If you were to ask fertility consultants, 'what makes the biggest difference to IVF success?', the majority will respond, 'a healthy egg and a healthy sperm'. 

 

That is why such a big emphasis is placed on nutrition, when trying to conceive. Making changes to your diet and lifestyle in the 3-4 months leading up to an IVF cycle could make all the difference to your chances, by improving the quality of the 'raw materials' that will ultimately become your baby.

 

While medications may be used encourage follicle maturation and ovulation, the quality of the egg and indeed the sperm, is entirely dependent on the nutrients available during development. 

 

A woman's eggs, contrary to popular belief do not begin maturing on each menstrual cycle. This process begins approximately 90-120 days prior to ovulation during which time, the follicular fluid within the follicle nourishes the oocytes to prepare them for ovulation. When the follicles are ready, approximately 6-10 follicles will start to grow in response to female reproductive hormones, but only one of those eggs will dominate (on a natural cycle) and scientists still do not know what are the defining factors that lead the body to pick that particular egg. So it only makes sense that taking good care of your health, will in turn support the eggs during the developmental process, giving you a better chance of achieving a good egg yield on your IVF, but that most importantly will result in good quality embryos.

 

 

What should I expect during a consultation? 

 

In advance of the consultation you will be asked to complete and return a detailed health questionnaire. 

The aim of this questionnaire is to gather as much information as possible about your medical history, while also assessing any secondary health conditions (past or present) that could be having an impact on your health. 

 

You should expect questions relating to your paediatric, as well as your current health, gynaecological/obstetric history (or male fertility history for men), your daily diet and any medication or supplements you may be taking. A discussion of past stressors or traumas may be necessary if these events have affected your health in any way. 

 

An individualised case report with your own specific protocol to follow during the lead-in time to your fertility treatment will be e-mailed to you within 5 working days. 

 

If you require a referral letter for lab tests, this will be sent out to you, along with your report. 

 

Please note, any tests, investigations or supplement recommendations incur an additional charge and are not included in the consultation fee. 

 

For more information and to book a consultation, please click here.