treatment. However, there are a few things that can help you in IVF treatment:

Healthy diet as recommended by your doctor: To avoid any confusion, ask your doctor for a diet chart. Follow a healthy diet every day as per your doctor’s recommendations to help you. Incorporate certain food items and habits in your diet such as:

• Drink required water
• Whole grains
• Avocado
• Sweet potatoes
• Dried fruits
• Leafy green vegetables
• Pomegranate
• Citrus fruits

Exercise: During your IVF treatment, you can opt for light exercise to keep up your physical activity. However, avoid heavy workouts during IVF cycles. You can go for light jogging, yoga, etc.

Supplements: You can consult your doctor about your queries and ask for additional supplements that will help you. Rather than taking any random supplement, make sure you consult your gynecologist.

In Conclusion

We have provided all the tips you need to undergo IVF treatment. Ensure that you keep on some limitations, to get a success rate. IVF treatment experience can be complicated, but it will be comfortable and easy once you understand how it can be processed. You will be needing a lot of planning and preparation, but by simply going through our list of tips, you will be an expert in it. And to understand more about IVF and things to avoid during the treatment, contact the best IVF doctor. Get a consultation before you undergo IVF treatment. It will boost your confidence and most importantly, you will be prepared entirely for the process.

Dr Ritu Agarwal