| If you are about to undergo in vitro fertilisation, then | | | | undergoing IVF or fertility treatment. Sleep can |
| you might be wondering if there is anything you | | | | affect many aspects of our lives from our menstrual |
| should be doing beforehand. Indeed, there is much | | | | cycles and ovulation through to the production of |
| you can do to increase the chances of success and | | | | stress hormones. The complex mechanisms |
| the 4 tips below should be incorporated when | | | | responsible for the proper working of our |
| undertaking preparation for IVF treatment. | | | | reproductive systems allow stress hormones to drop, |
| Smoking | | | | whilst increasing fertility hormones-all while we sleep. |
| Smoking can wreak havoc on fertility for both | | | | Preparation for IVF treatment should include aiming |
| partners. Studies have shown a decrease in fertility | | | | to get around 7-9 hours sleep a night |
| of around 40% for female smokers and a staggering | | | | Diet |
| 75% for men. In addition, even when fertilisation | | | | What we eat has a huge impact on all aspects of our |
| takes place, the chances of abnormalities increases. | | | | health and well-being, and never so much as where |
| The good news is that much of the damage caused | | | | our fertility is concerned. A poor diet has been linked |
| by smoking can be reversed and stopping smoking as | | | | with many serious diseases and conditions, such as |
| soon as possible before the IVF procedure will be | | | | some cancers and diabetes. Foods such as refined |
| beneficial | | | | carbohydrates, trans-fats, sugars and non-organic |
| Alcohol Consumption | | | | processed foods have all been linked to fertility |
| Most of us know that we should not drink during | | | | problems. Preparation for IVF treatment should |
| pregnancy, but consumption of alcohol is linked to a | | | | include cutting out all undesirable aspects of your diet |
| number of fertility problems in both men and women. | | | | trying to base your diet on fresh fruits and |
| Prudent preparation for IVF treatment must include | | | | vegetables, wholegrains, brown rice, seeds, nuts and |
| for both parties to stop drinking alcohol | | | | beans. A reasonable amount of organic lean meat is |
| Sleep | | | | also healthy. You may also want to consider taking a |
| Getting enough sleep is essential for those | | | | specialist pre-natal supplement. |