Tips for IVF Success | Frozen Embryo Tranfer {FET}
Before my frozen embryo transfer or FET for IVF, I read countless blogs and tips on ways that I could improve my chances of the embryo actually sticking. I also spend hours in IVF groups on Facebook to chat with other IVF mamas who had success and I asked a ton of questions. What I found out and tried, worked for me!
Of course, there are so many factors that go into it and every body is different so that is important to keep in mind before reading any further. Some of these tips are scientifically proven while some are just tales and tips passed down that have worked for the vast majority. Regardless I am spilling ALL of my personal IVF tips for embryo implantation success so you do not have to research or waste your time!
Here are the tips that I tried that lead to my frozen embryo sticking:
Supplements
One of the biggest things that my IVF doctor personally told me was to take certain supplements to improve egg quality and to help with the transfer taking. There are some others that I read about in groups and various sites that I added to my supplement routine as well. Here is a list of supplements I took from before egg retrieval to after transfer. Please note I now only take fish oil, a prenatal, and calcium.
- CoQ10
- Prenatal
- Fish oil
- NAD
- NAC
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin D
- NMN
- Acai powder or capsules
- Liposomal Hyaluronic Acid
- Alpha Lipoic Acid
- Melatonin (at night)
- Electrolytes in my water
Accupuncture
This is a biggie. I read so many times of how many women had failed IVF cycles and then tried Accupuncture and BOOM! Success. So I decided to do it myself. I went once a week, every Tuesday, before egg retrieval. I still went once a week before embryo transfer up until the week before-I think I went three times the week before my embryo transfer including the day before it. Whats the science?
Here are a few reasons:
- Improving blood flow: Acupuncture can increase blood flow to the uterus and ovaries.
- Relaxing muscles: Acupuncture can help relax uterine muscles.
- Reducing stress: Acupuncture can help relieve stress and anxiety, which can be beneficial during IVF treatments.
- Reducing side effects: Acupuncture may help reduce side effects of IVF medications, such as bloating, nausea, headaches, and mood swings.
- Addressing other health issues: Acupuncture can help with other health issues that may indirectly affect fertility, such as insomnia, digestive problems, allergies, or chronic pain.
Going all natural
Something that my IVF clinic preached was going all natural when it came to my beauty and hygeine routine. So I stopped using deodorant and switched to Magnesium spray instead. I stopped wearing perfumes and fragrances. I stopped using scented soaps, quit makeup for a while, and carefully chose my skincare products to ensure there were no added smells. Apparently scents can disrupt hormones and that is the last thing I wanted. In regards to deodorant, it also contains harmful ingredients such as aluminum which is most definitely a hormone killer. I have not gone back to regular deodorant to this day! At the time I also got rid of my Glade plug ins. I was so on board!
Here’s what to think about switching up to natural or getting rid of for the short time:
- deodorants – I switched to using Magnesium dew spray. Use code FITMOM for 10% off the one I use here.
- makeup
- body wash
- skincare/facial washes and serums
- shampoo and conditioner
- perfumes/body scents
- candles and scents in your home especially plug ins
Diet
I cleaned up my diet a lot before ever beginning egg retrieval-I wanted the best eggs ever. I started hydrating properly and eating more fish and veggies for the most part, but there are some key foods I read about that supposedly boosted chances of IVF success and I ate those as well. Here is my list: Note: I DID eat a Medium Mcdonalds french fry rigth after transfer. Its an old wives tale but they say it helps the embryo stick! It did with me anyway. I have not eaten them again though. It was just for fun!
- Brazil Nuts
- Fresh pineapple with the core
- Lots of salmon
- Avocadoes
- Acai
- Chia seeds
- Leafy greens like spinach and kale
Overall, I took a good look at my lifestyle and saw where I needed to make changes. I did a ton of research before and even during the process. I hope these tips help you to conceive if you are going through IVF. IVF is not easy… but I hope this helped to take some stress off! Let me know if it works for you!
Your trainer and friend,