Frequently Asked Questions about IVF

Women undergoing IVF treatment often have questions about whether they should exercise, get vaccinated, dye their hair, or what kind of diet they should follow to maintain their health.

What can be done to ensure a successful IVF cycle?

No one can guarantee a 100% success rate for an IVF cycle, but women can improve their health to maximize their chances of conceiving and having a healthy baby by: adopting a healthy diet and exercise regimen before starting fertility treatment; reducing stress through yoga, meditation, and psychotherapy; getting enough sleep (8 hours per night); and taking vitamins before conception. Women can seek further information from a nutritionist or fertility specialist to receive the best possible care for their bodies.

Is it possible to get vaccinated?

All eligible individuals should receive recommended vaccinations, regardless of their stage of IVF treatment. Leading reproductive health organizations recommend vaccination for women planning to become pregnant and those who are pregnant. Vaccination protects not only the mother but also the unborn baby.

[Caption]. Photo: Freepik — Ensuring good health and getting all necessary vaccinations will help women have a healthy and successful pregnancy through IVF. Photo: *Freepik*

Does exercise have any effect?

Doctors always encourage people to exercise to improve both physical and mental health, especially during the stressful IVF treatment process. Gentle exercises such as walking and yoga are safe.

One form of exercise that all patients should avoid during ovarian stimulation is CrossFit or high-intensity interval training (HIIT). At this stage, the ovaries are expanding and growing larger due to fertility medications. CrossFit or HIIT can increase the risk of ovarian torsion. IVF patients can ask their specialists for more information about suitable exercises for each stage of the IVF cycle or for pregnant women.

What kind of food should we eat?

Depending on their individual health condition, patients should consult with a nutritionist and obstetrician to develop a suitable diet plan. Generally, a balanced diet includes adequate hydration, increased fiber intake, plenty of fresh fruits, and sufficient protein. It's important to limit unhealthy foods such as fast food and greasy fried foods, and to avoid smoking and alcohol.

Does sexual intercourse affect IVF?

Women can absolutely have sex during ovarian stimulation. However, during certain stages of the IVF cycle, sex may be uncomfortable due to the ovaries expanding. If you feel uncomfortable, you should limit intercourse.

In addition, a woman's hormones fluctuate constantly during IVF treatment, meaning she may not be in the mood for sex. Therefore, it's important to listen to your body; if you feel well both physically and mentally, feel free to be intimate.

Is it okay to travel while undergoing fertility treatment?

Women may take a short weekend getaway with their families, but doctors discourage long trips of four days or more. This is because they need to be monitored regularly during treatment and to avoid other risk factors such as infectious diseases.

If you are planning a trip, you should talk to your doctor. Your doctor can give you advice to help you travel safely.

Is it okay to dye my hair?

Even during the most sensitive phase of the IVF cycle—ovulation stimulation—women can still dye their hair and get manicures. Patients can also receive massages, but avoid deep tissue massage during stimulation as the ovaries are expanding. Massage helps reduce stress and improve blood circulation. Reproductive acupuncture has also been shown to be beneficial during IVF.

In general, women undergoing fertility treatment IVF can still do almost everything they did before, as long as it's done safely and regularly. If you have any questions, talk to your doctor directly for helpful advice.

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