The Center for Fertility and Gynecology

Can Your Diet Affect In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?

Sep 1, 2013 @ 08:49 PM — by Michael Vermesh
Tagged with: Ivf Fertility Treatment

Having the family that you've always wanted can be a dream come true, though there are many different setbacks that may turn this into a dream deferred. Thankfully the team at our fertility center can help you start the family that you have always wanted. One of the most popular and effective treatments that we offer is in vitro fertilization (IVF), which has helped millions have children across the globe.

Right now, we'd like to focus on a specific issue related to IVF: dietary concerns.

About In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

Let's first cover the basics. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a fertility treatment in which eggs are harvested from a woman and fertilized in a lab setting. The embryos are then placed back in the womb so that they can develop and be carried to term.

Ideal Candidates for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

The best candidates for in vitro fertilization (IVF) are those who have been struggling for at least a year to conceive naturally. These women should be in good overall health. Since success and safety of IVF are often related to age, it's ideal that IVF be performed on younger women in order to avoid complications.

Dietary Issues and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

There have been some studies that our infertility clinic team have noticed regarding diets and in vitro fertilization (IVF) success. While some of the links do not necessarily imply causation, we do notice that there is a common thread: healthy, balanced diets that avoid saturated fats and processed foods tend to yield better IVF results.

With this in mind, we simply wish to recommend that patients be in good overall health, which means getting exercise and eating right. This change in diet may actually help boost chances of successful natural conception, so don't take good eating and good lifestyle choices for granted.

Potentially Helpful Foods and Beverages

In general, we feel that the following foods will help promote wellness and can potentially improve the chances of successful in vitro fertilization (IVF):

We also recommend that women drink water to hydrate rather than sports drinks or soft drinks. This is an ideal way to be in your best possible health.

Foods and Beverages to Avoid

In general, it's a good idea to use sound judgment when it comes to food and to avoid the following:

In essence, it's important to avoid foods that are unhealthy and high in saturated fat, and it's also important to limit caffeine intake and be careful about alcohol consumption. By eating healthy and making smart choices, you promote wellness and increase chances of successful in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment.

What else should I know about in vitro fertilization (IVF)?

There are many other things that you should know about in vitro fertilization (IVF), such as associated fertility treatments that may be helpful to achieving successful pregnancy and various screening options that will help reduce chances of birth defects and congenital health issues. These matters we can cover in greater detail when you stop by the practice for a visit.

Learn More About In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

For more information about in vitro fertilization (IVF) and your many other options for fertility treatment, we encourage you to contact our Tarzana fertility and IVF center today. The entire team looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve the best possible results.