What Should I Avoid During IVF Treatment?

Beginning IVF is a hopeful step toward parenthood, but success relies on more than medical procedures alone. Your daily habits, stress levels, and lifestyle choices can directly affect how your body responds to treatment. Understanding what to avoid during IVF is essential. As Dr. Bhavana Mittal, widely regarded as the best IVF doctor in Delhi, emphasizes, mindful routines and proper care greatly support better outcomes and a healthier pregnancy journey.

1. Avoid Smoking

a) Cigarette Smoking

• Reduces egg quality and ovarian reserve

• Lowers sperm count and motility

• Decreases implantation rates

b) Passive Smoking

• Even secondhand smoke can impact hormone balance

• May reduce IVF success rates

2. Avoid Alcohol Consumption

a) Hormonal Disruption

• Alcohol affects estrogen and progesterone balance

• Can interfere with ovarian stimulation

b) Embryo Development Risks

• May negatively impact fertilization and implantation

c) Male Fertility Impact

• Reduces sperm quality and testosterone levels

3. Avoid Excessive Caffeine

a) Limit Intake

• Avoid more than 1 small cup of coffee per day

• High caffeine intake may reduce implantation success

b) Hidden Sources

• Energy drinks

• Cola

• Excess chocolate

4. Avoid Intense Physical Exercise

a) High-Impact Workouts

• Running marathons

• Heavy weightlifting

• HIIT training

These may:

• Increase ovarian torsion risk

• Disrupt hormonal response

b) Overheating

• Excessive body heat can affect embryo implantation

5. Avoid Hot Baths, Saunas, and Steam Rooms

a) Elevated Body Temperature

• High heat can negatively impact embryo implantation

b) Risk During Early Pregnancy

• Excess heat may increase miscarriage risk

6. Avoid Stress and Emotional Overload

a) Hormonal Impact

• Chronic stress increases cortisol

• May affect reproductive hormones

b) Emotional Fatigue

• IVF already causes emotional strain

• Anxiety can make the journey harder

👉 Practice:

• Deep breathing

• Meditation

• Counseling support

Fertility specialists, including Dr. Bhavana Mittal, often emphasize emotional stability during treatment.

7. Avoid Unapproved Medications

a) Painkillers

• Some anti-inflammatory drugs may affect implantation

b) Herbal Supplements

• Certain herbs interfere with fertility hormones

c) Over-the-Counter Drugs

• Always consult your fertility specialist before taking anything

8. Avoid Junk and Processed Foods

a) High Sugar Intake

• Can worsen insulin resistance

• Especially risky for PCOS patients

b) Trans Fats & Fried Foods

• May increase inflammation

c) Excess Processed Meat

• Linked to reduced fertility in some studies

👉 Choose:

• Fresh fruits

• Vegetables

• Lean proteins

• Whole grains

9. Avoid Skipping Medications or Injections

a) Hormone Timing Is Critical

• IVF medications must be taken at precise times

b) Missing Doses

• Can disrupt the cycle

• May reduce egg maturation

10. Avoid Weight Fluctuations

a) Crash Dieting

• Can disturb hormone production

b) Rapid Weight Gain

• Affects ovarian response

11. Avoid Travel During Critical Phases

a) Around Egg Retrieval

• Requires close monitoring

b) After Embryo Transfer

• Long travel may increase stress and fatigue