Couples before preparing for IVF face many questions. How to prepare? Where to begin? How will lifestyle change? What rules should be observed at this crucial moment? After all, the right preparation for artificial insemination is already 50% of the fact that everything will be successful. It is worthwhile to understand that it is important not only to be examined, but also to conduct this preparation period correctly, which means that certain rules must be observed.
What is IVF?
In vitro fertilization is a method of therapy for problems with reproductive function in women. It is carried out after special training, which is appointed by a specialist based on the presence of a couple’s problems.
It is worth noting that tests before IVF are given by both partners. Therefore, preparation involves jointly following certain rules. This applies not only to giving up bad habits, but also to considerable patience when carrying out various manipulations.
How long does preparation for IVF last?
Many couples wonder how long this period can last. The time for preparation is determined in each case individually. First, both partners undergo a comprehensive examination and, based on the presence of health problems, determine the period necessary for the artificial insemination procedure.
If the couple has no significant contraindications, fertilization is usually carried out after three months or six months. This period, when hormonal drugs are being taken, which increases the quality of genetic material. They call it "stimulation" before IVF.
Some patients who are contraindicated in taking hormones may possibly fertilize in the natural cycle without medical preparation. The period, duration and characteristics of the preparation are carried out by reproductologists and embryologists. Some couples additionally undergo psychological therapy or consultation in order to avoid the possibility of the development of infertility, which occurs against the background of psychological factors.
The list of general tests before fertilization
A married couple who does not know where to start preparing for IVF should know that it is important to pass all the necessary tests.
The mandatory manipulations of both partners include:
- blood test for syphilis, hepatitis and HIV infection;
- PCR method to detect possible genital infections;
- blood chemistry;
- hormonal balance;
- Rhesus factor of both partners (infertility is possible with opposite indications);
- Analysis of urine.
This is a list of required analyzes. In case of deviations, the doctor may prescribe an additional examination. This is necessary in order to minimize the negative consequences for the baby and so that the period of fertilization and bearing a child passes without problems.
Stages of preparation for the expectant mother
Preparation for fertilization begins primarily with the expectant mother. She must understand that the success of the fertilization process in the first place depends on her health and preparation. Preparation for IVF for a woman is prescribed by a reproductologist. It all starts with a comprehensive and general examination, from a blood test for various parameters to an ultrasound examination, colposcopy and hysterosalpingography, when the fallopian tubes and their patency are examined.
Particular attention is paid to a woman who has a chronic illness, has had a miscarriage or a frozen pregnancy in the past. Additionally, the expectant mother, who already had children with pathologies, undergoes karyotyping. This is a survey of the quality and number of chromosomes of a married couple. Women undergo a plasma lifting procedure to increase the success of embryo attachment in the uterus during the fertilization procedure.
How much preparation for IVF is going on for a woman is determined by the doctor, based on the identified deviations, both in health and in the reproductive function of the expectant mother. The first thing a woman should do is to adhere to the rules of a healthy lifestyle and eat well. It is also worth minimizing possible psychological stresses and it is important to believe in yourself. A positive attitude is above all.
Mom's Nutrition
An important component in the successful preparation for IVF is the diet and diet of the expectant mother. In order for the child to be successfully formed, it is necessary to begin this process and the restructuring of the body long before the conception process.
Mandatory products that are included in the diet of a woman in preparation for fertilization:
- dairy products that increase the level of calcium in the body;
- cereals that normalize the digestive tract;
- fruits and vegetables, depending on the season, which will enrich the body with vitamins and minerals in kind;
- lean meat, nuts, bananas, eggs.
Do not get involved in caffeine, which can affect the work of the heart and alcohol, which inhibits all functions in the body.
Stages of preparation for the future father
In the process of preparing for IVF, men also have to pass a number of tests:
- high-quality sperm composition (spermogram, which is given during abstinence from sexual activity on average for five days);
- analysis for HIV and hepatitis;
- examination of material from the urethra for the presence of genital infections;
- Ultrasound of the male genital organs.
In case of any deviations in the obligatory analyzes, additional ones are given together with consultations from different specialists.
Regarding men, it is difficult to answer the question of how much future dad will need time to prepare. It’s enough for some to simply change their lifestyle and all indicators will return to normal. With a low sperm count (40% of cases), men are prescribed special medications. If the spouse does not have live sperm in the semen (severe infertility), not IVF, but ICSI (sperm injection into the oocyte cytoplasm) is performed.
It is important for men to refuse to visit saunas during the preparation period, since the production of high-quality sperm occurs at a temperature not exceeding + 34 ° C. You should also abandon physical activity or vice versa a sedentary lifestyle.
Users on forums that have gone through the IVF procedure note that it is important for men to:
- follow the doctor’s recommendations regarding medication;
- the appointment of physiotherapeutic procedures, it is important not to miss sessions of such therapy;
- to put a taboo on bad habits and trips to the sauna;
- minimize the impact of negative environmental factors on the body (this applies to those who work in hazardous industries);
- follow a diet;
- Do not overwork physically;
- attend a psychologist's consultation.
