Lifestyle Changes to Boost IVF Success

At Isha Women’s Hospital, Dr Chinmay Pataki believes in a holistic, patient-centred approach were he guide couples not just medically, but also through the daily habits that can improve their chances of conceiving.
In this blog, lets walk through the most effective lifestyle changes to support your IVF journey—including diet, supplements, physical health, stress management, and more. Whether you're just starting
Nutrition, Supplements & Physical Health
Dr Chinmay Pataki, one of the best IVF specialist of Dombivli, emphasizes on the importance of holistic health alongside advanced fertility treatments. Let’s explore how nutrition, physical health, and targeted supplements can boost your chances of IVF success.
Why Lifestyle Matters for IVF
IVF is not just a medical procedure—it’s a journey that requires your body to be in the best possible state to support fertilization, implantation, and pregnancy.
- Lifestyle factors affect egg and sperm quality, hormonal balance, and uterine health.
- Simple adjustments in your diet, exercise, and nutrition can significantly improve success rates.
Your body needs optimal nutrients to support reproductive function. A well-balanced, fertility-enhancing diet nourishes the ovaries, improves egg quality, and prepares the uterus for implantation.
Focus on:
- Mediterranean-style diet: Rich in leafy greens, colorful vegetables, olive oil, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins like chicken, fish, and legumes.
- Antioxidant-rich foods: Include berries, avocados, walnuts, and citrus fruits to protect cells from oxidative stress and support reproductive health.
- Healthy fats: Found in flaxseeds, chia seeds, olive oil, and fish—these promote hormone production and reduce inflammation.
- Processed foods, fried items, and refined sugars that contribute to inflammation.
- Caffeine: Limit coffee intake to one or two cups a day.
- Soft drinks and alcohol, which negatively impact both egg and sperm quality.
Staying well-hydrated supports hormone transport and improves uterine lining health. Aim for at least 8–10 glasses of water daily.
Best Supplements to Boost IVF Success
- CoQ10 - Supports mitochondrial function, may improve egg and embryo quality
- Folic Acid - Crucial for early fetal development, helps prevent neural tube defects
- Vitamin D - Supports hormone regulation and implantation
- Omega-3 fatty acids - Reduce inflammation and support ovarian and uterine health
- Zinc & Selenium - Essential for sperm production and motility
Maintain a Healthy Weight
- A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered optimal for fertility.
- Even a 5–10% weight loss in overweight women can significantly improve IVF outcomes.
- For men, obesity can reduce sperm count and quality.
- Engage in moderate physical activity like brisk walking, yoga, or light aerobics for at least 30 minutes a day.
- Avoid excessive or high-intensity workouts, which may cause hormonal imbalance during IVF treatment.
A healthy mind and body play a crucial role in fertility. Lifestyle choices, stress levels, and sleep quality can all significantly impact your chances of a successful IVF cycle. Let’s explore the habits that can make a real difference.
Reduce Stress & Improve Mental Health
Here’s how to manage stress during your IVF journey:
- Practice mindfulness through yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. Even 10 minutes a day can calm the nervous system and regulate stress hormones.
- Start journaling your thoughts and feelings — it can be a powerful emotional release and help you reflect on your journey.
- Consider therapy or support groups - Talking to a mental health professional or connecting with others facing similar challenges can offer immense relief.
- Consult your fertility counselor.
At Isha Women’s Hospital, our counselors are trained to support you emotionally throughout your IVF treatment.
Remember, you don’t have to carry the emotional weight alone.
Quit Smoking, Alcohol & Reduce Toxins
Avoid endocrine-disrupting chemicals like BPA, parabens, and phthalates found in plastics, canned food linings, cosmetics, and cleaning products. These chemicals can interfere with your reproductive hormones.
Switch to natural or organic products wherever possible. Choose glass or stainless-steel containers, fragrance-free personal care items, and eco-friendly cleaning agents.
A cleaner, toxin-reduced lifestyle helps create an optimal internal environment for conception.
Get Better Sleep
Poor or irregular sleep can disrupt reproductive hormones like melatonin, estrogen, and cortisol, which are all essential in the IVF process.
Aim for 7–8 hours of quality sleep each night.
Create a calming bedtime routine:
- Power down screens at least an hour before bed
- Use low, warm lighting in the evening
- Stick to the same sleep and wake-up times daily
- Consider calming teas or guided meditations to wind down
Your body does important work while you sleep — don’t underestimate its role in fertility.
Don’t Over-Exercise
Excessive, high-intensity workouts can raise cortisol and affect ovulation or sperm quality. During IVF, it's important to avoid stressing the body unnecessarily.
Instead, choose gentle, fertility-friendly activities like:
- Walking
- Light yoga
- Swimming
- Cycling (low intensity)
Balance is everything — staying active without overexerting helps keep your body and hormones in sync.
Taking care of your mind and body is not just preparation for pregnancy — it’s a way to nurture yourself through every stage of the IVF journey. These lifestyle shifts may seem small, but together, they can create a foundation for a successful and healthy conception.
Partner Support & Mind-Body Connection
Let’s look at how both partners and holistic wellness play a crucial role.
Partner’s Health Matters Too
Male fertility is just as important as female fertility in the success of IVF. In fact, male factor infertility is a contributing cause in nearly 40–50% of cases. Supporting male fertility means making conscious, healthy choices:
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol, as these can damage sperm DNA and reduce sperm count and motility.
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in antioxidants like Vitamin C, E, zinc, and selenium to improve sperm quality.
- Exercise regularly, but avoid overheating the testicular area — prolonged laptop use on laps, hot tubs, and tight underwear can impair sperm production.
- Prioritize sleep and stress management for hormonal balance and overall reproductive health.
Practice Mind-Body Techniques
- Acupuncture – Improves blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, reduces stress, and may improve implantation rates.
- Visualization & Guided Imagery – Boosts positive thinking and emotional connection with the body.
- Gratitude Journaling – Helps shift focus from anxiety to appreciation, which can ease emotional strain.
- Mindfulness & Meditation – Studies show these practices reduce cortisol levels and may increase the likelihood of successful embryo implantation.
Our mission is to offer not just treatment, but total care — physical, emotional, and spiritual.”— Dr. Chinmay Pataki, Renowned IVF Specialist
Your IVF journey is a partnership between science and self-care. While our expert team at Isha Women’s Hospital, Dombivali, led by Dr. Chinmay Pataki, provides the best medical care and technology, your lifestyle choices can greatly influence your success. Whether it’s improving your diet, managing stress, or getting enough rest, every positive change brings you one step closer to parenthood.
If you're looking for compassionate, personalised IVF treatment from the best fertility centre in Thane, trust the team at Isha Women’s Hospital to walk this journey with you—every step of the way.
Schedule your consultation today and take charge of your fertility with confidence and care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ans - Yes! Healthier habits improve egg, sperm, and uterine quality, leading to better outcomes.
2. When should I start making changes?
Ans - At least 3 months before your IVF cycle begins, if possible.
3. Do I need to change my whole diet?
Ans - Focus on gradual improvements: more fresh foods, fewer processed items.
4. Should my partner also make changes?
Ans - Absolutely. Male health has a direct impact on sperm quality and embryo development.
5. What about stress from work?
Ans - Try setting boundaries, taking breaks, and getting professional support when needed.