Table of Contents
β οΈ 10 Mistakes to Avoid During IVF (and How to Prevent Them)
Expert Insights to Boost Your IVF Success
πΈ Introduction
IVF is a journey filled with hope, emotion, and careful science.
While modern fertility technology has made conception easier than ever, small mistakes β before or during treatment β can sometimes lower success rates or create unnecessary stress.
At Zeeva Fertility, after helping thousands of couples from India, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, weβve seen one truth:
The right preparation and habits can dramatically improve your IVF outcome.
So hereβs a guide to the 10 most common mistakes couples make during IVF β and how to avoid them.
βIVF success isnβt just about what happens in the lab β itβs about what happens in your lifestyle, mindset, and daily choices.β
β Dr. Aarthi Mani, IVF Director, Zeeva Fertility
β Mistake 1: Starting IVF Without Proper Diagnosis
β Fix: Get a Comprehensive Fertility Assessment
Many couples jump straight into IVF without identifying the root cause of infertility.
For example, thyroid imbalance, blocked tubes, endometriosis, or sperm DNA damage can all affect success.
β‘οΈ Always begin with:
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Hormone profile (AMH, FSH, LH, TSH, Prolactin)
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Semen analysis with DNA fragmentation
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Pelvic ultrasound
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Lifestyle and medical history review
βA thorough diagnosis ensures we treat the cause, not just the symptoms.β
β Mistake 2: Ignoring Lifestyle & Diet Before IVF
β Fix: Follow a Fertility-Friendly Routine
What you eat and how you live before IVF matter more than you think.
Unhealthy habits can disrupt hormones, affect egg quality, and reduce implantation chances.
π‘ Do this instead:
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Eat antioxidant-rich foods (spinach, berries, nuts, olive oil)
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Maintain a healthy BMI (19β25)
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Limit caffeine and sugar
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Avoid smoking and alcohol
Think of your body as the soil β nourish it well before planting the seed.
β Mistake 3: High Stress Levels During Treatment
β Fix: Manage Emotions with Support
IVF can be emotionally draining. Stress affects hormones like cortisol and prolactin, which can interfere with ovulation and implantation.
π§ββοΈ Tips:
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Practice meditation or light yoga
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Speak with a counselor or support group
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Take time off work if possible
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Trust the process β not every cycle is the same
βA calm mind helps your body respond better to treatment.β
β Dr. Aarthi Mani, IVF Psychologist
β Mistake 4: Skipping or Mismanaging Medications
β Fix: Stay Consistent and Organized
Hormonal medications and injections are time-sensitive. Missing or delaying them can disrupt egg growth or hormone levels.
π Best Practice:
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Set daily reminders
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Use a medication chart provided by your clinic
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Donβt self-adjust dosages without consulting your doctor
βPrecision in medication timing often makes the difference between success and failure.β
β Mistake 5: Not Getting Enough Sleep or Rest
β Fix: Prioritize Quality Rest
Sleep is essential for hormonal regulation and egg maturation. Poor rest can affect progesterone levels, mood, and overall IVF response.
π Aim for 7β8 hours of sleep per night, avoid screens before bed, and try relaxing herbal teas or light walks.
Your body does its healing while you sleep β give it that chance.
β Mistake 6: Over-Exercising or Crash Dieting
β Fix: Stay Active, Not Exhausted
While fitness is important, intense workouts or strict diets can harm fertility.
Over-training may affect ovulation and uterine lining thickness.
β Choose low-impact options like:
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Walking
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Yoga
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Stretching
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Light swimming
Avoid HIIT or heavy weightlifting during stimulation or post-transfer.
β Mistake 7: Poor Communication with Your Doctor
β Fix: Ask, Clarify, and Stay Involved
Fertility treatment works best when patients understand every step.
Some couples hesitate to ask questions β leading to confusion and stress.
π¬ Always discuss:
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Medication side effects
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Expected egg counts
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Embryo quality and grading
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Treatment timeline
βAn informed patient is an empowered patient.β
β Mistake 8: Choosing an Unverified or Unregulated Clinic
β Fix: Check Accreditation and Credentials
Unfortunately, not all IVF centers follow proper standards.
Always choose a clinic registered under Indiaβs ART & Surrogacy Acts (2021) and licensed by the National ART & Surrogacy Board.
β Ask for:
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Doctor qualifications & experience
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Success rates (with transparency)
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Lab certification (ISO / ICMR)
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Legal documentation for consent & privacy
βYour clinicβs credibility is your greatest safety net.β
β Mistake 9: Over-Googling Symptoms During IVF
β Fix: Rely on Medical Guidance, Not Forums
Online advice can be misleading β every IVF case is different.
Donβt panic if your symptoms donβt match what others describe.
If you notice something unusual, contact your IVF team instead of online forums.
βTrust your doctor more than your search bar.β
β Mistake 10: Losing Hope Too Early
β Fix: Stay Positive β Success Takes Time
IVF is not a one-cycle guarantee. Many couples succeed on their second or third attempt.
Persistence, emotional balance, and medical follow-up matter most.
π Clinic Data Example:
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1st cycle success rate: 55β65%
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2nd cycle cumulative success: 75β80%
βParenthood is a journey, not a race. Every cycle brings you closer to your goal.β
β Dr. Aarthi Mani
πΏ Bonus Tip: Partner Support Is Key
IVF works best when both partners are emotionally aligned.
Support each other β attend appointments together, discuss expectations, and celebrate every milestone, no matter how small.
βTeamwork turns treatment into transformation.β
π©Ί Final Thoughts
Avoiding these 10 common mistakes can make a real difference in your IVF success.
The journey may be challenging, but with the right mindset, care, and clinic, your chances of success are higher than ever.
At Zeeva Fertility, we combine medical precision, emotional support, and transparency β helping couples worldwide turn dreams into reality. πΈ
π Begin Your IVF Journey with Expert Guidance
Ready to start your IVF treatment β the right way?
Our international fertility team offers personalized consultations for couples worldwide.
π Website: www.fertycure.com
π± WhatsApp: +91-9044346292
π¬ Multilingual Support: English | Arabic | French