Dad's food
The nutrition of the future father consists not only in taking special vitamins before IVF, but also following a certain diet. It is the diet that can significantly improve sperm quality. It is important to abandon fatty and salty foods, which only clog the body and increase cholesterol. Bean products and alcohol affect the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. It is worthwhile to include foods with a high content of vitamin C in the diet, and also take folic or ascorbic acid in addition to vegetables and fruits.
Lifestyle correction for future parents
Future parents in the process of preparing for IVF should radically revise their lives. The success of fertilization directly depends on this.
General consultations that are given to both spouses in most cases are as follows:
- Ban on alcohol and nicotine.
- Coffee - only 1 cup per day.
- It is necessary to avoid both hypothermia and overheating of the body.
- Timely therapy in the presence of chronic diseases.
- Sleep at least 8 hours a day.
- Comfortable psychological environment.
All stages of preparation for IVF for both partners can be divided into the following groups in the main areas:
- Diet. Both a man and a woman should eat normally and variably. Taboo on products containing chemical additives and preservatives, as well as the rejection of heavy foods. The diet at least 5 times a day in small portions. Weight correction, if there is a problem with this, which normalizes the level of hormonal levels.
- Drink. Compliance with the water regime, at least 2 liters of fluid per day, if there are no pathologies in the work of the cardiac system and kidneys. Water cleanses the body of toxins, and with their large presence and during hormone intake, ovarian hyperstimulation may occur, which is a deviation from the norm and may reduce the success of fertilization.
- Medications. Medicines are taken at the time and in the amount prescribed by the doctor. Their appearance depends on the individual indications of partners and their age.
- Exercise stress. It is important not to overdo it. For women, swimming, walking and oriental dancing are well suited. The last type of physical activity is good because the pelvic organs are involved there. Loads on these organs lead to improved blood supply in the reproductive organs.
- Vaccination. A woman should be given all vaccinations according to age. Additionally, you can protect the body from the flu. This is done 3 months before the planned IVF procedure.
Psychological training
Where to start preparing for IVF? Any specialist will say that with a positive psychological attitude. In addition, conducting an examination and changing the quality and lifestyle is an additional stress for the body. And at this moment, the main thing is to support each other and not think that something might not work out.
To calm down, you can take a course of sedatives, but it is better to seek the help of a psychologist who will help relieve such an increased emotional burden during this period. It is also important to enlist the support of loved ones and relatives and minimize contacts with persons who provoke a conflict.
It is important that both partners are confident that everything will be successful and that they will finally become parents for the most coveted crumbs on Earth.
What reduces the chances of successful fertilization?
There are some factors that can increase the risk of failure and reduce the chances of successful fertilization.
These include:
- inflammatory processes of the pelvic organs (acidity and the internal membrane of the organs change, in which case the embryos may not take root);
- abortions (any surgical intervention in the uterine cavity violates its structure, the walls become too thin, so the embryo will not catch anything);
- low sperm count in partner’s sperm (this may be due to hypovitaminosis, genital infections, medication or work in the factory with harmful emissions);
- chronic diseases (malfunctioning of some organs can affect the performance of the ovaries);
- age (after 40 years, even with IVF, it is more difficult to become pregnant, as the number of follicles in women who are responsible for fertilization decreases with age);
- wrong choice of IVF clinic. It is important to trust your health only to specialists and medical institutions with a high level of trust and service). For example, in Moscow, IVF can be done in one of the following clinics: "Mom" (32 Raskova St.), Nova Clinics (20 Lobachevsky St.), ECO-Assistance (Mira Ave. 184/1) etc.
What should i avoid while preparing?
In preparation for successful fertilization, it is worth leading a healthy and active lifestyle, but do not overdo it with physical activity.
Things to avoid:
- stresses and difficult psychological situations;
- smoking and alcohol;
- hypothermia and drafts, which can lead to inflammatory processes;
- overheating in the bath, bath or sauna.
Despite the fact that you can find many recommendations on the network regarding the preparation process, it is important in this case to listen only to the doctor.
Preparing for the second attempt
Quite often, the first procedure fails. This may be due to the wrong choice of IVF clinic, specialist, not observing all the doctor’s prescriptions. But most couples do not despair, and after a short time they decide on a new implantation of embryos.
This means that you will have to go all the way again, from examinations to taking medications. It is important at this stage to focus on the good physical shape of both partners and their emotional mood. If the future dad has low sperm quality, then immediately before replanting, they freeze it, which increases its shelf life.
Conclusion
Medical technologies and opportunities do not stand still, which allows any couple who dream of procreation to have a baby. Preparation for IVF (nutrition, lifestyle) is, of course, important, but the main thing is for the couple to tune in to a positive outcome and not despair.