Advice For Couples
To Improve Chances of Pregnancy
We are committed to helping each couple optimize their chances
for pregnancy in each treatment cycle. We understand that treatment of infertility
can be both costly and emotionally stressful. Preparing for the stresses associated
with treatment of infertility before starting ovarian stimulation has been shown
to improve a couple's chance of becoming pregnant. Additionally, studies have
shown that certain environmental exposures and lifestyle habits may decrease
fertility. To optimize each couple's chance for success , we recommend the following.
Male Partner: .
Heat is damaging to sperm. The temperature of the testes should be 2c
less than the body temperature .Wash the testicles in cold water 2-3 times
daily .
Loose fitting pants and
boxer shorts may be beneficial if you work or exercise in a warm environment
or if you sit for prolonged periods . avoid nylon or wool underwear
and use cotton underwear .
Avoid drinking more than
one alcoholic beverage per day. Excessive alcohol consumption decreases
male fertility .it also
affects the sexual performance of the man . ( through affecting androgen level
).
Smoking decreases male
fertility and may lower the number of fertilized eggs .Attempt to stop smoking
if possible . if you
cannot stop smoking , attempt to reduce the number of cigarettes smoked .
Abstinence for long periods
result in increasing the number of old sperms in the semen consequently
decreasing the number
of sperms with ability to fertilize an egg . we advice having intercourse
every 3
days at least .
When a man is affected
by a disease , however simple such as tonsillitis , it could result in lowering
his
sperm count consequently
his sperms ability to fertilize . semen tests should be repeated in such cases.
Infections affecting
the genitals could affect the sperm count , for example infections of the
Epididymis
or the Vas deferens could
cause its blockage . testicular infection ( orchitis ) results in the same
outcome.
if you feel any symptoms,
however mild consult your doctor .
Some medicines affect
the production of sperms and reduce the sperm count . consult your doctor
if you
are taking any medication
.
Avoid exposure to chemicals such as being produced by factories .
Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy affects sperm production . consult your
doctor.
If you are using any
medicine or herbs , please inform your doctor as it may interact with what
the
doctor prescribe for
you .
Female Partner :
Smoking decreases your chance of pregnancy and increases the incidence
of pregnancy complications such as miscarriage and premature labor, especially
in women over 35 years , we recommend you stop smoking prior
to your IVF treatment. You should not smoke during pregnancy.
Avoid using alcohol before and during your IVF treatment cycle. Alcohol
should not be consumed in any amount during pregnancy.
If you are overweight , try dieting
also exercise regularly regularly as it helps improve the circulation this
increasing your chances of pregnancy.
If you are severely underweight
, this may result in having irregular periods or not having periods . try
to
increase your weight to normal
standards .
Avoid drinking large amount of
coffee daily as it lowers your chances of pregnancy . do not concern
more than three cups daily .
If you are taking any medication , please inform your doctor . some
medicine might affect ovulation .
Male and Female Partner
If you use any prescription drugs other than those prescribed by your
doctor, inform your doctor so these drugs can be evaluated for any harmful
effects on male or female fertility.
Several studies have shown that couples who have good emotional support
from family members, friends, other infertile couples, or a doctor have a
higher pregnancy rate than couples who do not have this type of emotional
support. IVF can be very stressful.
Keep stress as low as possible before and during your IVF cycle. Maintain
a healthy lifestyle and eating habits. Take a multivitamin-mineral supplement
Avoid exposing skin to potentially toxic chemicals or breathing toxic
fumes or vapors. This includes such things as pesticides, herbicides, paints,
stains, varnishes, glues, organic solvents, inks, and heavy metals. Heavy
application of perfume or cologne should also be avoided.
Regular intercourse ( every 3 days at least ) renew the semen and result
in better quality sperms.
Daily intercourse of pregnancy especially when the male is suffering from
oligoasthenospermia .
