IVF Success and Diet - Dr. Chinmay Pataki’s Expert Nutrition Tips

When couples begin their IVF journey, the focus is often on injections, scans, and lab procedures. But here’s a secret that many don’t realize — what you eat can be just as important as the treatment itself.
Research shows that the right diet can improve egg quality, sperm health, hormone balance, and implantation rates — all of which directly affect IVF outcomes. In short, every bite you take has the power to bring you closer to your dream of parenthood.
Isha Women’s Hospital, the best IVF centre in Dombivli, understands that IVF is more than just advanced technology — it’s about preparing your entire body for pregnancy. That’s why, under the expert guidance of Dr. Chinmay Pataki, one of the best fertility & IVF experts, Isha Women Hospital provides personalized nutrition a

How Diet Impacts IVF Success

When couples prepare for IVF, most of the focus is usually on scans, injections, and lab procedures. But in reality, nutrition forms the foundation of fertility. Your body needs the right fuel to produce healthy eggs, strong sperm, balanced hormones, and a receptive uterus.
A well-balanced diet directly influences:

Egg Quality – Nutrient-rich foods supply the antioxidants and vitamins that protect egg cells from damage and improve their developmental potential.
Sperm Health – Men who eat antioxidant-rich, balanced diets have better sperm motility, morphology, and count.
Hormonal Stability – Food choices impact insulin, thyroid, and reproductive hormones, all of which must work in harmony for IVF to succeed.
Uterine Receptivity – A healthy diet helps build a thick, nourishing endometrial lining where the embryo can implant.

If there are nutrient deficiencies, the body may struggle to support implantation, and the chances of a successful pregnancy may be reduced.
Dr. Chinmay Pataki emphasises:
IVF isn’t just science — it’s lifestyle too. What you eat fuels your fertility.

When to Start Eating Fertility-Friendly

One of the most common mistakes couples make is waiting until their IVF cycle actually begins to focus on diet and nutrition. The truth is, your body needs time to prepare. Eggs and sperm don’t mature in a single day — their development takes weeks. This means that the food choices you make today will directly affect the quality of the eggs and sperm that will be used in your IVF cycle a few months later.
This is why fertility specialists, including Dr. Chinmay Pataki, the best IVF expert in Dombivli at Isha Women’s Hospital, recommend making dietary changes at least 2-3 months before starting IVF. Think of it as preparing the soil before planting a seed — the healthier the soil, the better the chances for growth.

In this Crucial Pre-IVF Window, the Body Uses Nutrients to:

Build Egg & Sperm Quality - Nutrients such as antioxidants, proteins, folate, and omega-3 fatty acids help protect the DNA inside reproductive cells. This improves not just the count and motility of sperm, but also the maturity and health of eggs — both essential for a successful fertilization.
Improve Endometrial Lining - A well-nourished body supports the development of a thicker, healthier uterine lining. This lining is critical because it’s where the embryo will implant. Without a receptive endometrium, even the best embryos may struggle to attach.
Normalize Hormones - Hormones like insulin, thyroid hormones, FSH, LH, and progesterone all play vital roles in fertility. A balanced diet with the right mix of proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals helps regulate these hormones, creating a more stable and supportive environment for conception.

Dr Chinmay Pataki’s Isha Women’s Hospital, being the best IVF centre in Dombivli, understands the importance of this preparation phase. That’s why pre-IVF dietary counselling is included as part of every treatment plan. Dr. Chinmay Pataki, one of the best fertility experts himself, ensures that both partners are nutritionally and physically ready before starting the IVF cycle. This holistic preparation not only maximises your chances of success but also gives you peace of mind, knowing you’re doing everything possible to support your parenthood journey.
Small, consistent dietary improvements made today can shape the outcome of your IVF treatment tomorrow.

Fertility Nutrition Plan by Dr. Chinmay Pataki (Fertility Superfoods to Add)

When it comes to IVF, not all foods are equal. Some foods are naturally rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that specifically benefit reproductive health. Dr. Chinmay Pataki, one of the top fertility specialists of Mumbai, recommends adding the following superfoods to your daily diet:
Food and Why It Helps

Leafy Greens (spinach, kale, methi) - Rich in folate, which supports healthy cell division and embryo development.
Eggs - A complete source of protein and choline, vital for egg quality and fetal brain development.
Nuts & Seeds (almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds) - Contain Vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, and healthy fats that improve sperm motility and egg membrane integrity.
Berries (strawberries, blueberries, Indian gooseberry/amla) - Packed with antioxidants that protect egg and sperm DNA from oxidative stress.
Lentils & Legumes - Provide plant-based protein and iron, essential for ovulation and preventing anemia.
Avocados - Loaded with monounsaturated fats that support hormone balance and improve uterine blood flow.
Whole Grains (brown rice, quinoa, oats) - Help maintain steady blood sugar and support hormonal stability.
Greek Yoghurt/Curd - High in protein and probiotics, which support gut health and nutrient absorption.
Salmon (low mercury fish) - A powerful source of omega-3s that enhances the uterine lining and regulates hormones.

Expert Tip by Dr. Chinmay Pataki: Aim for rainbow-colored foods on your plate—each colour represents a different set of micronutrients your fertility needs.

