IVF/Infertility Diet

[Twiglet2353]

Hi ladies.

Can I ask how you have prepared your body for ivf/adapted your lifestyle as your infertility journey has progressed?

We have an ivf consultation at the end of the month, and whilst I don't know if ivf will be the eventual route for us (currently on clomid), I know I need to take control of my life and better my eating habits.

As of now I am going to make a real effort to cut out caffeine - decaf coffee easy to come by, but are decaf teabags as good as the real deal? And also avoid the weekend tipple of wine with a carb-laden meal with the hubby.

I'd be really interested to hear what you've changed during your time TTCing and any hints and tips you may have. TIA x

[Chooklass]

Hi @Twiglet2353, I've been following a diet for PCOS which I think is probably good in general for hormone balancing. It's low GI/ carb and I've also cut down on dairy, cut out caffeine and alcohol. I don't like decaf tea bags so tend to stick to herbal tea or decaf coffee. I've seen a huge improvement in my skin and my periods are more regular so I think it's had a positive effect! Whether it helps me get pregnant or not is anyone's guess!

[Twiglet2353]

@Chooklass that sounds great. I'm trying to cut out caffeine and alcohol and trying to avoid processed foods. Cutting out dairy as a whole sounds so hard - especially if following a low carb diet.

What type of meals do you make during the week?

[TinyPaws]

Haha I can confirm that decaf tea is not as good as the real deal, but I did get used to it after a while. The Twinings decaf bags are the tastiest.

I'm on a high protein low carb diet with plenty of fruit and veg. I haven't cut out dairy in fact I have a glass of milk every evening. Time will tell if it works.

[cheesymashandbeans]

I think it's psychological. These cuts will make you feel generally healthier but they aren't going to make the difference of the ivf working or not. I found that the pressure of trying to be super healthy and then my ivf failing added to the disappointment. Don't get me wrong, it's natural to want to be in tip top condition for the journey, but the odd few glasses of wine at a weekend with hubby won't affect the ivf and it may be better for you to continue to have that relax time with your hubby.
Good luck, wishing you the best of luck with your journey.

[RubyBoots7]

There's no evidence that diet affects fertility or off outcomes (beyond being overweight or drinking huge amounts). If you want to do this for you because it makes you feel good, then go for it. But please don't feel you have to take on a very strict diet or be miserable missing out on things when you don't have to.

The ivf process is very long and very hard. It may or may not work. There is so much pressure and you might feel like it's your fault if it doesn't work because your diet wasn't good enough or you were too stressed etc. These things do not affect the outcome. Scientifically they just don't. Psychologically, do what you need to do to survive and self-care throughout the process x

[Twiglet2353]

@cheesymashandbeans @RubyBoots7 Thank you both for this. It's our wedding anniversary at the weekend so I'm pleased you've said this so we can share a bottle of wine together and go out for an Italian.

I really do want to try and get a little healthier anyway, and had started reading about egg quality can be affected by diet, but you're right, I won't be super strict with it and just try and make a conscious effort to pick more nutritious choices x