What food/drink/activities do you give up during your IVF cycle?

[Decaffe]

It’s just hit me - am I supposed to be going cold turkey on caffeine, sugar and baths?!

What about alcohol? I know Prof Winston recommends an occasional glass of red 😉

Do these things actually help or is it the placebo effect? I have given them all up at some point over the last couple of years and, well, they certainly didn’t help me get pregnant!

I gave up alcohol and cut down caffeine to one coffee a day. Didn't change my diet other than that.

I only gave up baths after my transfer and had showers instead, as my clinic recommended this.

Not sure if any of it makes a difference or not!

I'm certainly going to make the most of the baths before transfer day!

I cut down my caffeine intake and wasn’t really drinking in the lead up so that didn’t matter so much. I did try to have lots of protein and healthy fats, as well as the infamous beetroot juice and pineapple core. Whether all these things helped, who knows? But it’s nice to feel ‘in control’ I think. I carried on running right up until transfer and then stopped post transfer and did walking instead.

@Decaffe I gave up alcohol for 2 months before as I read this research

www.sbivf.com/blog/alcohol-and-ivf-do-they-mix/#:~:text=They%20found%20that%20for%20men,a%20negative%20impact%20upon%20fertility.

I also gave up caffeine but that was because I was addicted to a soda that was full of caffeine and I was drinking 3-4 500ml bottles a day plus a litre at home and I knew I needed to get off it so if it worked ( which it did 2nd time) that I wouldn't have the headaches and not be able to take anything stronger than paracetamol.

OH stopped hot baths- I didn't I had them up until transfer day x

I don't drink often anyway so I've given it up completely and given up caffeine too. We don't have a bath at home, only a shower, so no risk there. I haven't massively changed my diet but trying to have more fruit and more water. I'd rather know I've done everything I can to try to make it work! I have my Cycle 2 transfer on Tuesday next week....nervous!

@Holly05235892 Good Luck x

We both gave up on alcohol for the 3 months before ivf. It’s supposed to have more of an effect on sperm. I stopped caffeine too but cutting down to 1 cup a day is fine.
after egg collection we went back to usual but I still just reduced my intake of these things and ate as healthy as I could
in lead up to FET, I cut everything out again the week or so before transfer.
made sure I was drinking plenty of water and eating lots of fruit and veg

i didn’t go down the route of beetroot and pineapple core and Brazil nuts. Did it all during ttc tho

I cut down my caffeine consumption by max one daily.

Thanks all. I’m feeling fed up and would like nothing more than to get dressed up and go out for a drink tonight! 😞

@Decaffe I got really fed up at one point- me and OH booked a night away at a spa hotel- went out shopping and for food and mocktails before going back to the hotel and using the spa the next day- done me the world of good and made me feel so much better.

are drinks entirely off limit?

@Minamina it's your choice- I read this

www.sbivf.com/blog/alcohol-and-ivf-do-they-mix/#:~:text=They%20found%20that%20for%20men,a%20negative%20impact%20upon%20fertility

And decided against it.

good read. I wouldn't have four though, maybe just a single drink on the weekend with the girls

@Minamina clinics tell you to reduce, and then no alcohol for 2 weeks before so it's complete personal choice.
Some people have said they have had 2 drinks relaxed more and IVF has worked. It's what ever works for you, it's a long hard process. Good Luck 🤞🏼

@PMAmostofthetime best to you too 💖