What really helps your chances with IVF
Honest, plain advice: what the evidence supports, what it does not, and what you can safely leave to your team.
- Every tip names its source
- No false promises
A simple plan
Getting ready, step by step
You do not have to do everything at once. A little at a time is enough.
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Three months before
Lay the foundations
- Stop smoking, both of you
- Start folic acid every day
- Work towards a healthy weight
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One month before
Settle into good habits
- Cut right down on alcohol
- Eat well and keep moving
- Finish your tests and questions
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During treatment
Follow the plan, gently
- Take each medicine on time
- Keep exercise gentle
- Rest when you are tired
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After the transfer
Carry on, kindly
- Normal, gentle daily life is fine
- Sleep and eat well
- Wait for the clinic's blood test
1
3Be kind to yourself
What you can change, and what you cannot
Do your part on the left. The right is not your fault, and our free tools help you understand it.
In your hands
Food and a healthy weightSteady, balanced meals and a weight in the healthy range.
Gentle movementA daily walk or yoga, nothing exhausting.
Rest and sleepRegular nights and quiet time, especially in treatment.
Your partner's healthNo smoking, less alcohol and a healthy weight help sperm too.
Not in your hands
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Your ageAge is the biggest single factor in IVF, mostly because egg quality changes over time.Try the Fertility Age Test
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Your egg reserveThe number of eggs you have left is measured by AMH and a scan. It guides your dose, not your worth.Try the AMH Level Checker
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How embryos growSome embryos grow well and some do not, for reasons no habit can change.Try the Embryo Grading Guide
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Your overall chancesRegistry figures give a fair starting point; your doctor can make it personal.Try the IVF Success Predictor
Your next step
Your chances are personal. Let us explain yours.
- LearnKnow what helps and what does not. Back to the tips
- CheckSee a fair estimate for your age and history. IVF Success Predictor
- TalkA specialist makes it personal. Online consultation
1Questions
What people ask about their chances
Does age affect my chances with IVF?
Yes, age is the biggest single factor, mainly because egg quality changes with age. Your doctor can explain what it means for you.
Do supplements help IVF work?
Folic acid is recommended for everyone trying to conceive. For most other supplements the evidence is weak, so ask your doctor first.
How many cycles might we need?
Some people succeed in the first cycle and many need two or three. Ask your doctor about your chances over more than one cycle.