Improving your chances of conception
Couples who come to our unit often ask, “Is there anything we can do to improve our chances of success?” The simple answer is “Yes”.
Stop smoking
Chemicals in cigarette smoke are harmful to both eggs and sperm. Smokers take up to 30% longer than non-smokers to conceive naturally and studies show that smoking reduces the chances of IVF working by 50–70% per attempt. It reduces the response to stimulation and the rate of fertilisation.
Don’t take recreational drugs
There is very good evidence that both male and female fertility can be seriously impaired by illicit drugs. In addition, smoking can cause serious permanent damage to a foetus during pregnancy.
Watch your weight
Being underweight or overweight may reduce your response to treatment to the point that you do not respond to stimulation at all. Your fertility specialist will measure your weight in kilograms divided by your height in metres squared—this is a ratio called the Body Mass Index (BMI). If your BMI is less than 19kgs/m2 or more than 30 kgs/m2, you will be advised to delay your treatment until your BMI is within this range.
Reduce your alcohol consumption
Although the effects of alcohol on conception are less clearcut than with smoking, heavy drinking does affect sperm
production and motility. In the case of the woman, heavy alcohol intake during early implantation and pregnancy will expose the foetus to toxins which could lead to foetal abnormalities—this is called foetal alcohol syndrome. During assisted conception we encourage both the man and woman to avoid alcohol as some studies suggest that even small amounts can reduce pregnancy rates.
Take folic acid
Folic acid, which can be obtained over the counter from any chemist, reduces the risk of your baby having a neural tube defect such as anencephaly or spina bifida. You should take 400mcg of folic acid for 3 months before conception and for the first 3 months of your pregnancy.
Check that you are immunised against rubella
Most women now trying to get pregnant were immunised against rubella when they were at school (this is now part of the MMR jab given to children). If you are not immune and catch rubella when pregnant, the baby can develop problems with hearing and mental retardation.
Take gentle exercise
Although the woman should avoid strenuous exercise during the IVF programme, gentle exercise for 20–30 minutes 3–4 times per week is encouraged in both partners to improve health and help cope with the stress of investigations and treatment.
