One of the main questions you might have if you have decided to undergo IVF is, “How do I make IVF successful the first time?” IVF is a complex and expensive procedure. So, it is normal for you to wish to achieve success during the first cycle.
There are some tips and tricks you can follow to improve your health and fertility and make IVF successful the first time. We have discussed those tips here in this article. Read it till the end and prepare yourself for your first IVF treatment.
Things to Do to Make IVF Successful
- Increase IVF success by maintaining a healthy weight, improving sperm quality, reducing stress, and quitting smoking and alcohol.trieve mature eggs, which are then fertilised in the lab.
IVF is one of the best fertility treatments with the highest success rate. However, even with its popularity, studies show that only about 40% of couples undergoing IVF become pregnant in their first cycle.
Most couples need to undergo at least three of four cycles before successfully getting pregnant. However, there are some steps couples can follow to achieve success during their IVF cycle. Let’s discuss each step in detail below.
All the Best for your IVF Journey !
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Your weight is one of the main factors affecting your fertility. Being underweight, overweight, or obese can affect your hormone balance and make it difficult for you to become pregnant.
A normal BMI range is between 18.5 and 24.9. You need to bring your weight to this range if you wish to have a high chance of success in your IVF treatments. Most often, your fertility doctor would suggest you reach optimal BMI before starting your IVF treatments.
Optimize Sperm Health
Not only egg health but sperm health is also important for successful fertilization and pregnancy. If the sperm is not of good quality, it won’t be able to swim to the egg and fertilize it.
A low-quality sperm also has the risk of chromosomal abnormalities that can be passed on to the baby. So, your male partner needs to improve the quality of his sperm to ensure your first IVF cycle is a success. Below are some tips to improve sperm health.
- Maintain a proper diet
- Take multivitamins and other supplements
- Maintain a normal BMI
- Prefer boxers over briefs
Partner With an Excellent Doctor and Embryology Laboratory
No matter how well you maintain your body and improve your fertility, if the fertility doctor you choose is not an expert in the field, your chances of success will be low.
Before choosing a fertility doctor to undergo IVF, check the following parameters:
- Check the doctor’s qualifications and experience
- Check the reputation and success rate of the fertility centre
- Check if the fertility centre has advanced technology equipment
- Check the reviews of past patients and their rating
- Talk with your friends and family and get their recommendations
Reduce Your Stress
Stress and depression are one of the main reasons for infertility. You might have noticed that women with stress and depression have problems with their menstrual cycles. So, try to avoid them and stay calm and happy.
It is normal for you to feel depressed after not having a baby for a long time. But remember that they can come in the way of successfully getting pregnant. So, have a positive mindset. You can also do relaxing activities like yoga and medication or have a relaxing massage.
Quit Smoking and Alcohol
Smoking and alcohol are a big NO if you want to get pregnant in your first IVF cycle successfully. Both substances can harm your health and greatly impact your fertility.
Smoking and alcohol can affect the quality of your eggs and sperm and make pregnancy difficult. So, if you are going to try IVF, ensure you quit these habits at least till you have your baby in your hands. Fertility doctors will also suggest couples quit these habits at least three months before starting the treatment.
Look Into Taking Supplements
- Nutrients like vitamins A, B, C, E, and folic acid, along with minerals, are essential for fertility and can be supplemented after consulting a doctor.
Lack of necessary nutrients is one of the major causes of infertility. Apart from diet, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle, you need to give your body the extra nutrients it needs to improve your fertility.
Some essential nutrients that positively impact your fertility are vitamins A, B, C, and E and minerals like zinc, selenium, iron, and magnesium. Folic acid is an essential vitamin for fertility and the healthy development of the baby.
You can consult your fertility doctor regarding these supplements. They will examine you to identify which nutrients you lack and prescribe the required supplements.
IVF Success Rates by Age
- IVF success rates decline with age, with 80-95% success under 35 and 20% over 43 in India.
The above steps we discussed above greatly impact your success rate in IVF treatments. However, achieving success with IVF comes with certain odds, influenced by factors such as age and fertility. Your fertility and the quality of your eggs decrease as you age. So, the older you are, the lower your success rate in IVF.
In India, the average IVF success rate is around 60–70%. Below is an approximate estimation of IVF success rate based on a woman’s age.
- Younger than 35 – 80–95%
- 35–37 years old – 70%
- 38–40 years old – 60%
- 40–42 years old – 40%
- Over 43 years old – 20%
Conclusion
You don’t have to worry too much about your IVF success. As long as you follow the above tips and follow all the advice your doctor gives you, you can definitely achieve success and have your own little baby.
Remember, a positive mindset is key to your IVF success. So always have a happy mindset and believe in yourself and your doctor.
FAQs
Before deciding to undergo IVF, you should first understand its success rate and what are the major factors that cause IVF failure. On average, the success rate of IVF during the first cycle is around 40%. Consult your doctor and follow the necessary precautions if you wish to succeed in your first cycle.
Here are some tips you can follow to ensure your IVF is successful in the first attempt.
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Optimize egg and sperm health
- Choose a well-experienced fertility doctor
- Reduce stress and depression
- Quit smoking & alcohol
- Take the prescribed medications & supplements
No, the second IVF cycle is not 100% successful. Your success rate in your second IVF cycle will definitely be higher than your first cycle. However, it does not mean that your second cycle will be 100% successful.