IVF Guide: How much sleep should I get during IVF?

Sleep and fertility are inextricably linked. Getting enough sleep can help your IVF cycle run smoothly. Read our IVF guide below.

According to a 2013 study, those who sleep 7 to 8 hours each night have a significantly higher pregnancy rate than those who sleep for shorter or longer periods of time.

Melatonin, a hormone that regulates both sleep and reproduction, peaks between 9 p.m. and midnight, according to Dr. Eyvazzadeh. As a result, the hours of 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. are ideal for falling asleep.

IVF Guide:Here are a few suggestions for making good sleep a habit:

Set the temperature in your bedroom to 60 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 19 degrees Celsius).
Before going to bed, take a warm shower or soak in a hot bath.
In your bedroom, diffuse lavender (or use in the shower).
Caffeine should be avoided. 4–6 hours prior to bedtime
2 to 3 hours before bedtime, stop eating.
Relax by listening to soft, slow music, such as symphonic pieces.
Before going to bed, limit your screen time to at least 30 minutes. Phones, televisions, and computers are all examples.
Before going to bed, do some gentle stretches.
IVF sex do’s and don’ts
One of the great ironies of infertility is that the sex that should be responsible for making these babies is anything but simple or easy!

Men should avoid ejaculation, either manually or vaginally, for 3 to 4 days before a sperm retrieval, according to Dr. Eyvazzadeh. When it comes time to collect, she says, couples want the “whole pot full” of the best sperm, rather than “what’s left” from a post-ejaculate sample.

However, this does not imply complete sex abstinence. She claims that couples can engage in amorous contact, or “outercourse,” as she prefers to call it. Feel free to mess around as long as the man isn’t ejaculating during the prime sperm development window.

Couples should keep penetration shallow and avoid deep vaginal intercourse, according to her, as this can irritate the cervix.

Is it possible to drink alcohol during IVF?

After dealing with the emotional toll of IVF, you may feel the need for a drink. If that’s the case, Dr. Eyvazzadeh has some good news for you. She claims that drinking in moderation is possible.

However, be aware that a couple of drinks during the week may have a negative impact on the IVF cycle’s outcome.

Additionally, combining fertility drugs with alcohol may cause you to have a negative reaction. It’s possible that you’ll be unhappy as a result of it.

According to Trusted Source, live birth rates were 21% lower in women who drank more than four drinks per week, and 21% lower when both partners drank more than four drinks per week.

Of course, once the embryo transfer is complete, you should abstain from all alcohol consumption.

What to Do If You’re Experiencing IVF Symptoms

One thing is certain during an IVF cycle, no matter how unpredictable it may be: a slew of physical symptoms.

Because every woman and every cycle are unique, there’s no way to predict which side effect you’ll have on any given day of your cycle.

Here are some strategies for coping with or even overcoming the negative effects of fertility drugs. Read more such health articles on shareposting.

Spotting or bleeding

If you experience bleeding or spotting during your cycle, call your doctor right away.

It’s normal to experience some bleeding or spotting after an egg retrieval. Heavy bleeding, on the other hand, is not.

Tampons should not be used.

“Expect the worst period of your life after an IVF cycle,” Dr. Eyvazzadeh warns her patients, “because the hormones used not only help the eggs grow, but also thicken the lining.”

She warns that this isn’t the case for everyone, but if it is, don’t worry; take pain medications as needed and as directed by your doctor.

Gastrointestinal and digestive problems

There are many over-the-counter remedies for digestive problems. Take the following steps:

Stool softener Gas-X

Tums \sPepto-Bismol

Bloating

Taking in more fluids may seem counterintuitive, but it can help relieve bloating. If drinking water is becoming too much for you, try hydrating with:

Low-sugar electrolyte drinks or tablets made with coconut water

Nausea

If natural remedies don’t work, consider taking an anti-nausea medication like:

Pepto-Bismol \sEmetrol \sDramamine

But first, consult your doctor to ensure that OTC anti-nausea medications are appropriate for you.

Pain and a headache

The following are some over-the-counter pain relievers:

heating pads acetaminophen (Tylenol) ibuprofen (Motrin)

Talk to your doctor about the best dosage for you before taking any OTC medications. You can consult any doctor near you. For example, if you live in Mumbai, you can google the best IVF center in Mumbai. Most of these centers use a sales crm software to manage and nurture their clients.

Tiredness and exhaustion

Each night, get 7 to 8 hours of sleep.

During the day, take 30- to 45-minute naps.

Don’t overbook yourself or overcommit. Take it easy (and don’t be afraid to say “no”!)

Anxiety and stress

Slow, deep breathing is a good habit to get into.

For support and healthy coping strategies, download the FertiCalm app.

For meditation, use the Headspace app.

Yoga is something you should do. Here’s where you can find the most up-to-date information.

Maintain your exercise routine.

Maintain any existing routines or schedules.

Make sure you get enough rest.

Warm showers or baths are recommended.

Make an appointment with a therapist.

To release feel-good hormones, have sex.

Flashes of heat

Wear clothing that is light and breathable.

Keep yourself cool by staying in air-conditioned areas.

Place a fan by your bedside or at your desk.

Drink plenty of cool water to stay hydrated.

Smoking, spicy foods, and caffeine should all be avoided.

Deep breathing exercises should be practised.

Low-impact exercises such as swimming, walking, or yoga are recommended.

Taking care of yourself during IVF

Preparing for and undergoing IVF will undoubtedly be one of the most difficult experiences of your life.

There’s a lot to be said for using your mind over matter and making the best of difficult, painful, and inconvenient circumstances. One of them is this.

Taking care of yourself early and often can be extremely beneficial. This will allow you to better manage and even avoid some of the more unpleasant aspects of an IVF cycle. Here are some suggestions: