Preparing Your Body for IVF: 4 Steps to Take

IVF takes a toll on the mind and the body, so the more you can do to prepare for the process, the better your experience will be. Let us help you get ready for your treatment so you’ll know what to expect.

Once you’ve decided to seek IVF treatment for infertility, there are many steps to take before you can conceive a child. We go through all these steps with you, but there are also preparations you can handle by yourself.

Ensuring your mind and body are ready for IVF is essential to a healthy, safe process. At Gen 5 Fertility Center, we recommend being as prepared as possible for your IVF journey.

Our providers — Dr. Samuel Wood, Dr. Benito Villanueva, and Dr. Martin Bastuba — are here to teach and assist you in any way we can to make your hope of becoming a parent a reality.

Our role in IVF prep

Being prepared mentally, physically, and emotionally for your IVF treatment is critical, but “prepared” means different things to different people. Here are a few steps everyone must take to ensure the best chances for pregnancy through IVF.

You begin by taking fertility medications to increase your egg production.
Next, we retrieve the eggs from your body with minor surgery.
We perform insemination in a lab and check the embryo to ensure proper growth.
Finally, we transfer the embryo into your uterus via a simple procedure.

This is the list of steps if you and your partner are using your own eggs and sperm. If you use donor sperm or eggs, the process will be a bit different.

4 ways you can prepare for IVF treatment

1. Eat a healthy diet

Eating a healthy diet is one of the best things you can do for your body during this time. We recommend following a Mediterranean diet and avoiding overly salty foods, red meats, and processed foods. In addition, we stress not going on a weight loss diet now, as you’ll need to ensure your body is getting all the nutrients it requires.

2. Exercise — but cut out running

Running puts a lot of stress on your body. Instead, go with a lighter, less intensive form of exercise, but don’t stop exercising altogether. And if you haven’t been working out, now is a good time to start with something low-impact, like walking, jogging, or swimming.

3. Avoid certain chemicals and medicines

Products that have endocrine-disrupting chemicals or EDCs can possibly interfere with conception. We recommend avoiding these during this time. Also, let us know about all your medications, as some could act against your fertility meds.

4. Get mentally prepared for the process

Preparing your body for IVF also means preparing your mind. The experience can be extremely stressful, and preparing for how it will affect you and your partner can reduce that stress. If you haven’t considered therapy in the past, now might be a good time to start talking to someone.

Prepare yourself for IVF treatment

IVF isn’t an easy experience, but many of our patients have found happiness through it with a growing family. We’re here to help you every step of the way at our San Diego, California, office. Simply call or make an appointment online today.