What to Avoid for IVF Success

Sometimes, what you remove from your diet is just as important as what you add. Certain foods and habits can negatively impact fertility, hormone balance, and IVF outcomes.
Food/Habit and Reason to Avoid

Refined Sugar & Processed Foods - Cause insulin spikes, disrupt hormones, and increase inflammation.
Trans Fats (fried/junk food) - Linked to poor egg and sperm quality.
Excess CaffeineMore than 1 cup a day may interfere with implantation and pregnancy outcomes.
Alcohol - Directly reduces egg quality, sperm quality, and IVF success rates.
Raw Fish/Unpasteurized Dairy - Carry infection risks, which can be dangerous during IVF and pregnancy.
Excess Soy - Contains phytoestrogens that may mimic estrogen and disturb hormonal balance.
Skipping Meals - Can destabilize blood sugar and disrupt hormone regulation.

At Isha Women Hospital, each patient receives a customized list of dietary do’s and don’ts based on their work, medical history, and lifestyle habits.

IVF Diet Tips for Men

Often, the focus during IVF is only on women, but male fertility is equally important. Around 40% of infertility cases involve male factors such as low sperm count, poor motility, or DNA damage. Dr. Chinmay Pataki the only male infertility expert of Thane highlights that sperm health can be improved within 60–90 days of dietary correction, making nutrition a vital part of treatment for men too.

Key Recommendations for Men:

Focus on:

A protein-rich, antioxidant-loaded diet
Avoiding smoking, alcohol, and exposure to heat (e.g., keeping laptops on laps, hot saunas)

Add These Fertility-Boosting Foods:

Nuts – Rich in selenium, vital for sperm motility and morphology
Pumpkin seeds – High in zinc, crucial for testosterone and sperm quality
Tomatoes – Source of lycopene, which improves sperm count and reduces DNA damage
Walnuts – Packed with omega-3s for better sperm function

Dr. Pataki says: A man’s role in IVF success is 50%. Just as women prepare their bodies, men must also optimize their health through diet and lifestyle.
With this fertility nutrition plan designed by Dr. Chinmay Pataki, top fertility expert, couples at Isha Women’s Hospital are better prepared, both physically and nutritionally, to achieve IVF success.

Lifestyle & Hydration Tips for IVF

Eat Mindfully + Manage Stress
Nutrition is not only about what you eat—it’s also about how you eat. Emotional eating, overeating, or skipping meals can disturb blood sugar, stress hormones, and overall IVF preparation.
To keep your body and mind in sync, Dr. Pataki advises:

Eat Smaller, Balanced Meals every 3–4 hours instead of large, irregular ones. This keeps energy levels stable and prevents hormonal fluctuations.
Practice Relaxation – Yoga, deep breathing, guided meditation, or journaling can lower stress hormones like cortisol, which may otherwise interfere with fertility hormones.
Unplug During Meals – Eating without distractions (no phone, no TV) helps you absorb nutrients better and develop a healthy relationship with food.

Remember: A calm mind supports a balanced body. Mental calm = hormonal harmony.
Stay Hydrated – But Smartly
Hydration plays a surprisingly crucial role in fertility. Proper water intake helps maintain circulation, improve cervical mucus, and transport essential nutrients to reproductive organs.
Why water matters during IVF:

Increases blood flow to the uterus, improving implantation potential.
Keeps cervical mucus healthy, aiding sperm movement.
Helps deliver nutrients and hormones effectively throughout the body.

What to avoid:

Sugary sodas and packaged juices spike insulin and add empty calories.
Energy drinks may interfere with heart and hormonal health.
Excess fruit juice – too much natural sugar can disrupt blood sugar balance.

Hydration target: Aim for 2.5–3 liters of water daily, unless your doctor gives specific advice otherwise.

Pro Tip: Add lemon, mint, cucumber, or fresh fruit slices to your water for natural antioxidants and better taste.

Fuel Your Fertility with the Right Foods
IVF success is not just about science in the lab—it’s also about how well you prepare your body outside of it. Medicine and nutrition must work hand in hand for the best results.
At Isha Women’s Hospital, Dombivli, nutrition is an integral part of the IVF plan, not an afterthought. Under the expert care of Dr. Chinmay Pataki (Best IVF Specialist in Thane), every couple is guided through:

Personalized nutrition plans
Pre-IVF dietary counseling
Lifestyle and stress management tips
Holistic fertility support for both partners

Whether you’re planning IVF, already in treatment, or preparing for a frozen embryo transfer, the right foods and habits can make a real difference in your journey.
Book your IVF consultation at Isha Women’s Hospital and ask for your personalized nutrition plan today. Let’s fuel your fertility with care, science, and the right lifestyle choices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long before IVF should I change my diet?
Ans - Start at least 2–3 months before to improve egg and sperm quality.
2. Can food really affect IVF outcome?
Ans - Yes — poor diet = inflammation, poor hormone balance, lower embryo quality.
3. Are supplements necessary?
Ans - Yes, in most cases. But always under doctor or nutritionist supervision.
4. What foods hurt IVF chances the most?
Ans - Sugar, processed food, alcohol, caffeine, and trans fats.
5. Is diet support included at Isha Women’s Hospital?
Ans - Yes — nutritional counseling is part of fertility treatment with Dr. Pataki.