Vicious cycle
COVID-19 HAS DEALT A CRUEL BLOW TO COUPLES AWAITING IVF, BUT USE THE TIME WISELY AND YOU COULD BOOST YOUR CHANCES OF SUCCESS, SAYS AMY PACKER
GOING through fertility treatment is stressful at the best of times, but for those who have lost months of precious time to the Covid-19 pandemic, the strain has been unbearable.
A new survey by online IVF information portal Fertility Help Hub found that 100% of those in suspended IVF programmes say they have been mentally traumatised by continued setbacks.
Additionally, 68% of those on waiting lists admit to losing motivation to eat healthily and 61% have been exercising less. This is a Catch-22 because letting things go could ultimately reduce the success of treatment when it comes.
Leading conception and pregnancy expert Zita West says: “It’s tough for both men and women to feel motivated, especially through this third lockdown. Many have gained weight, are not doing as much exercise and anxiety levels are up.
“Lifestyle has an important role to play in preparation for IVF and good nutrition plays a pivotal role, laying the foundations for egg and sperm development and improving any chance of success.”
Holly Brooks, 34, from Essex, was awaiting her fourth round of IVF last March. “Then lockdown hit and with every setback my motivation disappeared. All my bad habits came back – snacking and ordering takeaways. It just spiralled,” she says. “It feels like we lost a year of getting closer to our dream. Now I need to get back to living my healthiest life so I don’t waste my shot when it comes.”
So which good habits should you be making if hoping to conceive?
SWITCH OFF:
We live in a 24/7 world and the boundaries between home and work are increasingly blurred. “When stressed, your body goes into survival mode, shutting down non-essential processes such as reproduction,” explains Zita.
“Nutrient absorption is hampered, hormones become imbalanced and your body is in a state of high alert. Also, switch off email alerts when you finish working. Even better, turn your phone off altogether.”
POSITIVE THINKING:
Mindset plays a big role in preparing for IVF. “Breathing and guided visualisations will help calm the nervous system and reduce stress hormones,” says Zita.
“Meditation and yoga are powerful tools. Start small and be consistent. Just 20 minutes a day can change your outlook completely.”
GO LOW:
Recent studies suggest low-impact, moderate exercise for short periods of time optimises the chances of IVF success.
“Avoid running or impact sports and opt for walking, swimming or gentle yoga,” says Zita.
“Between 20 minutes and an hour, two or three times a week is plenty.”
STEP OUTSIDE:
Studies show bright light increases serotonin, the happy hormone. “A stroll or simply sitting in the open air will have positive effects on your mood. Plus, we need sunlight to make vitamin D, which is significant for ovarian health.”
JUST SAY NO:
“Cut down on smoking and alcohol which are nutrient thieves,” says Zita. “Avoid them entirely throughout your treatment and beyond.”
FIND THE BALANCE:
“If your diet contains too many trans fats, refined sugars or excess additives – or is depleted of nutrients – fertility can be significantly affected,” says Zita.
“Meat, fish and plant proteins help hormone, egg and sperm production. Essential fatty acids in fish, nuts and seeds aid hormones.
“B vitamins and folate in green veg are essential for cell division, while fruit and veg protect against free radical damage, to which eggs and sperm are sensitive.
“Stick to the Mediterranean diet and you won’t go far wrong.”
Fertility Help Hub (fertilityhelphub.com) offers help and advice for anyone trying to conceive, including nutritional guidance from Zita West