Improve IVF success rate: How diet, exercise and stress management hold the key

Just follow these dos and don’ts to avoid IVF failure

If you’re wondering why your in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycle — which involves retrieving mature eggs from the ovaries, fertilising them with sperm in a laboratory and implanting embryos in the uterus — fails, do not stress. It just means that one of the many factors that need to come together didn’t and you need to address that for a successful outcome.

Embryo quality, the health of the uterus, genetic abnormalities, lifestyle factors and the timing of the transfer matter. “But a good lab facility, doctor and a trained embryologist can play a crucial role in influencing outcomes and guiding you through the process. So, do not fall for any and every clinic without checking their credentials,” says Dr Surveen Ghumman Sindhu, Senior Director and HOD at Max Multi Speciality Centre, Panchsheel Park, Delhi. Excerpts:

What are top reasons for IVF failure?

First is egg quality. Eggs deteriorate with age. Their quality starts dipping from age 30 and reduces significantly by 40. That’s why we ask women to harvest them by the late 20s and freeze them if they want to have babies later. Similarly, sperm quality and motility (its ability to fertilise an egg) matter.

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Second, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and poor diet can negatively affect IVF outcomes.

Third, genetic abnormalities can cause implantation failures or early miscarriages. Pre-implantation Genetic Testing (PGT) helps identify and select genetically normal embryos for transfer, increasing the chances of successful implantation and pregnancy.

Fourth, uterine issues like thin endometrial lining, intra-uterine scar tissue, inflammation or decreased blood flow can prevent successful embryo implantation. Treatments to improve endometrial receptivity, like hormonal therapies or surgical procedures, can address these issues.

ALSO READ | Debunking common misconceptions about in-vitro fertilisation

Fifth, underlying health conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), diabetes, endometriosis and autoimmune disorders can prevent embryo implantation or trigger miscarriage. Immunological tests can diagnose these treatable issues. Also, inadequate or excessive ovarian response to stimulation medications can impact egg quality and quantity.

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Finally, timing is the most crucial. If the embryo is transferred too early or late in the cycle, it may not be implanted successfully.

What are dos and don’ts for women seeking IVF?

Being realistic about your expectations, maintaining a balanced diet, exercising, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and including antioxidants and green vegetables in your diet are crucial. Focus on whole foods, whole grains, healthy fats and low sugar intake. Include fruits, vegetables and lean protein sources. Avoid alcohol, sodas, processed foods, junk food, soft cheese and high-mercury fish.

Stress management through activities like meditation and yoga is also essential, as stress can negatively impact IVF success. Multi-centric and randomised trials have shown better IVF results in patients who practise yoga.

What about the impact of pollutants on the quality of eggs and sperms?

Endocrine disruptors, either natural or man-made chemicals, interfere with the body’s hormones. And they are all around us. Women are ageing faster, losing their egg reserves by 35. Men have poor sperm counts.