Infertility affects 1 in 6 Australia couples trying for a baby.
For these couples, In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) can be a journey that many undertake to support their fertility.
IVF by no means is an easy journey, it is both physically & mentally enduring for both partners. The mother, has to take medication to trigger a hormone called FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) to produce a number of eggs which can then be retrieved via day surgery to be fertilised by the sperm. Other common medication will often be prescribed depending on other underlying conditions such as PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) or hypothyroidism. It can be quite common for the mum to be on medication to stabilise blood sugar and regulate the thyroid hormones.
Typically, the more eggs that a retrieved during an IVF cycle will improve the success of the IVF cycle. Unfortunately, a pregnancy is not always granted at the end of an IVF cycle, with multiple cycles sometimes needed for a pregnancy to occur. Sometimes, eggs are unable to be retrieved, or the embryo isn't mature enough to be implanted.
What influences the success of IVF treatment?
* Age (typically, women over the age of 40 have lower IVF success rates)
* Weight (being overweight or underweight will decrease IVF success rates)
* The quality of the egg, sperm & embryo
* Uterine abnormalities/ fibroids/ PCOS/ endometriosis/ fallopian tube blockage
* History of previous pregnancy
* Thyroid disorders (under/over active or auto immune like hashimotos)
* Type 2 diabetes
* Abnormal periods leading to irregular cycles or absence of periods all together
* Diet (male & female)
* Alcohol, smoking & drug history (male & female)
* Nutrient deficiencies (male & female)
* Stress, anxiety, mood & mental health (male & female)
What are the best vitamins to support IVF?
When undergoing IVF, it's essential to ensure that your body is getting the necessary nutrients to support the process. While a healthy diet is crucial, sometimes it's beneficial to supplement with vitamins to optimise the success of your IVF cycle.
PRENATAL VITAMIN
This is a MUST. A prenatal provides some of the essential nutrients to nourish you, your eggs & support a healthy pregnancy. It is best to start 3-6 months prior to your initial IVF cycle.
ZINC
Zinc supports follicular health, regulates your reproductive hormones (particularly progesterone), and improves thyroid function. You can ask your GP to test your serum zinc levels prior to supplementing, however it would be beneficial to be taking zinc at least 3x per week to support your levels. Zinc is also KEY to sperm health, so you partner should most definitely be taking this.
OMEGA-3
Omega-3 is a great inflammatory and works to reduce stress, both physical and mental. It also improves blood flow to the ovaries and womb by boosting 'nitric oxide' with a healthy blood supply potentially improving implantation outcomes. Omega-3 can also help to support hormone and thyroid health and create a nourishing womb environment for embryo implantation.
N-ACETYLCYSTEINE (NAC)
This helps to form the powerful antioxidant glutathione which reduced inflammation and oxidative stress within the body. NAC is also incredibly beneficial in PCOS or for anyone struggling with a oestrogen dominance as it helps to clear excess oestrogen through the liver. Studies have also suggested improved IVF outcomes, however more research is still needed.
MYO-INOSITOL
Myo-inositol is really a superhero- not only does it directly improve thyroid health, it can also reduce the level of antibodies present if you are struggling with hashimotos (an auto-immune thyroid disease which can impact fertility). Myo-inositol is also incredibly beneficial to regulate blood sugar levels which are directly impacted in PCOS. This is a must have supplement in any integrative fertility treatment.
CO-Q10
Is a potent antioxidant which has been found to improve ovarian reserve, creates better embryo quality and improve IVF outcomes and pregnancy rates for couples undergoing IVF. CoQ10 may also support sperm quality and motility. CoQ10 is relatively inexpensive and is a great addition to your IVF supplement routine (for both mum and dad!)