Increase ivf success rate
3 things you can do to improve your ivf success rateimprove your IVF success rate
For brevity I am going to use the term ‘IVF’ as a generic term for fertility treatment, including ICSI, donor egg/sperm etc.
There are three major factors that can increase IVF success rate.
- The quality of the embryo(s).
- The uterine environment the embryo(s) is/are being placed into.
- The embryo-uterus interaction.
With fertility treatment there can be a lot of focus on the quality of the embryo as an indicator to IVF success. However, embryo quality is only one of the three factors.
So, what can you do about the other two factors to increase your chances of IVF success?
1. embryo transfer
Research* has shown a connection between a patient’s depth of relaxation during embryo transfer and IVF success rate. The most relaxed patients had double the IVF success rate.
The understanding is that the more relaxed the patient, the more relaxed her uterus is, which has a positive effect on the embryo-uterus interaction. This is one of the key factors to IVF success.
Most clinics allow patients to take a phone on airline mode or mp3 player into the procedure. So take something you find relaxing to listen to.
Ensure you are not rushed before or after the treatment. Protect your space; it’s your body. It’s your treatment.
*Levitas, E. et al, ‘Impact of hypnosis during embryo transfer on the outcome of in vitro fertilization–embryo transfer: a case-control study.’ Fertility and Sterility – Vol 85, Issue 5, (2006), 1404–1408
2. your mind
There is plenty of research showing how our mind impacts our body. The mind-body link has been studied for decades and the studies show how our biology actually changes as a result of our mind. This is also true when it comes to IVF success.
A Harvard Medical School study* demonstrated the positive impact a mind-body programme along side IVF can have on IVF success rates. Those women that participated in a mind-body programme alongside IVF had over double the success rate of those that didn’t (52% v 20%).
There are plenty of apps that help you with your mindset and be more mindful. I also recommend finding some friends who you can vent to and share how you are feeling in a safe place where you will be listened to and understood. Even if it’s an online support forum.
*1 Domar et al. Impact of a group mind/body intervention on pregnancy rates in IVF patients. Fertility and Sterility. Vol. 95. No 7. 2011.
3. two week thrive
Most patients find the 2WW (two week wait) the most stressful element of IVF treatment. They often feel isolated and alone. The clinic has done all they can and it is now down to the patient. Will it work? So much energy, time and money has gone in to this moment, but you won’t know for a couple of weeks. The not knowing can be agony.
This is the time when the uterus interacts with the embryo. Your uterus literally embraces the embryo, shifting the stromal cells to envelop it. If you are stressed, your body will prioritise ‘fight or flight’ survival mode over welcoming new life.
Stress is future thinking. It’s the misuse of imagination.
We are designed to live in the moment, not the future. Wellbeing means being in the moment. Come back to the here and now. Recognise, from the moment of embryo transfer, that you are pregnant. Be with yourself and your body in that. Visualise your body doing exactly what you want it to do.
Turn YOUR 2WW into a Two week thrive!
Turn your 2WW into a two week thrive!
“In my 7th month of pregnancy, after 2 failed cycles of IVF and lots of desperation. What I needed was changing my mindset and Russell was invaluable in helping me to do so.”
ANNE
“I want to say a huge thank you from my heart from myself and on behalf of my partner. I am 13 weeks pregnant! I really believe that you were a huge factor in me becoming pregnant with ICSI. I can’t thank you enough.”
JANE
MICHELLE
Russell Davis
FERTILITY Coach and Cognitive Hypnotherapist
My wife and I had a 10 year journey of infertility resulting in having their son against all odds. Russell now helps others get into the best psychological state to maximise their chances of IVF success.
Russell’s personal experience echoes his belief that too many couples go through fertility treatment unnecessarily and that the success rate of treatment is unnecessarily low. Whether natural or assisted conception, Russell has helped hundreds of couples all over the world create their family.
Russell is a therapy supervisor and Registered and registered under the UK Governments Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) adhering to their strict code of ethics.
