Once thought of as a last resort, in vitro fertilization is becoming a routine procedure. As more women opt to become first time moms later in life, the procedure has become increasingly popular to assist women in achieving their goals. According to the Society of Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART), more than 63,000 babies in the US were born as a result of IVF cycles that were performed in 2013. This figure represents 1.5% of the children that were born in the country the same year.
Chances of Success
SART data shows that slightly over 40% of embryo transfers successfully resulted in births in 2013. A lot of it has to do with luck. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t improve your chances of success. If you’re considering in vitro fertilization, the following are some things you can do to help improve the odds of success.
1. Avoid stress
Stress is bad for you, especially when trying to have a baby. Although you can still get a baby even when stressed, the tension only hurts your fertility. Stress can easily compromise the quality of your eggs. In addition to this, cortisol, a hormone released when you’re stressed, may interfere with the implantation of the fertilized egg.
Take some time to decompress. Studies on the effects of stress on fertility showed that activities as simple as watching a clown perform some tricks for 15 minutes improved the chances of IVF success in a control group.
2. Exercise in moderation
Exercising and staying fit is vital for increased fertility. However, overdoing it can be counterproductive to your IVF efforts. Exercise can be considered a physiological stress. This is especially true for high intensity workouts. Intense exercise can therefore hinder your chances of success.
Studies are showing a link between over exercising and decreased conception rates. A study in 2006 showed that women who exercise more than four hours a week were 40% less likely to conceive from IVF.
You should therefore be cautious about the intensity and length of your workouts. Opt for low intensity, thirty to forty minute workouts, such as yoga or Pilates no more than three times a week.
3. Watch your weight
If you’ve been looking for a good reason to shed some pounds, having a child should be at the top of your list. Being overweight can hinder your chances of success with IVF. Obesity has been linked to lower live birth rates, decreased rates of pregnancy as well as higher risks of miscarriage.
Don’t wait to begin the IVF procedures to lose weight. Embark on a healthy lifestyle now to improve your odds for success.
4. Get more Vitamin D
Loading up on your vitamins is important for IVF success and your overall health. However, you should pay special attention to ensuring that you get adequate Vitamin D. This will improve your odds of pregnancy. Simply supplementing with vitamin D daily will do wonders for your reproductive health.
Don’t sit back and cross your fingers. Get actively involved to improve your chances of success with these tips.