Remarkable progress has been made over the past few decades in assisted reproductive technology (ART), helping Minnesotans with fertility issues conceive a child. Several ART options exist, but in vitro fertilization (IVF) remains the most popular method by far.
Much of the chance for success depends on the woman’s age. In 2018, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics showed that IVF resulted in live births for 52% of women 35 and younger. The success rate steadily declined by age, registering 3.2% for women 43 and older.
How to increase the chance of IVF success
If you are considering IVF, obviously, age is something you can’t control. But regardless of when you decide to pursue this treatment, there are other things you can do to optimize your chance of becoming pregnant. These include:
- Cut down on caffeine: Too much coffee or other caffeinated beverages can affect men and women. It’s been shown to decrease sperm production for men while increasing the risk of miscarriage for women. Try to limit it to a cup or two a day or stop entirely if your doctor so advises.
- Avoid aggressive exercise: Vigorous exercise can disrupt hormones that control egg production, leading to fewer eggs and less chance for success during IVF.
- Check your diet: Medical experts say women with diets high in carbohydrates and calories are 40% more likely to experience decreased ovulation. Fertility experts say women should also avoid processed meats. High-fat diets can also cause lower sperm production in men.
- List all medications: Some drugs don’t mix well with fertility medications, while others can cause hormonal difficulties. Make a list of all prescribed and over-the-counter meds for your fertility specialist.
- Avoid certain chemicals: Fumes from paints, pesticides and some cleaning agents can affect fertility. Staying away from them can be crucial for becoming pregnant and afterward.
The most important thing is to follow the plan outlined by your doctor during IVF strictly. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for increasing the odds of success. The best advice is to pay attention to the plan your fertility specialist designs for you.
The same is true for seeking legal advice from attorneys specializing in assisted reproduction law. IVF and other methods have brought profound joy to those experiencing fertility issues. However, minimizing any legal risks due to the lack of comprehensive laws related to this process is essential.