Introduction
Infertility has become a common issue in modern times, and couples have been searching for various medical treatments to have a child. In-vitro fertilization (IVF), Intrauterine insemination (IUI), Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and Surrogacy are some of the popular treatments that can help in conception.
Finding the best IVF center near you can be a challenging task, however, it is important to ensure that the center is equipped with modern technology, qualified medical practitioners, and a good record of success rates. In this article, we will guide you through the process of selecting the best IVF center near you and will also provide you with a list of do’s, don’ts as well as healthy food options that can help in increasing your chances of conception.
What is IVF, IUI, ICSI, and Surrogacy?
IVF (In-vitro fertilization) is a process in which a woman’s eggs are fertilized outside her body with sperm in a laboratory. Once the eggs are fertilized and develop into an embryo, they are transferred back into the woman’s uterus. IVF is one of the most successful fertility treatments and is typically recommended to couples who have been trying to conceive for a long time.
IUI (Intrauterine insemination) is a process in which sperm is inserted directly into a woman’s uterus, bypassing the cervix. This method is recommended for couples who are struggling with unexplained infertility, low sperm count, or cervical mucus issue.
ICSI (Intracytoplasmic sperm injection) is a procedure in which a single sperm is injected directly into an egg. This procedure is used when male infertility factors are identified, such as low sperm count, low motility, or abnormal sperm morphology.
Surrogacy is an arrangement in which a woman carries a pregnancy and gives birth to a child for another couple. This option is recommended for couples who are unable to conceive and are willing to opt for surrogacy as their last resort.
Do’s and Don’ts for couples during IVF treatment
Do’s
1. Regularize your sleep- It is important to have a good night’s sleep of 7-8 hours to reduce stress and stay positive.
2. Stay hydrated- Drinking plenty of water, fruit juices, and coconut water can help in maintaining proper body temperature and increasing cervical mucus.
3. Psychological support- Couples undergoing fertility treatments may face mental stress and anxiety, it is advisable to seek psychological support to cope up with emotional ups and downs.
4. Regular exercise- Moderate physical activity like yoga, swimming, and walking can help in reducing stress and improve blood circulation in the body.
5. Healthy diet- Including healthy food options in your diet such as leafy greens, whole grains, fruits, and nuts can increase your chances of conception.
Don’ts
1. Alcohol Consumption- It is advisable to avoid alcohol consumption during IVF treatment as it can reduce the chances of conception.
2. Over-exercising- Intense physical activity may harm fertility and reduce the chances of conception.
3. Stress- It is important to avoid stress during IVF treatment as it can affect the hormonal balance in the body.
4. Smoking- Smoking can reduce the chances of conception and lead to irregular menstruation cycle.
5. Intimacy- Avoid overly frequent intercourse during IVF treatment as it can reduce sperm count and lower chances of conception.
Healthy Food options
1. Whole grains- Brown rice, quinoa, oats, and whole-grain bread are rich in fiber and can help in regulating the menstrual cycle.
2. Fruits- Mangoes, pomegranates, and bananas are rich in vitamins and minerals, and are known to improve fertility.
3. Vegetables- Spinach, broccoli, and kale are rich in folic acid, which can increase chances of conception.
4. Nuts- Almonds, cashews, and walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help in balancing hormones.
Lifestyle and Habits
1. Relaxation Techniques- Regular meditation, deep breathing, and visualization techniques can help in reducing stress and keeping calm.
2. Avoid hot and spicy food- Hot and spicy food can induce uterine contractions, which may affect fertilization.
3. Avoid chemical exposure- Chemical exposure to synthetic materials, pesticides, and cleaning agents should be avoided during IVF treatment.
4. Regular Medical check-ups- Regular medical check-ups and monitoring of the treatment process can help in improving success rates.
Conclusion
Choosing the right IVF center near you can be a challenging task, but it is important to evaluate different factors such as success rates, medical practitioners, and support facilities before proceeding with the treatment. Following a healthy diet, regular exercise, and relaxation techniques can improve chances of conception. However, it is important to understand that fertility treatments require patience, time, and support of loved ones. With the right guidance and medical supervision, infertility issues can be resolved, and couples can have their dream child.