Myth #1: You have no control over the success of an IVF cycle.
Our take: False
The results of an IVF cycle are to a large degree based upon a thorough evaluation of the couple, and there are a number of things your doctor can do before you begin to optimize success rates.
One more thing you can do to increase your odds of success: Get 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night. A study by Korean researchers found that women who sleep to 7 to 8 hours per night are more likely to have a successful IVF cycle than women who sleep more than 9 or less than 6 hours a night.
Myth #2: Stick to bed rest after embryo transfer.
Our take: False
Myth #3: Stress lowers IVF success rates.
Our take: Maybe so
Myth #4: Acupuncture helps you get pregnant.
Our take: Maybe so
The theory behind undergoing acupuncture during IVF is that it increases blood flow, which may help with embryo implantation. Studies are split: Half show no benefit and half show a significant benefit.What affects implantation success rates?
The rate at which embryos successfully implant depends mostly on two factors: the quality of the embryo and the receptiveness of the uterus.
Uterine receptivity can be affected by many things: hormone, thyroid, and autoimmune disorders, an anatomical problem with the shape or positioning of the uterus, or trouble with the endometrial lining.
After embryo transfer
Take it easy
While there's no evidence that bed rest is beneficial after transfer, finding ways to relax during the dreaded "two week wait" between transfer and your official pregnancy test is good common sense. You have been through so much in the weeks leading up to the transfer, and this is an important time to nurture yourself. Get plenty of sleep and listen to your body: if you want to take a day off to cuddle up on the couch and watch Netflix, go for it. If you feel anxious and want to move around, go for a quiet walk somewhere soothing.
Abstain from vigorous exercise and sexual intercourse
Again, you don't need to restrict all your normal activities, but high-impact exercise is a bad idea at this point. Your ovaries are likely to still be enlarged and tender at this point and need to be protected, and a hard workout can also stimulate uterine contractions, which you want to avoid for obvious reasons. The same goes for intercourse: some fertility experts have differing opinions on whether it's a good or a bad idea, but as it can also cause uterine contractions, you may want to stay on the safe side and abstain for a couple of weeks.
Eat as if you're already pregnant
There are a lot of "implantation diets" and "miracle foods" discussed on the internet, but no real evidence to back up their claims. If you over-focus on one food or group of foods you may be missing out on the balanced nutrition you need to build a healthy baby. The best diet to aid implantation is the : nutritionally balanced with lots of protein, fiber, and vegetables. Avoid foods like high-mercury fish and soft cheeses, and check with your doctor about any vitamins or supplements you should be taking. Of course, avoid all harmful substances such as alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine.
Avoid extremes of temperature
Hot tubs, saunas, hot yoga, or any activity that raises your internal temperature is something to avoid at this point. In general it's best not to be submerged in water such as pools or baths during this time, as it leaves you vulnerable to infection. Stick to a soothing hot shower until your doctor tells you otherwise.
Have Sex after the Procedure
Although some experts recommend against it, some studies have found that having sexual intercourse after a procedure can improve the success of your IVF so some extent. The hypothesis is that the natural hormones and chemicals released during sex can help the chances of conception. Get your fertility expert's opinion before going ahead with it.