IVF Preparation: How to Optimise Your Body Before Starting Treatment

Starting IVF is a significant decision — emotionally, financially, and physically. Yet many couples arrive at their first IVF cycle without having taken any specific steps to optimise their reproductive health in the months beforehand. This is an enormous missed opportunity.

The evidence is clear: the nutritional status, lifestyle, and supplement regimen of both partners in the three to six months before IVF significantly influences egg quality, sperm quality, embryo development, implantation rates, and ultimately, live birth outcomes. IVF preparation is not a passive waiting period — it's one of the highest-leverage windows available to improve your chances.

This comprehensive IVF preparation guide covers everything you can do to optimise your body — and your partner's — before beginning treatment.

Why the Pre-IVF Window Matters So Much

The eggs that will be retrieved in your IVF cycle have been developing for approximately 90 days before stimulation. During this primary growth phase, they are sensitive to nutritional status, oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and hormonal signalling. The decisions you make three months before your retrieval date directly affect the eggs that will be retrieved.

For men, the same logic applies: sperm take approximately 74 days to develop. The semen sample provided on the day of egg retrieval reflects lifestyle, diet, and health choices made more than two months earlier.

This three-month window is your window of meaningful influence. Waiting until you start stimulation medications to think about nutrition and lifestyle is too late to affect the eggs and sperm that will be used in your first cycle.

Female IVF Preparation: Optimising Egg Quality and Ovarian Response

CoQ10: The Egg Quality Supplement

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has emerged as one of the most evidence-supported supplements for IVF preparation. Here's why it matters: eggs require massive amounts of cellular energy (ATP) to complete the final stages of maturation and, if fertilised, to power early embryo development. This energy is generated in the mitochondria, and CoQ10 is the critical substrate for mitochondrial energy production.

Mitochondrial function in eggs declines with age, which is a primary driver of reduced egg quality and declining fertility after 35. CoQ10 supplementation has been shown in clinical studies to improve egg quality markers, increase the number of mature eggs retrieved in IVF, and improve fertilisation rates, particularly in older women and poor responders.

Typical IVF prep dosing: 400–600mg daily for at least three months before retrieval. Ubiquinol (the active, pre-reduced form) is more bioavailable than ubiquinone and is preferred for women over 35. Take with a meal containing healthy fat to maximise absorption.

Folate (Methylfolate)

Adequate folate is non-negotiable for IVF preparation. It's essential for DNA synthesis and cell division in the developing embryo, and deficiency is strongly associated with chromosomal abnormalities. The recommendation of 400–800mcg daily should be in place for at least three months before retrieval.

Many IVF specialists now recommend methylfolate (the active form) rather than or in addition to synthetic folic acid, particularly for women with MTHFR gene variants (present in up to 40% of the population) who have impaired ability to convert folic acid to its active form.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with significantly poorer IVF outcomes. Studies have found that women with adequate vitamin D levels have higher rates of clinical pregnancy and live birth after IVF than those who are deficient. Vitamin D receptors are present in ovarian tissue and appear to influence follicular development and oocyte quality.

Testing vitamin D levels three to six months before IVF and correcting any deficiency is a high-priority step. Aim for a serum level of at least 75 nmol/L — some research suggests even higher levels may be optimal for IVF outcomes.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA)

DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is a structural component of cell membranes throughout the body, including in eggs. Research on IVF populations has found positive associations between omega-3 status and egg quality, embryo development, and IVF success rates. DHA is also essential for early fetal neural development — another reason to build up DHA stores before conception.

Iron and Haemoglobin Optimisation

Optimal haemoglobin levels matter for IVF. Anaemia is associated with poorer ovarian stimulation response. If you suspect you might be iron-deficient (common in women of reproductive age, particularly those with heavy periods or restricted diets), get a ferritin and full blood count test before starting IVF and address any deficiency well before your cycle.

Antioxidants

Oxidative stress damages eggs, particularly during the critical final stages of maturation. A comprehensive antioxidant strategy — including vitamins C and E, selenium, alpha-lipoic acid, and the broad-spectrum antioxidants from a diet rich in colourful plants — supports egg quality by reducing the oxidative burden in follicular fluid.

