Starting a stimulation cycle is a critical step in fertility treatment. To ensure the best outcomes, it’s essential to follow guidelines and avoid common pitfalls. Here are key do’s and don’ts to help navigate this crucial phase
What is Ovarian Stimulation?
A stimulation cycle is the second phase of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) in which medications are injected into the ovaries to produce numerous eggs. The stimulation phase typically lasts 8-14 days. However this might vary depending on how the patient’s body responds to the drugs.
Ovarian stimulation adjusts a woman’s menstrual cycle and induces repeated ovulation. Its goal is to obtain high-quality eggs and enhance the probability of becoming pregnant.
The growth of multiple follicles in the ovary is accomplished by administering a personalized hormonal treatment based on each woman’s ovarian reserve, Body Mass Index (BMI), age, and medical history.
The purpose of this article is to provide clear and practical advice on the do’s and don’ts of starting a stimulation cycle. It seeks to provide readers with the knowledge they need to confidently navigate this important stage of fertility treatment.
Source – ResearchGate
Understanding each phase of stimulation is essential but so are the practices you carry out during this time. To maximize the efficiency of your therapy and ensure your well-being, it is critical to follow precise do’s and don’ts. Here is what you should bear in mind:
Do’s after starting your Stimulation cycle
Starting your stimulation cycle? Discover the must-dos for ensuring success while reducing stress for a pleasant journey ahead.
1. Exercise
Moderate exercise, such as walking, yoga, or swimming, can help you relax and safeguard your ovaries. This increases blood circulation and guarantees the ovaries receive sufficient oxygen and nutrients, which are critical for maintaining good ovarian function.
Moderate exercise relieves stress by lowering cortisol levels and producing endorphins. It also contributes to the regulation of hormone synthesis, including insulin and estrogen.
Maintaining a healthy weight through light physical activity might help you avoid obesity. It is a risk factor for illnesses like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a widespread cause of infertility, with symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles and ovarian cysts.
2. Nutrition
Consume nutrient-dense foods such as vegetables, nuts, seeds, fish, eggs, and avocado. Avoid sugary and inflammatory meals.
For instance, Almonds, walnuts, and Brazil nuts include healthful fats, protein, and minerals such as selenium and zinc. They are essential for the production of hormones and reproductive health.
Flaxseeds, chia seeds, and pumpkin seeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants. They help reduce inflammation and help with period pain.
Eggs are a complete source of protein and contain essential vitamins and minerals. They contain vitamin D, choline, and B vitamins, which support cellular function and hormone production.
3. Health Supplements
Prenatal vitamins can be beneficial because they contain essential nutrients that support reproductive health. Some essential ones include:
- Folic Acid: Supports DNA synthesis and repair, crucial for developing eggs.
- Iron: Essential for oxygen transport and energy production.
- Calcium and Vitamin D: Important for bone health and cellular function.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Support anti-inflammatory processes and hormonal balance.
4. Hydration:
Proper hydration is essential during your stimulation cycle as it supports overall health and helps manage medication side effects. Aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily to keep your body functioning optimally and to help in the effective absorption of medications.
5. Self-care
Get ample time to rest and try to get 8 hours of sleep each night. For help dealing with stress, read, meditate, get a therapeutic massage, or try acupuncture.
For example, adequate sleep supports the release of melatonin. It regulates sleep-wake cycles, and cortisol, which helps manage stress.
Massage therapy helps to relieve muscle tension, increase circulation, and lessen discomfort. It can be very effective at easing physical stress and promoting relaxation. It also promotes the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers and mood lifters.
6. Mindful Stress Management
To reduce stress and increase emotional well-being, practice deep breathing techniques, mindfulness meditation, or journaling. Avoid high-stress events or confrontations that could upset your hormonal balance and risk the success of your stimulation cycle.
7. Listen to your specialist
Choose a trustable doctor and follow their advice. Monitor your symptoms by keeping a tracking diary. In case of any unusual symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
Don’ts after starting your stimulation cycle
Beginning an IVF journey involves careful analysis of lifestyle choices. Here are important precautions to ensure a smooth fertility treatment process:
1. Strenuous exercise
Refrain from anything that could harm or affect your abdomen or uterus. High-intensity interval training (HIIT), running, and heavy training with weights are all discouraged while going through IVF.
