“As research shows, approximately 1 in 8 couples or 12% of married women experience difficulties in conceiving or maintaining a pregnancy. This can lead to a range of emotions, especially when undergoing fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). While IVF can be a successful solution for infertility, it can also be a stressful and demanding process. However, there are effective strategies you can implement, such as following a proper diet, exercising, and managing stress, to make your IVF journey safer and more successful.
Dr. Ameet Patki, an Obstetrics and Gynecology Consultant, emphasizes that while the optimal fertility diet has not yet been determined, dietary modifications have shown improvements in infertility caused by ovulatory disorders. It’s important to note that the effects of nutritional factors on fertility are still largely unknown. For example, soy content may benefit female fertility but hinder male fertility. Women can consider taking phytoestrogens during infertility treatments, while the Mediterranean diet, which includes fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products, healthy oils, eggs, fish, and fewer processed meats, has been found to be helpful.
Maintaining moderation is vital, and making healthy choices well before starting the IVF process is recommended. For instance, while consuming a large cup of coffee per day is acceptable, exceeding 4 cups of caffeinated coffee can reduce implantation rates and impact fetal growth. Smoking and alcohol consumption have clear negative effects on fertility, and it is advised to quit these habits. Smoking is associated with subfertility, endocrine disturbances, premature ovarian failure, and various pregnancy complications. In men, cigarette smoking decreases sperm concentration and motility, significantly impacting pregnancy rates in IVF cycles.
Drinking antioxidant supplements, such as Co-10 along with vitamin C, selenium, and L-carnitine, has been shown to reduce oxidative stress and improve fertility, particularly in men. Women can benefit from taking folic acid, vitamin B complex, and Co-10 as dietary supplements. It’s important to maintain a healthy weight, as being underweight or overweight can negatively affect fertility and IVF outcomes.
When it comes to exercise, it is recommended to continue with your usual routine as long as it helps relieve stress. However, high-intensity exercises like CrossFit should be avoided during IVF stimulation to prevent any medical emergencies caused by the expansion of ovaries. Stress can be a major factor during fertility treatment, but reducing stress levels can significantly improve quality of life. Mind-body therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation training, and social support, have been found to enhance pregnancy rates in IVF treatment.
Dr. Vaishali Chaudhary, the Director of IVF and Fertility at Sahyadri Hospitals, emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle during IVF. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and effective stress management techniques contribute not only to physical fertility but also to emotional and mental well-being throughout the journey.
Key dietary tips include consuming nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy. Adequate intake of folate, iron, and healthy fats from sources like avocados, nuts, seeds, and oily fish is essential. Staying hydrated and minimizing processed and sugary foods is also recommended.
In terms of exercise, moderate routines that include cardiovascular activities, strength training, yoga, stretching, and pelvic floor exercises are beneficial. However, it is crucial to avoid excessive or intense workouts that can disrupt hormonal balance. Prior consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended before starting any new exercise regimen.
To manage stress effectively, practicing mindfulness and meditation techniques, seeking support from friends, family, or support groups, engaging in hobbies and leisure activities, and accessing professional help if necessary are all helpful strategies. Allocating regular time for self-care activities can also greatly reduce stress.
By implementing these strategies and seeking guidance from healthcare professionals, you can enhance the success of your IVF journey and improve your overall well-being.”
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It is estimated that 1 in 8 couples or 12% of married women have problems getting pregnant or maintaining a pregnancy. the pregnancy while starting fertility treatment can trigger a range of emotions, including apprehensions about what can and can’t be done during the in vitro fertilization or IVF process. IVF is a fertility treatment that involves removing eggs from a woman’s ovaries, fertilizing them with sperm in a laboratory, and then transferring the embryos back into the woman’s uterus.
While IVF can be a very successful treatment for infertility, it can also be a stressful and demanding process, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with an effective diet. exercise and stress management tips that can help make your IVF journey safer and more successful. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Ameet Patki, Obstetrics and Gynecology Consultant at PD Hinduja Hospital and Khar Medical Research Center, shared: “The optimal diet for fertility has not yet been established, and the effects of Nutritional factors in fertility are largely unknown. However, dietary modifications have been shown to improve infertility due to ovulatory disorders. The soy content may help female fertility, but hinders male fertility. Unlike men, women can benefit from taking phytoestrogens during infertility treatments. The Mediterranean diet, which includes a large proportion of fresh fruits, vegetables, high levels of dairy products, saturated oils, eggs, fish, and fewer processed meats, is helpful. “
Stating that moderation is the key word, she said: “Start making a healthy choice long before the IVF process begins and continue throughout your pregnancy. A large cup of coffee a day is fine, but more than 4 cups of caffeinated coffee can definitely reduce implantation rates and affect fetal growth as well. There is a clear impact on fertility with smoking and alcohol. Therefore, cessation should be recommended. In women, toxins from smoking have been correlated with subfertility, endocrine disturbances, earlier onset of menopause, premature ovarian failure, and decreased implantation rate. Smoking is also associated with many earlier pregnancy complications, including miscarriage, preterm birth, and ectopic pregnancy. However, upon cessation, fertility returns to a rate similar to that of non-smokers, even if the cessation occurs within a year of the attempted conception. Similarly, cigarette smoking was associated with a significant decrease in sperm concentration, total sperm count, and total motile sperm number, which affected pregnancy rates even in IVF cycles.
