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How Gut Health Affects IVF Success rate for Men and Women

Iran Health Agency > blog > How Gut Health Affects IVF Success rate for Men and Women
How Gut Health Affects IVF Success rate
Q: (The patient question) I'm considering IVF, but I have a history of digestive issues. Should I talk to my doctor about gut health before starting IVF?
The short answer is here:
Absolutely! If you have any pre-existing digestive issues, it's crucial to discuss them with your doctor before starting IVF. They can assess your gut health, recommend necessary tests, and create a personalized plan to optimize your gut health before and during your IVF journey. A healthy gut can improve your overall well-being and contribute to a higher IVF success rate.
Let's start with our perspective to shed some light on this topic. I'll provide you with a comprehensive answer that covers all the necessary details. By the end of our discussion, you'll be equipped with valuable knowledge to help you make informed decisions about your health and family planning.
When discussing IVF preparation for a better success rate, always talk about lifestyle-changing options like avoiding drinking alcohol, exercising, Meditation, and also some essential Medical tests.
However, there is still a hidden link or connection between health conditions (internal body conditions) and IVF success rates factors that people must discuss or bring up.
Today, we want to discuss how Gut Health Affects IVF Success for Men and Women.
Did you know that the health of your gut or digestive system could impact your ability to have children? Recent studies have discovered that the billions of tiny organisms that live in your gut, known as the gut microbiome, play an essential role in controlling inflammation, balancing hormones, and supporting healthy reproduction. As a result, this has significant implications for people and couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures.
The health of our gut is connected to our ability to have babies. The way this connection works is different for men and women. Understanding how this connection works can help improve the success of specific fertility treatments
Let's go over the details.

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The Gut-Sperm Axis: How Gut Health affect male fertility 

For males, fertility and sperm quality depend on a healthy gut flora. Unbalances in the stomach’s microbiota can cause oxidative stress and inflammation, harming sperm motility, count, and DNA integrity.

Testosterone, a crucial hormone for sperm creation, is metabolized by enzymes produced by specific gut flora. Hormonal imbalances resulting from disruptions in this pathway might hinder spermatogenesis.

Furthermore, the gut microbiota affects how vital nutrients like folate, zinc, and vitamin D are absorbed and used, all critical for sperm quality. By improving their gut health through dietary and lifestyle modifications, men may be able to enhance the quality of their sperm and raise their chances of having a successful IVF procedure.

The Impact of Gut Health on Sperm Quality:

Sperm Parameter Gut Health Impact
Sperm Motility Decreased motility due to oxidative stress and inflammation
Sperm Count Decreased count due to hormonal imbalances and inflammation
Sperm DNA Integrity Damaged DNA due to oxidative stress and inflammation
Testosterone Levels Reduced testosterone levels due to disrupted gut-hormone axis

The Gut-Ovarian Axis: How Gut Health affect female fertility 

In women, the gut-ovarian axis plays a significant role in fertility. The gut microbiota works with the endocrine system to make progesterone and estrogen, which are vital for early pregnancy, ovulation, and implantation

Some health conditions, such as endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), can cause fertility issues. These conditions are related to imbalances in gut bacteria and hormone regulation. Furthermore, inflammation can result from a damaged stomach, harming the quality of eggs and the development of embryos.

Eating a healthy diet with lots of nutrients, taking probiotic supplements, and finding ways to reduce stress can all help maintain a healthy gut. This can have a positive impact on your hormones and help improve your chances of success if you’re undergoing IVF treatment.

The Impact of Gut Health on Female Fertility:

Female Fertility Parameter Gut Health Impact
Ovulation Disrupted ovulation due to hormonal imbalances and inflammation
Implantation Decreased implantation rates due to inflammation and oxidative stress
Egg Quality Decreased egg quality due to oxidative stress and inflammation
Hormone Regulation Disrupted hormone regulation due to gut-hormone axis imbalance

What are some ways to improve gut health for IVF success?

We talk about how gut health can affect your IVF process; now it’s time to find some way to improve your Gut health. Here are ways: 

  • Modifications to Diet: Prioritize eating a well-balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and whole, unprocessed foods. Try to incorporate foods that have undergone fermentation, such as yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi, since these contain living cultures that aid with gut health.
  • Probiotics: Add probiotics to your diet. These living bacteria support a balanced gut flora. Seek for items containing Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains since they have been demonstrated to enhance reproductive results.
  • Prebiotics: Eat foods high in prebiotics, such as asparagus, bananas, garlic, and onions, to support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the stomach.
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Consume foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as walnuts, chia seeds, and salmon, since they improve gut health and decrease inflammation.
  • Stress management: Excessive stress might cause disruptions to the microbiota in the stomach. Take part in stress-relieving techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.
  • Steer Clear of Antibiotics: Since antibiotics can alter the gut microbiota, take them sparingly. If necessary, take a probiotic pill to lessen the effects of antibiotics.

Get Enough Sleep: Since lack of sleep can harm gut health, try to get 7-8 hours of sleep per night.

Some questions arise for the couple: Are there specific foods that can improve gut health for IVF success?

Gut-Friendly Foods for IVF Success

Food Gut Health Benefit
Leafy Greens Rich in antioxidants and fiber, supporting gut health and hormone regulation
Berries Rich in antioxidants and fiber, reducing inflammation and supporting gut health
Fatty Fish Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, reducing inflammation and supporting gut health
Sweet Potatoes Rich in fiber and antioxidants, supporting gut health and providing essential nutrients for egg and sperm development
Green Tea Rich in antioxidants, reducing oxidative stress and supporting gut health
Fermented Foods It contains live cultures, supports gut health and immune system function

Warning and limitations!

A review of the current literature on the relationship between gut health and IVF effectiveness has several limitations and cautions.

It’s crucial to remember that a healthy gut is only one component of the complicated jigsaw that successful IVF requires, even if the study emphasizes the critical role that gut health plays in fertility and IVF results.

According to the research, IVF success is also greatly influenced by other elements such as the quality of the eggs and sperm, hormonal balance, inflammation, and general reproductive health.

While it might not ensure a successful IVF cycle, gut health optimization can contribute significantly.

Furthermore, more extensive, long-term studies are required to completely comprehend the processes and measure the influence of gut health on IVF results, as this field of study is still in its infancy.

Scientists are studying how our gut bacteria and diet can affect our ability to have a baby through IVF. However, it’s essential to know that everyone’s gut bacteria is different, and what works for one person might not work for another. So, taking care of our gut is just one part of the puzzle regarding having a successful IVF treatment. Many other important factors need to be considered, too.

Discuss your medical background with Us! 

Whenever you choose to undergo infertility treatment, such as IVF, ICSI, IVM, or any other treatment (especially when you’re going overseas), you need to have an in-depth talk with the fertility center or doctor.

The IranHealthAgency allows you to speak freely with them about your plans (such as your medical background, budget, etc.).

References:

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

nature.com

indianexpress.com

theivfproject.com

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