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In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a kind of assisted conception where in a woman’s fertility cycle is monitored, she takes fertility drugs, her eggs are collected and then sperm and eggs are mixed together. The embryos are fertilized in a laboratory, then implanted into the woman to ensure the best chance at conception.
Lifestyle Changes
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) often is used when a couple is having trouble conceiving in the absence of medical intervention. For this reason, it’s important for the couple to take every action possible to ensure the sperm and egg are viable enough first to be fertilized and secondly to ensure fertilization once the embryo is implanted.
Some of the first steps a woman can take to ensure a healthy pregnancy is to lose weight if the woman is overweight. Research has indicated that heavier women have more difficulty conceiving and are more at risk for miscarriage, gestational diabetes and high blood pressure. Women should also limit the amount of fried foods, foods that are high in sugar and foods that are high in trans fats.
Additional lifestyle changes to make include ceasing smoking and drinking alcohol. Drinking caffeine also should be avoided.
Exercise Requirements
Exercising while trying to conceive is a healthy effort, especially for those wishing to reduce their weight. However, studies show that frequent, strenuous exercise may reduce potency in men and Fertility in women, which does not provide optimum sperm and eggs for IVF Treatment. While participating in the IVF cycle, a person should participate in low-impact exercises, such as walking, swimming or bicycling. Activities such as running or playing full-impact sports, such as football or basketball, should be avoided.
Men should also avoid post-workout saunas or soaks in hot tubs, as this can harm semen production in the body.
Yoga and Pilates may also be good exercise methods, as the slow, gentle stretches help to reduce stress and boost feelings of relaxation.
Medications and Supplements
A physician will recommend taking prenatal vitamins, which will boost a woman’s immune system and provide the best chance at embryo implantation success. Women who want to conceive often take folic acid to guard against neural tube defects. Fertility drugs will be combined with these supplements, and it is important to notify a physician of any other medications you are taking. If these have the potential to interact with Fertility drugs, your doctor may alter either the fertility drugs or the medications you are currently taking.
Just for Men
Sometimes IVF treatments may be indicated for men whose sperm count is low or whose sperm is not motile (active or fast-swimming).In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) can enhance chances of fertilization by reducing the need for motile sperm, according to the Journal of Andrology. Men should abstain from sex anywhere from two to seven days prior to sperm donation. This boosts both motility as well as sperm volume, increasing the likelihood of obtaining a successful specimen. Additional methods taken to boost sperm count can include not wearing loose-fitting underwear, which can reduce sperm volume, as well as keeping hot electronic devices (such as a laptop computer) away from the lap, which can harm sperm or reduce cells.