30-Day Preparation for Successful Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)

What is ART?

ART, or Assisted Reproductive Technology, is a fertility option for couples or individuals experiencing difficulties conceiving naturally. ART encompasses various procedures such as intrauterine insemination (IUI), in-vitro fertilization (IVF), and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). ART may also include gestational surrogacy, a method where a woman carries and gives birth to a child for a couple or individual unable to do so naturally. Joint legal recognition of ART is also important, acknowledging same-sex or unmarried couples as parents. The ART journey varies based on individual needs but generally involves thorough fertility assessments followed by personalized treatments. The duration also varies depending on necessary procedures and success at each stage. In essence, ART offers crucial fertility support for those struggling to conceive naturally. Procedures are individualized, but a personalized protocol can help achieve the dream of building a family.

ART: What to Expect

Approximately 1 in 8 women struggle to conceive. If you're ready for a family but pregnancy remains elusive, ART is likely your next option for having a baby. In-vitro fertilization is a procedure where the woman's egg is fertilized by a sperm, resulting in an embryo. This embryo is then transferred to the woman's uterus, hoping it will implant and lead to pregnancy. You may experience mixed emotions during the preparation, beginning, and end of an ART cycle. Anxiety, sadness, and uncertainty are common when making a significant physical and financial investment for a chance at pregnancy. The 30 days preceding the ART cycle are crucial for preparing your body to be healthy, strong, and fully ready for medical treatment.

Stages of an ART Cycle

Here are the main stages of an ART cycle:

• Preparation (two to four weeks before the cycle begins). This stage involves lifestyle changes to ensure optimal health. Your gynecologist can help adjust your menstrual cycle to align with the start of your ART cycle.
• Stage 1 (Day 1). The first day of your ART cycle is your first day of menstruation.
• Stage 2 (Days 3-12). Fertility medications (gonadotropins, indirect inducers) begin, stimulating your ovaries to increase egg production.
• Stage 3 (36 hours). A single injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or a GnRH agonist (if egg or embryo vitrification is needed) stimulates the release of developed oocytes. Exactly 36 hours after the injection, you undergo egg retrieval.
• Stage 4 (1 day). Your partner (or donor) provides semen. The oocytes are inseminated within hours. You'll begin taking progesterone, preparing the uterus to sustain pregnancy, reducing miscarriage risk.
• Stage 5 (Days 3-5). Less than a week after retrieval, viable embryo(s) are transferred to your uterus in a non-invasive procedure. Transfer may occur 3 or 5-6 days post-retrieval.
• Stage 6 (Days 9-12). You'll take a test to check if the embryo has implanted, triggering the release of pregnancy hormones.

What to Eat During an ART Cycle

Adopt a Healthy, Balanced Diet

During an ART cycle, prioritize healthy, balanced meals. Avoid major dietary changes, such as adopting a gluten-free diet. The Mediterranean diet is recommended. Its colorful, plant-based composition provides adequate nutrition. Research suggests a Mediterranean diet may improve IVF success rates in non-obese women under 35. Since diet impacts sperm health, encourage your partner to follow the Mediterranean diet too.

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The Mediterranean Diet

• Consume plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables;
• Choose lean proteins, like fish and poultry;
• Eat whole grains, such as quinoa, spelt, and whole wheat pasta;
• Include legumes, including beans, chickpeas, and lentils;
• Switch to low-fat dairy products;
• Consume healthy fats, such as those found in avocados, extra virgin olive oil, nuts, and seeds;
• Limit red meat, sugar, refined grains, and other highly processed foods;
• Limit salt: flavor food with herbs and spices instead;

Is it Possible to Exercise During an ART Cycle?

Many women avoid or stop exercising during their IVF cycle, fearing it may harm the pregnancy. The advice is to continue exercising moderately, especially if you already have a consistent routine. However, extreme sports and prolonged exertion, like extensive running, should be avoided. This is because they could negatively affect uterine lining thickening and might divert increased blood supply from the uterus to other organs and muscles at a time when the reproductive system needs it most. Runners could replace running with light jogging or walking.

Chemicals to Avoid

Consider avoiding household items made with endocrine-disrupting chemicals. These listed chemicals raise significant human health concerns.

Chemicals to avoid:

• Formaldehyde;
• Parabens, triclosan, and benzophenone;
• Phenols;
• Dioxins;
• Phthalates;

Medications That May Interfere with Fertility Medications

These medications can potentially: When preparing for your IVF cycle, review your complete medication list with your experienced ART gynecologist. Remember to list even seemingly harmless medications including:

• Daily allergy pills;
• Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs;
• Any prescription medications;
• Supplements;

These medications can potentially:

• Interfere with fertility medications;
• Negatively affect hormonal regulation;
• Reduce overall treatment effectiveness;

Tips for Your Partner During the ART Cycle

Your husband or partner is equally important during the ART cycle. Soon, he'll provide the most important semen sample of his life. His diet, rest, and self-care are also important.

Here are five ways your partner can support your efforts:

• Reduce alcohol consumption and avoid smoking;
• Get more sleep. Insufficient sleep (at least seven to eight hours nightly) can affect testosterone levels and sperm quality;
• Eat well and exercise. Good fitness and a healthy diet can improve sperm quality;
• Provide support. The most important thing your partner can do is be there for you. Offer a listening ear, hugs, help with medications, and manage appointments;

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