Are you giving your all to become parents but still not seeing those two lines? You’re not alone. Around 12% to 15% of couples face difficulties conceiving, and for many, in vitro fertilization (IVF) becomes a viable path toward parenthood. But what factors influence IVF success, and are there ways to increase your chances?
Let’s dive into the IVF journey, success rates, and practical ways to boost your odds—because we know every little bit counts when you’re building your family.
What Is IVF?
IVF is a widely used form of assisted reproductive technology (ART) where eggs are fertilized outside the body and then implanted back into the uterus (embryo transfer). With approximately 2 to 3% of all babies in the U.S. born via ART each year, this pathway has brought hope to many. However, the likelihood of success depends on various factors such as age, health, type of fertility issue, and the experience of the clinic.
The average success rates for IVF range from 30% to 40% for people under 35, dropping significantly for older age groups. But there are proactive steps you can take to improve these odds. Here are some expert-backed recommendations.
Boosting Your IVF Success: 9 Key Steps
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Maintain a Healthy Weight
Fertility and body weight are closely connected. Both underweight and overweight interfere with healthy hormonal balance, impairing fertility. Many women struggling with weight gain suffer from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) , which is linked to hormonal imbalances and problems conceiving. To help address this, consider Fertilovit® F PCOS, designed to support women with PCOS in reaching a balanced hormonal state, which may positively impact fertility and improve your odds in case of IVF.
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Optimize Sperm Health
Male fertility matters, too! Avoid heat sources like hot tubs, quit smoking, and maintain a balanced lifestyle. For men seeking to boost sperm health, Fertilovit® M plus offers a specialized blend of antioxidants and essential nutrients to support optimal sperm quality.
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Choose the Right Specialist
Finding a fertility expert you trust can make a significant difference. Look for a clinic with high success rates and a caring team that listens to your needs. Your journey is emotional and complex; partnering with the right professional will make it easier.
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Manage Stress
Staying calm and stress-free can be tough, especially on this journey, but it can make such a difference. Approaching each step with confidence and a peaceful mindset can really help along the way.
- Try writing down some positive affirmations or save a few uplifting quotes to look at whenever you feel the stress creeping in. These little reminders can be so powerful in helping you through the challenging moments all the way to that pregnancy test.
- Consider techniques like acupuncture or mind-body programs, which can be transformative.
- Try not to lose your sense of humour – there is a study showing that women who had a medical clowning encounter after embryo transfer (ET) had a higher pregnancy rate of 36.4%, compared with 20.2% in the control group 😊
- Importantly, take a little break from Google—it can make things feel so much more stressful! It’s so tempting to look up every tiny twinge or possible symptom, but try not to. Googling can really add to your worries and make everything feel more intense. Instead, give yourself some peace of mind by staying calm and clear-headed. You’ve got this! 💙
- Fertility journeys are very emotional, so building a support network can help lighten the emotional load.
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No Smoking and Alcohol
Whatever the outcome of your pregnancy test, until proven otherwise, you are pregnant and will want to stick to all important recommendations during pregnancy. Both smoking and alcohol can have extremely negative impact on your baby, so if you haven‘t done so, you now really need to quit. It’s never too late to take this positive step, and involving friends or family for support can help make the change sustainable.
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Take Recommended Supplements
Supplementing antioxidants and Coenzyme Q10 has potential for improving egg and embryo quality. 20 randomized clinical trials with 2617 participants showed that this not only significantly increased the number of retrieved oocytes and high-quality embryo rates but also reduced the dose of gonadotropin, contributing to higher clinical pregnancy rates. The optimal treatment regimen for improving pregnancy rate was for 3 months before the controlled ovarian stimulation cycle. Especially women with diminished ovarian reserve or women from their 30s benefited from Coenzyme Q10. A dosage of app 30 mg / day has been found to be ideal. To be on the safe side, you may want to add a tailored prenatal like Fertilovit® F 35 plus, designed specifically for women trying to conceive. It provides essential vitamins and antioxidants and 35 mg conezyme Q10 to support a healthy pregnancy journey.
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Check Your Vitamin D Levels
Vitamin D plays a role in fertility, with deficiency linked to lower IVF success. Fertilovit® fertility supplements for women are packed with vitamin D and other vital nutrients, making it a supportive option for women seeking to optimize their reproductive health.
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Stay Hydrated
It’s important to stay hydrated throughout the IVF process, and especially during implantation and in the early stages of your pregnancy. Drinking plenty of water – around two litres, though this includes other liquids in your diet – is always recommended.
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Stay Patient and Persistent
IVF can require multiple cycles for success. Keep in mind that your path to parenthood may take time, and setbacks are not a reflection of your worth or effort. Embrace patience, be gentle with yourself, and remember that a supportive community, including your fertility team, is there for you every step of the way.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the factors influencing IVF success empowers you to make choices that align with your fertility goals. While IVF success rates vary widely, these practical steps—supported by Fertilovit®’s range of scientifically-formulated supplements—can help maximize your chances.
Ready to take the next step?
Explore Fertilovit®’s fertility supplements designed with your needs in mind. Every journey to parenthood is unique, and Fertilovit® is here to support yours with expert guidance and targeted nutrition. Visit our shop to find the right product for your fertility journey.
References
Friedler S, Glasser S, Azani L, Freedman LS, Raziel A, Strassburger D, Ron-El R, Lerner-Geva L. The effect of medical clowning on pregnancy rates after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. Fertil Steril. 2011 May;95(6):2127-30. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2010.12.016. Epub 2011 Jan 6. PMID: 21211796.
Lin G, Li X, Jin Yie SL, Xu L. Clinical evidence of coenzyme Q10 pretreatment for women with diminished ovarian reserve undergoing IVF/ICSI: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Med. 2024 Dec;56(1):2389469. doi: 10.1080/07853890.2024.2389469. Epub 2024 Aug 12. PMID: 39129455; PMCID: PMC11321116.
Showell MG, Mackenzie-Proctor R, Jordan V, Hart RJ. Antioxidants for female subfertility. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020 Aug 27;8(8):CD007807. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD007807.pub4. PMID: 32851663; PMCID: PMC8094745.
Shang Y, Song N, He R, Wu M. Antioxidants and Fertility in Women with Ovarian Aging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Adv Nutr. 2024 Aug;15(8):100273. doi: 10.1016/j.advnut.2024.100273. Epub 2024 Jul 15. PMID: 39019217; PMCID: PMC11345374.