If you’re considering or about to start IVF, you might feel like you just need to get started as soon as possible. After all, when you’re struggling to conceive, every month that passes can feel like lost time. However, preparing your body before IVF can significantly improve your chances of success, reduce the number of cycles you need, and support your long-term health—and the health of your future baby.
Lots of couples jump into IVF thinking it’s a guaranteed solution, but your body needs to be in the best possible state to increase your chances of conceiving. The healthier your eggs and sperm are, the more likely you are to have a successful pregnancy and a healthy baby. Something that we all want. That’s why taking time to prepare for IVF is one of the most important things you can do.
1. IVF Works with Your Body—Not Instead of It
IVF is an incredible advancement in fertility medicine, but it doesn’t override the fundamentals of reproductive health. It works with the eggs and sperm you already have, which means their quality is key. If your body isn’t fully nourished, balanced, and functioning optimally, your chances of IVF success may be lower.
By preparing ahead of time, you can:
✔️ Improve egg and sperm quality
✔️ Balance hormones for better embryo implantation
✔️ Reduce inflammation and underlying fertility blockers
✔️ Support your body’s response to fertility medications
Simply put, IVF success isn’t just about the procedure itself—it’s about the foundation you lay beforehand.
I’m sure you have experienced how taking the time to prepare has resulted in increased success in other areas of your life. For example, taking the time to revise for exams or, practicing before doing a presentation. When it comes to conceiving the principle is just the same.
2. Egg & Sperm Health Starts Months Before IVF
Did you know that the quality of your eggs and sperm is determined 90 days before they are released? This means that what you do in the 3-6 months before IVF can have a huge impact on your success.
For women, egg quality is influenced by:
Nutrition – Nutrients like folate, omega-3s, and antioxidants support healthy egg development.
Stress Management – Chronic stress can disrupt ovulation and hormone balance.
Toxin Reduction – Everyday chemicals in food, plastics, and skincare can negatively affect fertility.
For men, sperm quality is affected by:
Diet & Lifestyle – Nutrients like zinc, selenium, and vitamin C are essential for strong, healthy sperm.
Toxin Exposure – Pesticides, plastics, and heavy metals can lower sperm count and motility.
Exercise & Circulation – Movement supports healthy testosterone and sperm production.
When both partners take the time to optimise their health before starting IVF it can lead to stronger embryos, a better implantation rate, and a healthier pregnancy.
3. A Balanced Gut Microbiome = A Stronger Fertility Foundation
One of the most overlooked aspects of fertility is gut health. Yet it is a fundamental factor when it comes to fertility, but also the ultimate health of your baby.
A healthy gut microbiome helps:
✔️ Regulate hormones like oestrogen and progesterone
✔️ Reduce inflammation that can prevent implantation
✔️Improve nutrient absorption to support egg and sperm quality
✔️Reduce anxiety 80% of serotonin the “feel good” hormone is produced in the gut.
If your gut health is out of balance, your body may struggle to create the right conditions for conception. You can check the signs of poor gut health in my article The Gut Health and Fertility Connection.
Ensuring you go through a gut rebalancing process with a practitioner and making changes to diet and lifestyle before IVF can restore gut health and improve fertility outcomes.
4. Emotional & Mental Preparation Reduces IVF Stress
Unfortunately, IVF can be emotionally challenging. The stress of the process itself—waiting, hormone treatments, uncertainty—can take a toll. By preparing emotionally, you can:
Build your resilience and maintain a positive mindset
Develop coping strategies for dealing with stress and uncertainty
Strengthen your communication with your partner creating more harmony.
Taking time to prioritise emotional well-being before IVF can help you feel more in control and supported throughout the journey.
In fact, a Harvard Medical School study measured what happened when women who were having difficulty conceiving were given specific support and taught how to manage their thoughts and their mindset. The study showed that 55% of the women who were taught how to identify negative thought patterns and separate truth from fear had a baby compared to 20% for those who didn’t receive that support.
Source: Journal of Fertility and Sterility (2000)
5. Fewer IVF Cycles = Less Emotional & Financial Strain
IVF can be expensive, emotionally draining, and physically demanding. When your body is well-prepared, you may need fewer rounds of treatment to achieve a successful pregnancy, which can save you:
Thousands in fertility treatment costs
The heartbreak of repeated failed cycles
Unnecessary medical interventions
By investing in your body’s readiness before IVF, you’re increasing your chances of success the first time around.
How to Start Preparing for IVF Today
- Focus on eating an all natural, well balanced healthy diet of good quality protein, plenty of fruit, vegetables and good fibre.
- Hydrate & Reduce Toxins – Drink plenty of water each day and reduce the amount of processed foods you are eating. Also reduce your exposure to plastics, and endocrine disruptors.
- Manage Stress & Prioritise rest and self care – Try meditation, or gentle movement like yoga.
- Prioritise your sleep – ensure you regularly get a good night’s sleep.
- Exercise in a Fertility-Friendly Way – Over-exercising or high-intensity workouts can disrupt hormones, so opt for a daily routine of moderate, balanced movement.
The earlier you start, the better your chances of a successful IVF outcome.
Give Your IVF Journey the Best Start Possible
IVF is an incredible tool, but it’s most successful when your body is fully prepared. By taking the time to nourish your body, balance your hormones, and support your emotional well-being, you’re setting yourself up for the best possible outcome—both for conception and for a healthy pregnancy.
Ready to prepare your body for IVF success? 💕 I specialise in helping women and couples optimise their fertility naturally before starting treatment. Book a Free Fertility Focus Call today and let’s create a personalised plan for your journey!
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You can also explore more guidance on my YouTube channel.
