Frequently asked questions when doing IVF

Women undergoing IVF treatment often have questions about whether they should exercise, get vaccinated, dye their hair, or what they should eat to ensure their health.

What to do to ensure a successful IVF cycle?

No one can guarantee that an IVF cycle will be 100% successful, but women can improve their health and create the best chance for a healthy pregnancy and birth, such as: following a scientific diet and exercise regimen before starting fertility treatment; reducing stress with yoga, meditation, and psychotherapy; getting 8 hours of sleep each night; and taking vitamins before conception. Women can ask for more information from a nutritionist or fertility specialist to get the best care for their bodies.

Can I get vaccinated?

All healthy people should receive recommended vaccinations, regardless of their stage of IVF treatment. Leading reproductive health organizations recommend vaccination for women planning pregnancy and women who are pregnant. Vaccination not only protects the mother but also her unborn baby.

[Caption]. Photo: Freepik — Ensuring your health and getting full vaccinations will help women have a healthy, successful pregnancy using IVF. Photo: *Freepik*

Does exercise have any effect?

Doctors always encourage people to exercise to improve their physical and mental health, especially during the stressful IVF treatment process. Light exercises such as walking, yoga... are safe.

One form of exercise that all patients should avoid during ovulation induction is CrossFit or high-intensity interval training (HIIT). At this stage, the ovaries are expanding and growing larger due to the fertility drugs. CrossFit or HIIT can increase the risk of ovarian torsion. IVF patients can ask their specialist about the best exercises for each stage of the IVF cycle or pregnancy.

How to eat?

Depending on your health condition, you should talk to a nutritionist as well as an obstetrician to get a suitable menu. In general, a complete diet is still providing enough water; increasing fiber intake; eating lots of fresh fruit; adequate protein... is very necessary. You should limit foods that are not good for the body such as: fast food; fried foods with a lot of oil; quit smoking, drinking alcohol...

Does sex affect IVF?

It is perfectly fine for women to have sex during ovarian stimulation. However, during some stages of the IVF cycle, sex can be uncomfortable due to the enlarged ovaries. If you feel uncomfortable, you should refrain from intercourse.

In addition, women's hormones are constantly fluctuating during IVF treatment, which means they may not be in the mood for sex. Therefore, it is important to listen to your body, and if you feel okay both physically and mentally, feel free to be intimate.

Should I travel during fertility treatment?

Women can take a short weekend vacation with their family, but doctors will not recommend long and long trips of 4 days or more. Because they need to be monitored regularly during treatment as well as avoid some other risk factors such as infectious pathogens.

If you are planning a trip, talk to your doctor. He or she can give you advice to help you travel safely.

Can I dye my hair?

Even during the most sensitive phase of the IVF cycle, ovulation stimulation, women can still dye their hair and get their nails done. Massage is also possible, but avoid deep tissue massage during the stimulation phase because the ovaries are expanding. Massage helps reduce stress and increase blood circulation. Reproductive acupuncture has also been shown to be beneficial during IVF.

In general, women undergoing fertility treatment with IVF patients can still do almost everything they did before, as long as it is done safely and in moderation. If you have any questions, talk to your doctor directly for helpful advice.

Nhu Y ( According to Illume Fertility )

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