IVF injections are an important part of the in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) process. During this stage, fertility medicines stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Since the body undergoes hormonal and physical changes during ovarian stimulation, certain foods, medicines, activities, and lifestyle habits should be avoided.
Knowing what to avoid during IVF injections can help you follow your treatment plan properly and reduce avoidable risks. At the same time, maintaining healthy habits can support your overall well-being throughout the IVF journey.
What to Avoid During IVF Injections?
During IVF stimulation, you should avoid skipping injections, changing medication doses without medical advice, strenuous exercise, alcohol, smoking, recreational drugs, excessive caffeine, unsafe foods, and unapproved medicines or supplements.
Here are the important things to avoid during IVF injections:
1. Do Not Skip or Change IVF Injections
Take your IVF injections exactly as prescribed by your fertility specialist. Do not change the timing or dosage on your own, as each medicine is planned according to your ovarian response.
- Do not skip an injection or stop medicines without medical advice.
- Do not change the prescribed IVF injection schedule.
- Never take an extra dose to compensate for a missed injection unless your doctor tells you to.
- If you miss an injection, contact your IVF clinic immediately for instructions.
2. Avoid Unapproved Medicines and Supplements
Do not take new medicines, painkillers, herbal products, or fertility supplements without asking your doctor. Some medicines may not be suitable during IVF Treatment in Gurgaon.
- Avoid self-medicating with NSAIDs such as ibuprofen unless approved by your doctor.
- Inform your fertility specialist about all prescription and over-the-counter medicines.
- Discuss herbal, Ayurvedic, and other natural supplements before taking them.
- Do not stop any prescribed medicine without medical advice.
3. Avoid Strenuous Exercise
High-impact and intense workouts should generally be avoided during IVF stimulation, especially as the ovaries become enlarged. Gentle activities such as walking may be suitable if approved by your doctor.
- Avoid heavy weightlifting, running, jumping, CrossFit, and intense cardio.
- Avoid exercises involving sudden twisting or jerking movements.
- Choose gentle activities according to your doctor’s advice.
- Stop exercising and contact your clinic if you develop significant pain or discomfort.
4. Avoid Alcohol, Smoking, and Recreational Drugs
Alcohol, smoking, tobacco, and recreational drugs should be avoided during IVF treatment. These substances can negatively affect reproductive health and may create additional risks during treatment and pregnancy.
- Avoid alcohol during IVF treatment.
- Do not smoke cigarettes or use tobacco products.
- Avoid recreational drugs and other unapproved substances.
- Seek medical support if you need help stopping smoking or substance use.
5. Limit Caffeine and Avoid Unsafe Foods
A balanced diet is important during IVF. Limit excessive caffeine intake and avoid foods that may increase the risk of foodborne infections.
- Keep caffeine within the limit recommended by your doctor; 200 mg per day is a commonly used limit.
- Avoid raw or undercooked meat, fish, and eggs.
- Avoid unpasteurized milk and dairy products.
- Follow food-safety precautions and choose properly cooked, fresh foods.
6. Avoid Excessive Heat and Dehydration
During IVF treatment, avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat and make sure you drink enough fluids. Your hydration needs may vary depending on your symptoms and treatment.
- Avoid hot tubs, Jacuzzis, saunas, and very hot baths.
- Drink adequate fluids throughout the day unless your doctor advises otherwise.
- Pay attention to signs of dehydration such as excessive thirst, weakness, or reduced urination.
- Follow your doctor’s advice about fluids and electrolytes if you develop vomiting or diarrhoea.
7. Do Not Follow Crash Diets or Try Rapid Weight Loss
Avoid strict diets, fasting, or rapid weight-loss plans during IVF stimulation unless specifically recommended and supervised by your doctor. Your body needs adequate nutrition during treatment.
- Avoid crash diets and extreme calorie restriction.
- Do not follow unsupervised fasting or detox plans.
- Eat a balanced diet containing vegetables, fruits, whole grains, protein, and healthy fats.
- Stay adequately hydrated and follow any personalised dietary advice from your fertility team.
8. Do Not Ignore Severe IVF Symptoms
Mild bloating, breast tenderness, fatigue, and abdominal discomfort can occur during ovarian stimulation. However, severe or rapidly worsening symptoms should not be ignored.
- Contact your IVF clinic for severe abdominal pain or swelling.
- Seek medical advice for persistent vomiting or difficulty breathing.
- Report fainting, heavy bleeding, or rapidly worsening symptoms.
- These symptoms can sometimes indicate complications such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and require medical assessment.
What Is the Success Rate of IVF?
The answer to what is the success rate of IVF is not the same for everyone.
IVF success rates can vary depending on several factors, particularly the woman’s age, egg and sperm quality, embryo quality, cause of infertility, ovarian reserve, previous IVF history, and the fertility clinic’s methods.
You should also check whether a reported success rate refers to:
- Pregnancy rate
- Clinical pregnancy rate
- Live birth rate
- Success per embryo transfer
- Success per IVF cycle started
- Success using a patient’s own eggs or donor eggs
Can IVF Be Successful on the First Attempt?
Yes, IVF can result in pregnancy and live birth during the first treatment cycle, but first-attempt success is not guaranteed.
The outcome depends on factors such as egg and embryo quality, age, sperm health, uterine factors, and the reason for infertility.
A failed first IVF cycle does not necessarily mean that future treatment will fail. Your fertility specialist may review the response to the first cycle and modify the treatment plan when appropriate.
What to Avoid During IVF Injections? FAQs
Q. Can I walk during IVF injections?
Yes, gentle walking is often suitable during IVF stimulation, but your activity level should depend on your symptoms and your doctor’s advice. Avoid strenuous exercise and high-impact activities.
Q. Can I drink coffee during IVF injections?
Moderate caffeine may be acceptable, but it is generally recommended to keep caffeine within the limit advised by your fertility specialist. A commonly used limit is around 200 mg per day.
Q. Can I have sex during IVF injections?
Your doctor may recommend avoiding intercourse during certain stages of ovarian stimulation, particularly when the ovaries are enlarged or close to egg retrieval. Follow your clinic’s specific instructions.
Q. Can I take ibuprofen during IVF?
Do not take ibuprofen or other NSAIDs during IVF unless your fertility specialist specifically says that it is appropriate for you.
Q. Can I work during IVF stimulation?
Many people can continue working during IVF stimulation. However, you may need to adjust your routine if your work involves heavy lifting, strenuous activity, excessive heat, or if you develop significant symptoms.
Q. What should I eat during IVF injections?
Focus on a balanced diet containing vegetables, fruits, whole grains, protein, healthy fats, and adequate fluids. Avoid unsafe foods such as raw or undercooked animal products and unpasteurized foods.
Q. What is the success rate of IVF?
There is no single IVF success rate that applies to everyone. Success varies according to age, egg and sperm quality, embryo quality, fertility diagnosis, treatment history, and other individual factors.