Inositol (For PCOS or Poor Ovarian Responders)

For women with PCOS, myo-inositol supplementation (2–4g daily) is one of the best-evidenced interventions for improving IVF outcomes. It improves insulin sensitivity, supports oocyte quality, and is associated with better fertilisation rates and embryo quality in clinical trials. Even in women without diagnosed PCOS, inositol may support egg quality in poor responders.

Male IVF Preparation: Optimising Sperm Quality

Why Sperm Quality Matters in IVF

A common misconception is that IVF and ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) circumvent the need for high-quality sperm — after all, the sperm is injected directly into the egg, so motility is irrelevant, right? Wrong. While ICSI bypasses the motility requirement for fertilisation, sperm DNA quality and other biochemical factors within the sperm cell directly influence fertilisation success, embryo development, implantation, and miscarriage rates. Using higher-quality sperm, even in ICSI cycles, produces meaningfully better outcomes.

The Male IVF Prep Protocol

Zinc (25mg daily): Supports testosterone production and sperm development. Deficiency is surprisingly common and directly impacts sperm parameters.

Selenium (100–200mcg daily): Critical for antioxidant enzyme function in the testes. Randomised trials show selenium improves sperm motility in infertile men.

CoQ10 (200–600mg daily): Supports sperm energy production and protects against DNA damage. Multiple clinical trials show improvements in sperm count, motility, and morphology.

L-carnitine (2–3g daily): Supports sperm maturation and energy metabolism. Well-evidenced for improving motility.

Lycopene (10mg daily): Reduces oxidative damage in testicular tissue. Associated with improved sperm concentration and motility.

Vitamins C and E: Antioxidant protection for sperm DNA. Directly reduces DNA fragmentation scores in men with high baseline fragmentation.

Omega-3 (DHA/EPA): Supports sperm membrane structure and the acrosome reaction. Men with better omega-3 status tend to show better sperm morphology and motility.

Lifestyle Optimisation for IVF Preparation

Body Weight and BMI

Body weight significantly impacts IVF outcomes. Women with obesity require higher stimulation doses, have lower egg retrieval numbers, lower fertilisation rates, and lower live birth rates per cycle. Women who are significantly underweight also have poorer ovarian reserve and response. Achieving a healthy BMI before starting IVF — even a modest 5–10% reduction in weight for women who are overweight — has been shown to improve IVF success rates.

For men, obesity impairs testosterone production and elevates scrotal temperature, both of which negatively impact sperm quality. Weight management before IVF is a priority for both partners.

Alcohol

Research specifically on IVF outcomes and alcohol is consistent and concerning. Women who consume alcohol — even at relatively low levels — in the months before and during IVF have lower pregnancy rates and live birth rates. Men who drink heavily show poorer sperm quality, which translates to poorer IVF outcomes. Both partners should minimise or ideally eliminate alcohol in the IVF preparation period.

Smoking

Smoking is associated with dramatically poorer IVF outcomes for women — higher doses of stimulation required, fewer eggs retrieved, lower fertilisation rates, and significantly lower pregnancy rates. Male smoking elevates DNA fragmentation, which is associated with higher miscarriage rates and poorer embryo development even in ICSI cycles. Quitting smoking as far in advance of IVF as possible is essential.

Stress and Mental Health

The relationship between psychological stress and IVF outcomes is complex, but chronic, severe stress is associated with impaired IVF outcomes in some research. More practically, the IVF process itself is stressful, and building emotional resilience through mindfulness, counselling, exercise, and social support before starting is valuable. Many IVF clinics now offer or recommend psychological support as part of the pre-treatment period.

Sleep

Adequate sleep is essential for hormonal regulation — both for women (where it affects LH pulsatility and cortisol rhythm) and men (where testosterone peaks during deep sleep). Prioritising seven to nine hours of quality sleep in the IVF preparation period supports optimal hormone function for both partners.

Exercise

Moderate exercise is beneficial for IVF preparation — it supports healthy weight, reduces stress, and improves metabolic health. However, very high-intensity exercise should be reduced in the IVF stimulation period and the time leading up to retrieval. Some research suggests extreme exercise may reduce ovarian response. During stimulation, most clinics advise against vigorous exercise due to the risk of ovarian torsion as follicles enlarge.

