How to Prepare Your Body for Fertility Treatments and IVF

Getting ready for fertility treatments is about more than medical appointments or blood tests. It’s about  helping your body feel strong, balanced, and ready to respond in the best possible way. IVF can be emotional,  and it’s natural to want to do everything you can to improve your chances. The good news is that there are  real, practical steps you can take to support your body before treatment starts.

Feed Your Fertility from Within

What you eat can make a big difference in how your body prepares for IVF. A diet rich in whole, nutrient dense foods supports hormone balance and reproductive health. Antioxidants from colorful fruits and  vegetables protect eggs and sperm from damage. Healthy fats, such as those found in olive oil, nuts, and  avocados, help with hormone production. Whole grains and lean proteins keep your blood sugar steady,  which is important for ovulation and energy. (Source: Frontiers)  

Some nutrients are especially important. Folate supports early embryo development, while omega-3 fatty  acids improve blood flow to the uterus and ovaries. Zinc and selenium play a role in egg and sperm quality.  Try to focus on real, unprocessed foods that make you feel nourished and full of energy. It’s not about  perfection, but about giving your body what it needs to function at its best. 

Rest, Sleep, and Stress Balance

Good sleep is one of the simplest ways to prepare for IVF, yet it’s often overlooked. During deep sleep, your  body releases hormones that regulate stress and reproduction. Most people need around seven to eight  hours each night for their system to stay in balance. A calm bedtime routine, staying off screens before sleep,  and keeping a regular schedule can all make a difference. (Source: BMC Womens Health)  

Stress can affect fertility more than many realize. High stress levels can disrupt hormones and make it harder  for the body to find balance. Finding what helps you relax, whether it’s walking, journaling, gentle yoga, or  spending time outside, can support your fertility in quiet but powerful ways. Stress is a part of life, but how  you manage it can shape your body’s response to treatment. (Source: Grem)  

Movement That Supports Fertility

Gentle, regular movement keeps your blood flowing and your hormones in sync. Activities like walking,  swimming, or light strength training can improve circulation to the uterus and ovaries, which helps prepare  the body for implantation. Too much intense exercise can have the opposite effect, so aim for balance. The  goal isn’t to push harder, but to move in ways that make you feel healthy and strong. 

The Mind-Body Connection

Fertility treatments can be full of emotions, hope, fear, excitement, and everything in between. Preparing  mentally can help you stay centered through it all. Some people find comfort in writing down their thoughts,  while others turn to meditation or support groups. Caring for your emotional well-being isn’t a small detail;  it helps your body regulate stress hormones and respond more positively to treatment. 

Sources:  

Frontiers - Frontiersin.org/journals/publichealth/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2018.00211/full BMC Womens Health - https://bmcwomenshealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/ Grem - Gremjournal.com/journal/female-infertility-as-a-result-of-stress-related-hormonal-changes/