Embarking on the path to parenthood through in vitro fertilization (IVF) is a significant milestone. It is a journey often defined by a complex mix of emotions—hope for the future, anxiety about the process, and a deep desire to do everything possible to achieve a successful pregnancy. While the medical team at ONE Fertility Kitchener Waterloo handles the advanced science and clinical protocols, there is a powerful role you play in this partnership: preparing the biological foundation.
Preparation matters. Optimizing your physical and emotional health before your cycle begins can improve egg and sperm quality, create a more receptive uterine environment, and help you manage the rigours of treatment. Success is maximized when both partners commit to these lifestyle changes, viewing this preparation as an integral part of their customized treatment plan.
To help you navigate this phase with confidence, we have compiled an actionable IVF preparation checklist. This guide covers nutrition, lifestyle adjustments, supplements, and emotional well-being, helping you feel empowered and ready for the steps ahead.
Checklist Category: Nutrition & Weight Management
What you eat influences your hormonal balance and cellular health. When considering IVF preparation for female patients—and their male partners—adopting a fertility-friendly diet is one of the most proactive steps you can take.
Balanced Diet Focus
Think of food as fuel for your reproductive system. We generally recommend shifting toward a Mediterranean-style diet, which is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation can negatively impact fertility, so choosing foods that soothe rather than stress the body is key.
- Prioritize: Lean proteins (chicken, fish, legumes), complex carbohydrates (whole grains, quinoa), and plenty of healthy fats (avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil).
- Limit or Avoid: Highly processed foods, excessive refined sugars, and trans fats. These can cause blood sugar spikes and increase inflammation.
Achieving a Healthy BMI
Your body mass index (BMI) plays a role in how your body processes fertility medications and regulates hormones. Being significantly under or over a healthy weight range can sometimes affect ovulation or the response to ovarian stimulation.
Aim for a weight that is healthy for your specific body type. If you’re unsure of what that is, speak to a medical professional for guidance on what is healthy for you.
Caution: This is not the time for crash dieting or extreme restrictions, which can deplete your body of necessary nutrients. Focus on sustainable, healthy changes rather than rapid weight loss.
Hydration
It sounds simple, but proper hydration is vital for cellular health and circulation. Water helps transport nutrients to developing follicles and flushes out toxins. Aim to drink enough water throughout the day so that your urine is pale yellow.
Checklist Category: Supplements & Medications
While a healthy diet is the foundation, supplements can fill nutritional gaps. However, many fertility patients might wonder how long to prepare for IVF when it comes to supplements. Generally, starting a regimen three months prior to treatment is ideal, as it takes approximately 90 days for an egg to mature and for sperm to regenerate.
Essential Supplements
Note: Always consult your ONE Fertility physician before starting any new supplement.
- For Her: A high-quality prenatal vitamin with folic acid is non-negotiable, as it is crucial for early neural tube development in a fetus. Your doctor may also check your vitamin D levels and recommend CoQ10 to support egg quality.
- For Him: Sperm health is equally important. Antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and selenium can help protect sperm DNA from fragmentation and oxidative stress.
Medication Review
Transparency is critical during preparation before IVF procedure. Ensure the ONE Fertility team has a comprehensive list of every medication you are taking, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal remedies. Some common herbs can interfere with fertility drugs or clotting factors.
Do not stop taking prescribed medication or start any new medication or supplement without explicit clearance from your fertility physician.
Checklist Category: Lifestyle Adjustments
Your daily habits have a cumulative effect on your reproductive health. Making these adjustments now can set the stage for a smoother cycle.
Toxin Elimination
Minimizing exposure to substances that can harm gamete (egg and sperm) quality is essential. Here are some common guidelines:
- Alcohol: We recommend strict cessation for the female partner during the cycle. Male partners should also moderate or minimize intake during the preparation phase.
- Smoking and Vaping: This is an absolute necessity for both partners. Nicotine and the chemicals in vape fluid can drastically reduce egg quality and sperm count. Quitting is one of the single most effective ways to improve your prognosis.
- Caffeine: You do not necessarily need to cut it out entirely, but reduction is recommended. Aim for a maximum of one cup of coffee or other caffeinated beverage (or equivalent) per day.
Exercise
Movement is good for circulation, stress relief, weight management, and overall health. Engage in regular, moderate activity like brisk walking, swimming, or gentle yoga.
Now is not the time to train for a marathon or start high-intensity interval training (HIIT) if your body isn’t used to it. Extreme physical stress can divert energy away from the reproductive system.
Sleep Hygiene
Sleep is the time when your body repairs itself and regulates hormones, including those involved in reproduction, like follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Aim for seven to nine hours of quality, uninterrupted sleep per night. Establish a calming bedtime routine—dim the lights and put away screens an hour before bed.
Checklist Category: Stress & Emotional Well-Being
When patients ask how to increase their chances in IVF, they often focus solely on the physical. However, the emotional aspect is just as critical. High levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) can disrupt your hormonal balance.
Stress Management Techniques
You cannot eliminate stress entirely, but you can change how you respond to it. Incorporate practical methods into your daily routine:
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Even 10 minutes a day can lower heart rate and reduce anxiety.
- Deep Breathing: Simple breathwork can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, taking you out of “fight or flight” mode.
- Clinic Support: Remember, you are not alone. ONE Fertility Kitchener Waterloo offers emotional support services, including counseling and support groups, to help you process the emotional weight of treatment.
Partner Support
Infertility can strain relationships, but it can also bring you closer maintain open lines of communication. If you have a male partner, encourage him to participate in lifestyle changes alongside you—eating healthy and quitting smoking is easier as a team.
Setting Realistic Expectations
While preparation maximizes your potential, biology is complex. Be patient with yourself. If you have a difficult day or slip up on your diet, practice self-compassion rather than guilt. Trust that you are doing your best.
IVF Preparation Checklist: Next Steps
A healthy body provides the best possible environment for a successful IVF cycle. By following this IVF preparation checklist, you are taking an active, empowering role in your fertility journey. Remember that every individual is unique; what works for one person may need to be tweaked for another.
If you are ready to take the next step or have questions about your specific health profile, we are here to guide you. Schedule your initial or follow-up consultation with the ONE Fertility team to review your personalized preparation plan and move forward with confidence.