According to Dr. Ameet Patki, antioxidants like CO-10 work very well to reduce oxidative stress, especially in men, so Co-120 along with vitamin C, selenium, and L-carnitine, among other antioxidants, can be administered as dietary supplements. . In women, he said, “folic acid, vitamin B complex, and CO-10 should be given as dietary supplements. Similarly, weight loss should be recommended if the BMI is in the overweight and obese category, and weight gain should be recommended if the BMI is underweight. A higher BMI is also associated with negative outcomes for patients undergoing IVF. Extreme exercise can lead to anovulation and infertility, while exercise can improve ovulation and fertility in anovulatory obese patients.”
Regarding exercise, he recommended: “Continue exactly what you’ve been doing if it helps relieve stress. That means don’t suddenly start exercising “for fertility reasons” if that just adds extra stress to your life. One form of exercise that we recommend all patients refrain from during IVF stimulation is CrossFit, or high-intensity interval training. Because? Your ovaries are expanding and growing due to the fertility drugs and sometimes they can twist the pedicle causing a medical emergency. Fertility treatment is a time of high stress and high anxiety. There are many factors that fuel that stress, from hormones to hopes and fears. Also, high doses of hormones can often wreak havoc on the mind and body. We recommend that people who are trying to conceive stick to their usual routine, especially if it helps manage their stress levels. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) also notes that reducing stress can help people have a better quality of life while going through a challenging experience, such as infertility.
It is clear that infertility causes stress, but what is less clear is whether or not stress causes infertility. Dr Ameet Patki highlighted: “The impact of distress on treatment outcome is difficult to investigate due to a number of factors, including inaccurate self-report measures and feelings of increased optimism at the start of treatment. Despite the prevalence of infertility, most infertile women do not share their history with family or friends, which increases their psychological vulnerability. The inability to reproduce naturally can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and low self-esteem. These negative feelings can lead to varying degrees of depression, anxiety, distress, and a poor quality of life. Physical, emotional, and in-person support still appear to be superior to support via the Internet and chat rooms, but using the Internet for support can still help people dealing with infertility by educating, empowering, and diminishing feelings of depression. Yoga is a method of stress management and relaxation that can be beneficial for women undergoing fertility treatments. Yoga helps relaxation through meditation, breathing and achieving a deep sense of calm.
He added: “Mind-body therapy that focuses on cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation training, negative health behavior modification, and social support components has been found to improve pregnancy rates among those undergoing her second cycle of IVF treatment. A good doctor-patient relationship, having your team clarify all your doubts, taking advantage of the counseling services at your doctor’s clinic on diet, exercise and psychological stress helps improve the couple’s perspectives regarding treatment and definitely makes the process worth the effort, time and money. .”
Dr. Vaishali Chaudhary, Director of IVF and Fertility at Pune’s Sahyadri Hospitals, insisted: “Maintaining a healthy lifestyle during IVF (in vitro fertilization) is crucial to improve the chances of successful pregnancy outcomes. A balanced diet, adequate exercise, and effective stress management techniques can significantly contribute to the general well-being of people undergoing IVF treatment. These practices not only support the physical aspects of fertility but also promote emotional and mental well-being throughout the journey.”
Diet Tips:
Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is essential for people undergoing IVF and Dr. Vaishali Chaudhary recommended the following dietary tips:
1. Nutrient-Dense Foods: Eat a variety of nutrient-dense foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy. These foods provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support reproductive health.
2. Folate and iron: Adequate intake of folate and iron is crucial both for the preconception phase and for pregnancy. Green leafy vegetables, legumes, fortified cereals, and lean meats are good sources.
3. Healthy Fats: Incorporate sources of healthy fats, such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and oily fish, which provide omega-3 fatty acids that support hormone balance.
4. Hydration: Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day to support general bodily functions.
5. Limit processed foods: Minimize processed and sugary foods, as they can contribute to inflammation and hormonal imbalances.
Exercise Tips:
Getting adequate physical activity can have a positive impact on fertility and general well-being, so Dr. Vaishali Chaudhary recommended considering the following exercise tips:
1. Moderation: Get regular, moderate exercise routines that include cardiovascular activities (such as walking, swimming, or bicycling) and strength training. Avoid excessive or intense workouts that could affect your hormonal balance.
2. Yoga and Stretching: Gentle forms of exercise, such as yoga and stretching, can improve flexibility, reduce stress, and promote relaxation.
3. Pelvic floor exercises: Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles can support the reproductive organs and improve blood circulation in the pelvic region.
4. Query: Before beginning any new exercise regimen, consult your health care provider to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your individual situation.
Stress Management Tips:
Managing stress is essential during the IVF process, as stress can affect fertility and emotional well-being, which is why Dr. Vaishali Chaudhary listed these stress management techniques:
1. Mindfulness and meditation: Practice mindfulness and meditation techniques to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Deep breathing exercises can also be helpful.
2. Family Support: Build a strong support system of friends, family, or support groups to share your thoughts, concerns, and experiences.
3. Hobbies and leisure activities: Engage in hobbies, activities, and leisure activities that bring you joy and distract you from stressors.
4. Professional help: If stress becomes overwhelming, consider seeking guidance from a mental health professional who specializes in fertility-related issues.
5. Time to yourself: Spend regular time on self-care, whether it’s reading, spending time in nature, or enjoying a relaxing bath.
https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/diet-exercise-stress-management-tips-for-men-and-womens-healthy-lifestyle-during-ivf-101693035805020-amp.html
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