Intense exercise can cause hypothalamic amenorrhoea, in which the menstrual cycle becomes unpredictable or stops completely.
- Exercise during the course of egg retrieval or following embryo transfer
It is critical to avoid exercising throughout the week of egg retrieval. Your ovaries are most enlarged at this period, increasing the chance of developing ovarian distortion.
There is additionally a two-week period of wait following the embryo transfer. During this you should relax and limit your activity.
This implies no exercise at all – intense physical activity can reduce the embryo’s chances of implanting and having a successful pregnancy.
2. Smoking
Smoking can have a negative impact on the result of IVF/ICSI treatments, namely lower fertility rates, lower pregnancy rates, lower live birth rates, an increased risk of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancies. It also involves greater FSH levels, and an average lower number of retrieved matured oocytes.
Cigarettes contain various harmful substances, including nicotine, tar, and heavy metals like cadmium and lead. These toxins can damage the reproductive cells and tissues directly.
Smoking increases the body’s oxidative stress, which causes cellular damage. This oxidative stress can harm oocytes and sperm, disrupt embryo development, and harm the uterine lining.
3. Alcohol consumption
Alcohol is a drug, it can interfere with other medications and cause adverse effects. It is a diuretic, meaning it increases urine production and can lead to dehydration.
It is important to consider both the quantity and time of alcohol usage. Avoiding alcohol during the time before conception can increase male and female reproductive outcomes.
According to several studies, limiting alcohol consumption to less than four units per week is appropriate in terms of sperm health.
4. Avoid Sex
There may be times when intercourse or other sexual activity is prohibited. This is to prevent any interference during implantation. In addition to the possibility of ovarian torsion, twins or more than one are more likely to ovulate following an egg retrieval.
Sexual activity and orgasm can trigger uterine contractions. These contractions, while usually moderate, may disrupt the delicate stages of embryo implantation.
5. Avoid unapproved medications and supplements
Using unauthorized pills or supplements might interfere with your treatment. They can affect how your body absorbs, distributes, metabolizes, and eliminates prescribed reproductive drugs.
A lot of supplements claim to have hormone-like properties or influence hormone levels. These may disturb the hormonal balance essential for effective reproductive treatment.
Always check with your doctor before starting any new drug or supplement to verify that it is safe.
6. Avoid Hot Tubs and Saunas
Avoid hot baths and saunas during fertility treatment; high body temperatures may negatively impact sperm and egg quality. Avoiding these heat sources during your stimulation cycle and for two weeks after embryo implantation.
After egg retrieval, the ovaries remain sensitive and enlarged. High temperatures can increase pain and hinder recovery.
High temperatures can cause oxidative stress in reproductive organs. Oxidative stress can harm sperm and egg cells, reducing their quality and viability.
Understanding the stimulation cycle is an important phase of the IVF procedure that demands commitment to certain requirements in order to maximize your chances of success and maintain your overall health.
You may support your body and improve the success of your treatment by following the do’s (keeping hydrated, engaging in moderate activity, and maintaining a balanced diet) and avoiding the don’ts (strenuous exercise, smoking, and unapproved medications).
Do not hesitate to contact your doctor if you have any concerns or questions at this significant stage of your fertility journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bloating, mild abdominal pain, and mood swings are some of the most common side effects. However, if you have severe discomfort, excessive bleeding, or symptoms of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), such as rapid weight gain and difficulty in breathing, call your doctor right away.
If you miss your dose, contact the doctor right away for directions. Avoid doubling the following dose without expert advice, as this can disrupt your treatment plan.
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6473393/
- https://academic.oup.com/hropen/article/2020/2/hoaa009/5827574
- https://rbej.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12958-015-0133-x
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28501428/
- https://uihc.org/health-topics/ovarian-stimulation-and-monitoring
- https://atm.amegroups.org/article/view/6408/html