What are the 10 Tips to Improve Your Chances of IVF Success

Imagine the excitement of starting a family, only to face challenges in getting pregnant naturally.  For couples struggling with this, in vitro fertilization (IVF) provides hope. IVF involves fertilizing an egg with sperm outside the body and putting the embryo in the uterus.

Even though IVF can be complex and emotional, there are ways to increase your chances of success if you are taking the proper steps before, during, and after the IVF treatment. In this blog, discover tips to boost your IVF success and explore expert tips for a successful IVF journey, increasing your odds of a positive outcome.

IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) Simplified

IVF is a medical method to help people have babies  when they're having trouble doing so. It's like giving nature a little boost.

Step 1: Ovarian Stimulation

Usually, a woman releases one egg each month, but with IVF, we want more eggs to increase the chances of success.

Step 2: Egg Retrieval

Once the eggs are ready, the gynecologist collects them from the woman's ovaries along with a lot of fluid. They do this using a thin needle, and it's not very painful because the woman is usually given anaesthesia. The embryologist then identifies all the eggs from the fluid, cleans them well and keeps them in a very safe environment.

Step 3: Sperm Collection

At the same time, the man provides a sample of his sperm. The embryologist separates out all the good sperms and uses the healthiest sperms.

Step 4: Fertilization

The embryologist combines the collected eggs and sperm in a particular dish. It gives the sperm a chance to fertilize the eggs, just like in the woman's body. In case of very poor sperm quality, the expert embryologist selects a healthy sperm and injects it into the egg, in a very advanced procedure known as intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

Step 5: Embryo Development

Once the eggs are fertilized, they turn into embryos – tiny baby beginnings. The embryologist watches them closely to see how they're growing. Not all embryos develop the same, so the embryologist selects the healthiest ones. 

Step 6: Embryo Transfer

The selected healthy embryos are placed into the woman's uterus. This part is different from getting a regular checkup – it's  usually not painful.

Step 7: Waiting Game

Now, the woman waits to see if the embryo attaches to her uterus lining. If it does, she becomes pregnant!

Step 8: Pregnancy Test

After a couple of weeks, the woman takes a pregnancy test to determine if the IVF worked. If it did, she's on her way to becoming a parent!

Remember, the goal of IVF is to help people who are struggling to have a baby. It's a medical way to bring joy and happiness to families.

Importance of Embryologists in the IVF Process

Embryologists play a critical role in the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process, and their expertise is essential for the procedure's success. Here are some key aspects highlighting the importance of embryologists in IVF:

• Fertilization and Embryo Development: Embryologists are responsible for the precise timing and execution of fertilization. They ensure eggs and sperm are appropriately combined in the laboratory, creating embryos. Monitoring and assessing embryo development is crucial to their role, as they need to identify viable embryos for transfer.
• Quality Control: Embryologists ensure that each and every parameter in the IVF laboratory is maintained in optimal conditions. They continuously monitor all the performance indicators to ensure highest possible pregnancy rates. 
• Culturing and Incubation: Embryos require specific environmental conditions to thrive, including the right temperature, humidity, and gas concentration. Embryologists maintain these conditions in incubators and provide the necessary nutrients to support embryo growth.
• Blastocyst Culture: In some cases, embryos are cultured to the blastocyst stage (around 5-6 days after fertilization) before transfer. This extended culture allows embryologists to select the most promising embryos better, improving the chances of success.
• Cryopreservation: Embryologists also handle the freezing and storing of surplus embryos for future use. It is essential for patients who wish to preserve embryos for subsequent IVF cycles or who want to have additional children later on.
• Biopsy and Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT): When genetic testing is required to screen for specific genetic conditions or chromosomal abnormalities, embryologists perform biopsies on embryos and prepare the samples for genetic analysis. It ensures that only genetically healthy embryos are selected for transfer.
• Assisted Hatching: When necessary, embryologists can perform assisted hatching. This technique involves creating a small opening in the outer shell (zona pellucida) of the embryo to facilitate its implantation in the uterus.
• Embryo Transfer: Embryologists assess the quality of embryos based on criteria such as cell division rate, symmetry, and appearance. They select the healthiest and most viable embryos for transfer, increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy while minimizing the risk of multiple pregnancies. While a reproductive endocrinologist typically performs the embryo transfer, embryologists very carefully and delicately  prepare and load the embryos into the transfer catheter, taking care that they do not get retained back into the catheter. 

Tips to Improve IVF Success Rate

1. Choose your IVF clinic and your embryologist  wisely and carefully

Selecting the right IVF clinic is crucial. Look for clinics with experienced reproductive endocrinologists  and even more experienced embryologists. Remember, it is the embryologist who is going to make your babies - fertilise the egg with well selected sperms, nourish the embryos, look after them in the IVF laboratory, and finally select the best embryo for transfer! Look for positive patient reviews, and success rates. A good clinic will provide clear information, answer your questions, and guide you.

2. Maintain a Balanced Diet

Eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients can help create a healthier environment for your body during IVF. Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. A well-nourished body is better prepared for the IVF journey.

3. Do Meditation and De-stressing Light Exercises

Stress can impact the IVF process. Relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and gentle exercises can help reduce stress levels. It's essential to keep your body and mind as calm as possible.

4. Get Plenty of Sleep

Adequate sleep is crucial for overall health and hormonal balance. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Good sleep supports your body's systems and enhances your chances of success with IVF.

5. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Being either underweight or overweight can affect fertility and the success of IVF. Aim for a healthy weight through a balanced diet and moderate exercise. Consult your clinical embryologist  before making any significant changes.

6. Avoid Smoking and Drinking

Both smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can harm fertility and the developing embryo. It's best to quit smoking and limit alcohol intake before and during IVF to improve your chances of success.

7. Take Prescribed Medicines Timely

Following your clinical embryologist instructions for medication is crucial. IVF often involves a specific schedule of medications to regulate hormones and support the process. Taking your prescribed medicines on time ensures the best possible outcome.

8. Maintain Hygiene

Hygiene is essential to prevent infections, which can be risky during IVF. Follow proper hygiene practices, especially around egg retrieval and embryo transfer.

9. Stay Positive and Seek Support

IVF can be emotionally challenging. Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family, or Support groups. Staying positive and managing stress can make the process smoother.

10. Communicate Openly with Your Partner

IVF is a journey that involves both partners. Keep the lines of communication open with your partner. Share your thoughts, fears, and hopes. This unity can provide much-needed emotional Support.

Elevate Your IVF Success with Goral Gandhi

Are you ready to explore your fertility journey or gather more information about IVF treatment? 

Schedule a consultation with Goral Gandhi, a leading embryologist and consultant in Mumbai at Global IVF Clinic, who is well-versed in the intricacies of fertility treatments. Allow us to be your guide, addressing your concerns and providing you with the expert insights you seek. Contact us and schedule a complimentary consultation with us today. Together, let's transform your parenthood aspirations into a beautiful reality.