Embarking on the In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) journey in Singapore is a significant step towards building your family. While the medical protocol is crucial, the preparation you do before your cycle begins can profoundly impact your egg and sperm quality, uterine environment, and overall well-being. Think of this pre-treatment phase as laying the strongest possible foundation for success.
At Alpha Fertility Centre, we believe a proactive approach to wellness is a powerful partner to advanced reproductive science. This guide outlines the key pillars of preparing your body for IVF, with practical advice tailored for the Singaporean lifestyle.
Why Pre-IVF Preparation Matters
The 3 to 4 months leading up to your IVF cycle are a critical window. This is because it takes approximately 90 days for egg and sperm cells to mature. The lifestyle choices you make during this time directly influence the health of those cells. A dedicated pre-IVF wellness plan aims to:
- Improve egg quality and sperm parameters.
- Enhance the receptivity of the uterine lining.
- Regulate hormonal balance.
- Boost your physical and emotional resilience.
Pillar 1: Nutrition for Fertility – Eating for Two (Cells)
Your diet is the building block for healthy reproductive cells. Focus on a balanced, nutrient-dense approach.
- Embrace a Mediterranean-style Diet: Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory fats, this diet is linked to improved IVF outcomes. Incorporate:
- Colourful Fruits & Vegetables: Berries, leafy greens, and tomatoes are packed with antioxidants that protect eggs and sperm from cellular damage.
- Lean Proteins: Fish (like salmon for its Omega-3s), chicken, and plant-based proteins like lentils and tofu.
- Healthy Fats: Avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil support hormone production.
- Choose Complex Carbohydrates: Opt for whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and wholemeal bread over refined white alternatives to help maintain stable blood sugar levels.
- Key Supplements (After Consulting Your Doctor):
- Folic Acid (400-800 mcg): Essential for preventing neural tube defects and supporting egg quality.
- Vitamin D: Many Singaporeans are deficient despite the sun. It’s vital for egg maturation and embryo implantation.
- CoQ10 (100-300 mg): An antioxidant that supports cellular energy, particularly beneficial for egg and sperm quality, especially for women over 35.
Singaporean Tip: Enjoy local food wisely! Choose Yong Tau Foo with more vegetables and less processed items, Fish Soup Bee Hoon, or a Chicken Rice plate with extra cucumbers and brown rice if available.
Pillar 2: Lifestyle Optimisation – Creating a Conducive Environment
Your daily habits create the internal environment where your future embryo will hopefully thrive.
- Achieve a Healthy BMI: Being significantly underweight or overweight can disrupt hormone function and affect IVF success rates. Aim for a gradual, sustainable weight loss or gain through diet and exercise, guided by a professional.
- Exercise Moderately: Intense, daily strenuous exercise can sometimes hinder fertility. Switch to moderate activities like:
- Brisk walking in our many parks.
- Swimming
- Yoga or Pilates (specifically fertility-focused or gentle forms)
- Eliminate Toxins:
- Smoking & Alcohol: Both are strongly linked to reduced egg quality and sperm count. Ceasing at least 3 months before IVF is highly recommended.
- Caffeine: Limit intake to 1-2 cups of coffee or tea per day.
Pillar 3: Mental and Emotional Well-being – Calming the Mind
The IVF journey can be stressful, and stress management is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.
- Practice Stress-Reduction Techniques: Incorporate mindfulness, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises into your daily routine. Even 10 minutes a day can make a difference.
- Prioritise Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Sleep is when your body repairs itself and regulates key hormones like cortisol and melatonin, which influence reproductive function.
- Communicate and Seek Support: Talk openly with your partner. Consider joining a support group for couples undergoing IVF in Singapore or speaking with a counsellor who specialises in fertility.
Pillar 4: The Pre-IVF Medical Checklist in Singapore
Be proactive about your medical health.
- Pre-Conception Screening: Ensure you and your partner have completed all recommended tests.
Dental Check-up: Address any gum disease or dental infections, as they have been linked to poorer pregnancy outcomes. - Review Medications: Discuss all current medications, including supplements and traditional herbs, with your fertility specialist to ensure they are safe during treatment.
- Manage Underlying Conditions: Ensure any existing conditions like thyroid disorders or diabetes are well-controlled.
A Note for Our Male Partners
Sperm health contributes to 50% of the embryo’s DNA. Men should equally focus on the wellness pillars above: eating a nutrient-rich diet, avoiding alcohol and smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and keeping the scrotal area cool (e.g., avoid hot baths and tight underwear).
Your Journey, Our Support
Preparing for IVF is a journey of nurturing yourself. By taking these proactive steps, you are actively contributing to your chances of success and empowering yourself throughout the process.
At Alpha Fertility Centre, we are here to support you with personalised pre-IVF counselling and wellness plans. Ready to optimise your path to parenthood? Schedule a consultation with our specialists today to create a preparation plan tailored just for you.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your treatment.