Diet for IVF Preparation

The Mediterranean dietary pattern has the most consistent evidence base for supporting IVF outcomes. Key components:

• Abundant vegetables and fruits (especially leafy greens, berries, citrus)
• Whole grains as primary carbohydrate sources
• Legumes (lentils, chickpeas) as primary protein sources alongside eggs and fish
• Moderate fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel) for omega-3s
• Olive oil as the primary fat
• Nuts and seeds
• Full-fat dairy in moderation
• Minimal red meat and processed foods

Specific IVF preparation dietary priorities include ensuring adequate protein (especially for women who may be protein-insufficient), maximising antioxidant intake through colourful produce, and maintaining stable blood glucose by emphasising low-glycaemic carbohydrate sources.

Conceive Plus IVF Preparation Support

Conceive Plus provides comprehensive nutritional support for the IVF preparation journey. Our women's fertility support formula brings together folate (as methylfolate), vitamin D, iron, iodine, antioxidants, and CoQ10 to cover the key nutritional priorities in a single, well-formulated supplement. Our men's formula addresses the evidence-based sperm health priorities with zinc, selenium, CoQ10, L-carnitine, lycopene, and omega-3 fatty acids.

We also offer targeted CoQ10 supplementation for those who want higher doses than a standard fertility supplement provides — particularly relevant for women over 35 preparing for IVF.

👉 Prepare for IVF with the nutritional support your body needs. Explore the full Conceive Plus IVF preparation range at conceiveplus.hk/collections/fertility-supplements

Frequently Asked Questions About IVF Preparation

How early should I start IVF preparation supplements?

Ideally, three to six months before your planned retrieval date. The three-month minimum accounts for the full egg and sperm development cycles. Starting six months out gives even more time to correct nutritional deficiencies and build up stores of key nutrients.

Should my partner take supplements during IVF preparation?

Absolutely. Male factor is involved in roughly half of all fertility challenges, and sperm quality directly impacts IVF outcomes even in ICSI cycles (where DNA integrity remains critical). Both partners should be following an optimised supplement protocol starting at least three months before egg retrieval.

What tests should I get before starting IVF?

Common pre-IVF tests include: AMH (ovarian reserve), antral follicle count (AFC), full blood panel including thyroid function and iron studies, vitamin D levels, and sometimes genetic screening. Your IVF clinic will typically order a standard workup, but it's worth discussing vitamin D and iron testing specifically if they're not included.

Is CoQ10 really worth taking for IVF?

The evidence is compelling, particularly for women over 35 or poor responders. Multiple studies have found benefits for egg quality and IVF outcomes, and it's a low-risk intervention with few side effects. Most reproductive endocrinologists supportive of supplements recommend CoQ10 as a priority for IVF preparation.

Can diet actually affect IVF success rates?

Yes. The research specifically on diet and IVF outcomes is growing and consistently points to the Mediterranean dietary pattern as associated with better outcomes. Studies have found odds ratios for clinical pregnancy that are meaningfully higher (1.4–2.7x) in women adhering closely to a Mediterranean-style diet versus a Western diet.

Should I stop all supplements once IVF starts?

Discuss this with your clinic. Most supplements (folate/methylfolate, vitamin D, omega-3, CoQ10, antioxidants) are safe to continue through stimulation. Some supplements that affect blood clotting or hormone levels may need to be paused. Your IVF team should know everything you're taking.

How important is stress management for IVF?

While stress is unlikely to be the primary determinant of IVF outcomes, the psychological burden of IVF is real and significant. Managing stress effectively through counselling, support groups, mindfulness, or whatever approach works for you improves wellbeing during treatment and may modestly support outcomes. It's certainly worth prioritising your mental health alongside your physical preparation.

IVF Preparation: Starting Your Journey Right

IVF is a major intervention, and the preparation phase is your opportunity to give it the best possible chance of success. The three to six months before your cycle are not a time to wait — they're a time to act, optimise, and build the nutritional and lifestyle foundation that your eggs, sperm, and future embryos will need.

Conceive Plus is committed to supporting couples through every stage of the fertility journey, including IVF preparation. Our supplement range and fertility-friendly lubricant are designed around the evidence — giving you and your partner the best possible nutritional foundation as you embark on treatment.

👉 Begin your IVF preparation with confidence. Explore the Conceive Plus range for IVF support at conceiveplus.hk/collections/fertility-supplements