Can IVF solve the problem of ovarian decline? What kind of conditioning should be done before doing IVF?
In the field of assisted reproduction, the three-generation IVF technique has attracted a lot of attention and many couples facing ovarian recession have pinned their hopes on it. At the same time, physical conditioning before IVF is also crucial, as it can lay a solid foundation for successful conception.
I. IVF and Ovarian Deterioration
1. Principles and advantages of three-generation IVF technology
Three-generation IVF technology mainly includes pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT), which is divided into PGT – A (aneuploidy screening), PGT – M (monogenic disease detection) and PGT – SR (chromosome structural rearrangement detection). The core advantage of this technology is the ability to test the genetic material of embryos and screen for embryos that are chromosomally normal or do not carry specific disease-causing genes for transfer.
Triple IVF plays a huge role in the prevention of genetic diseases. For example, for some couples who are known to carry the causative genes of monogenic genetic diseases (e.g. Thalassaemia, Cystic Fibrosis, etc.), the transmission of the causative genes to the next generation can be avoided through the PGT – M technique.
2. Limited effect on the problem of ovarian decline
However, PGT-M does not directly address the problem of ovarian decline. Ovarian decline mainly manifests itself in the form of decreased ovarian reserve function, reduced number and quality of eggs. Although 3G IVF can screen for high quality embryos at the embryo stage, it cannot change the physiological state of the ovaries themselves to increase the number of eggs or fundamentally improve the quality of the eggs.
For example, a woman with declining ovaries already has a small number of primordial follicles in her ovaries and may only be able to obtain a small number of eggs during ovulation stimulation. The three-generation IVF can only screen embryos after the fertilisation of these limited eggs, but it cannot change the situation of egg scarcity.
Second, before the test tube female body conditioning
1. Lifestyle adjustment
Regular work and rest: Ensuring enough sleep is crucial. Try to go to sleep between 10:00 – 11:00 every night and sleep for 7 – 8 hours every day. A good night’s sleep helps to regulate the endocrine system, especially for the maintenance of ovarian function. During sleep, the body will carry out self-repair and hormone regulation, which is conducive to the development of eggs.
Moderate Exercise: Choose an exercise method that suits you, such as yoga, jogging, swimming, etc. Some of the asanas in yoga can promote the development of eggs. Some asanas in yoga can promote pelvic blood circulation, which is good for ovaries and uterus. Exercising 3 – 4 times a week for 30 – 60 minutes each time can enhance physical fitness, improve body metabolism and create good physical conditions for conception.
Stop smoking and drinking alcohol: Smoking and drinking alcohol can have a negative impact on the reproductive system. Harmful substances such as nicotine in cigarettes can reduce the quality of eggs, while alcohol may affect hormone levels and the ability of eggs to be fertilised. Therefore, you should try to stop smoking and drinking before IVF to minimise the negative effects on fertility.
- Dietary regulation
Balanced nutrition: Increase the intake of protein-rich foods, such as lean meat, fish, beans, eggs and dairy products. Protein is an important part of the body’s cells and is indispensable for egg production and development. At the same time, eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, which are rich in vitamins (e.g. vitamin C, vitamin E, etc.), minerals and antioxidants. For example, Vitamin C promotes collagen synthesis and helps maintain healthy ovarian tissue; Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects eggs from free radical damage.
Supplementation with specific nutrients: Supplementation with certain nutrients that are beneficial to ovarian function, such as Coenzyme Q10 and D-seafood Omega-3 fatty acids. Coenzyme Q10 can improve the mitochondrial function of eggs and enhance the quality of eggs; D – sea fish Omega – 3 fatty acids can regulate the hormone level in women’s bodies and improve ovarian function.
3. Psychological regulation
Reduce stress: psychological stress is one of the important factors affecting conception. Long-term stress can lead to endocrine disorders and affect ovarian function. You can relieve stress by listening to music, watching films and chatting with friends. For example, spending 30 minutes a day listening to some soothing music can relax your body and mind and improve your emotional state.
Maintain a positive mindset: Set up a correct mindset and believe that you can conceive successfully through scientific treatment and your own efforts. Avoid excessive anxiety and stress, as these negative emotions may adversely affect the success rate of IVF. You can join some pregnancy preparation support groups to exchange and share with others who have similar experiences and get psychological support. Third, physical conditioning for men before IVF
1. Improvement of living habits
Avoid high-temperature environment: male testicles are sensitive to temperature, and being in a high-temperature environment for a long time (e.g., taking hot baths and saunas for a long time, etc.) will affect the sperm production and quality. Therefore, these behaviours should be avoided as much as possible during the preparation period to keep the testicles at the right temperature.
Regular rest and exercise: Just like women, men need to get enough sleep and exercise. A good workout routine helps to improve physical fitness and sperm motility. For example, 30 minutes of brisk walking or swimming every day can help improve sperm quality.
2. Dietary considerations
Nutritional intake: Increase the intake of foods rich in zinc, selenium and other trace elements, such as seafood (oysters, shrimps, etc.), nuts (cashews, walnuts, etc.). Zinc and selenium are very important for sperm production, vitality and quality. Also, make sure you consume enough protein to support normal sperm development.
Avoid bad foods: Reduce consumption of foods high in fat and sugar, which may lead to obesity, which in turn affects male reproductive function. Also, control the intake of caffeine and alcohol. Excessive caffeine may affect the motility of sperm and alcohol may damage the DNA integrity of sperm.
3. Psychological adjustment
Reduce stress: Men will also face stress during the process of preparing for pregnancy, and too much stress may lead to sexual dysfunction and decreased sperm quality. You can relieve stress through your favourite ways, such as fishing and playing basketball.
Give support to your partner: In the process of preparing for pregnancy together as a couple, the man should give enough emotional support to the woman, and face the difficulties and pressure that may be encountered together, which is also very important for improving the success rate of conception.
Although the three-generation IVF technology cannot solve the fundamental problem of ovarian decline, it has an important role in embryo screening. The physical and psychological conditioning before IVF is essential to improve the chances of conception and the success rate of IVF, and we hope that every couple preparing for pregnancy can pay full attention to it and actively prepare for it.