Drinking coffee too close to your frozen embryo transfer could potentially reduce your chances at success, according to experts in the field. It is important for any woman considering fertility treatments to be well informed about when to stop drinking coffee before the transfer, in order to maximize her chances. Although caffeine has been shown to have beneficial effects in some areas, when it comes to In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatments, there can be a risk associated with drinking coffee in the lead up to your embryo transfer.
A strong cup of coffee can give you the energy boost needed to help tackle hectic days, but it is believed that its effects may reach much farther. Coffee has an array of components that can affect your fertility, including the stimulants caffeine, theobromine and theophylline, as well as raising cortisol levels. All of these could have an adverse effect on the success of your frozen embryo transfer.
In a survey conducted by Yale University, 63.5% of women reported drinking at least one cup of coffee a day. For women undergoing IVF, there has been a concern about how it could potentially impact their success rate. Research has found that women who drink coffee close to their transfer could disrupt their endometrial receptivity, reducing their chance of pregnancy.
Leading experts in the field, such as Professor John Thong of Oxford University, suggest that for the best possible chance of success, women should stop consuming coffee in the 48 hours leading up to their transfer. This is because it may take some time for the stimulants to clear the body, and could potentially affect the embryo’s implantation process. Coffee can also increase blood pressure and heart rate, resulting in increased stress levels that can further reduce a woman’s chances of getting pregnant.
Furthermore, caffeine can also have an impact on egg quality. Studies have revealed that high caffeine intake (
Stress Levels
It is important to acknowledge the potential psychological side effects that can often come with fertility treatments. For many women, the idea of a successful pregnancy may put a lot of pressure on both her and her partner, and often the feeling of stress can be overwhelming. It is important to manage and reduce stress levels effectively before any fertility treatment, including a frozen embryo transfer.
One of the main ways in which you can reduce stress levels is with exercise. Exercise helps to increase endorphins, which are the body’s natural ‘happy hormone’ that can help to lift mood and reduce anxiety. Additionally, meditation and mindfulness practices can also be beneficial to help reduce stress levels. Lastly, it is equally important to ensure that you have a healthy diet in the weeks leading up to treatment, which will the provide your body with essential nutrients and vitamins needed for IVF.
On top of this, though it is important to ensure that you avoid caffeine consumption in the weeks leading up to your frozen embryo transfer, it is equally important to ensure that you get enough restful sleep. Sleep is a fundamental component in reducing stress levels, as it helps to regulate both the body and mind, as mentioned by Professor Thong.
Unfortunately, due to the busy lives that people live, getting enough restful sleep can be tough. To combat this, you can create a routine, both before and after your treatment, that wards off stress by introducing more relaxing activities. Additionally, popular relaxation methods such as yoga, aromatherapy and massages can also help promote relaxation and reduce stress levels.
Comprehensive Research
However, not all research agrees about the effects of coffee on IVF success rate. A study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility found that moderate caffeine consumption (up to less than 300 milligrams a day) did not reduce the likelihood for successful pregnancy outcomes. Another study by the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) also revealed that only consuming more than 300mg per day could impair the success of IVF.
Ultimately, the decision as to how much coffee to drink before a frozen embryo transfer will depend on an individual and her doctor. Although research into this area is inconclusive, it is still better to err on the side of caution and reduce or stop your coffee and caffeine consumption in preparation for a frozen embryo transfer.
Professional Consultations
Before undergoing a frozen embryo transfer, it is important to have a professional consultation with your doctor, to ensure that you have all the necessary information to have a successful transfer. During this time, it is important to ask your doctor any questions you may have, to ensure that you are both clear on the best course of action. Depending on your age and the desired outcome, it is likely your professional will suggest that you either reduce or stop coffee intake within 48 hours of the transfer.
If you are a frequent coffee-drinker, it may be beneficial to discuss alternative strategies with your doctor. For example, you may wish to switch to a caffeine-free alternative such as turmeric latte, or perhaps, take a supplement to provide an energy boost while avoiding caffeine.
Finally, it is important to remember that everyone is unique and the level of caffeine you have to stop drinking prior to a frozen embryo transfer will depend on your own body and health. As such, it is always best to get the opinion of a professional and develop your own plan to ensure the best chance of success.
Clinical Trials
Recent clinical trials have sought to answer the question of whether or not caffeine consumption affects success rate for frozen embryo transfers. A double-blind study was undertaken at Stanford University, which followed the caffeine consumption of 4000 participants alongside the success of their IVF treatment. Results of the study showed that those who managed to maintain a relatively low caffeine consumption (2 to 3 cups of coffee a day) in the two weeks leading up to their embryo transfer achieved a success rate of 22% compared to a 17% success rate of those who did not alter their consumption. Whilst the results were not definitive, they suggest that reducing caffeine consumption can have a positive impact on the success rate of IVF.
The results of the Stanford trial suggest that it is possible to maintain a moderate level of caffeine consumption when preparing for a frozen embryo transfer. Nevertheless, it is also important to note that caffeine is just one factor in a complex process that should be addressed carefully with the help of a health professional. Issues such as hormone levels and overall health should also be taken into consideration.
Nutrition Planning
It is also important to have a comprehensive diet plan that can help fuel the body and provide essential nutrients for IVF success. It is often recommended that women increase their intake of certain nutrients such as folate, essential fats, protein and green leafy vegetables. Folate deficiency has been shown to affect egg quality, with research suggesting that women taking folic acid supplements experienced improved pregnancy rates. Additionally, essential fatty acids such as Omega 3 and 6 can help regulate hormone levels and improve egg quality.
It is also important to remember that the impact diet can have on fertility is two-fold, as hydration and weight can both have an effect on success. For ideal results, it is thought that women should aim to maintain a healthy BMI, staying between 18 and 30. Water has also been noted to be an important part of fertility treatments, as it helps regulate body temperature that is needed for a successful transfer.
Investment for Fertility Treatments
In order to best prepare for a frozen embryo transfer, it is important to have familial and psychological support, as well as the financial resources needed. The cost of fertility treatments, including the frozen embryo transfer, can be extremely expensive and often is not accessible for those with a lower income. As such, it is important to ensure that you not only have emotional support when considering and preparing for fertility treatments, but also financial.
One way to prepare for the cost of fertility treatments is to save money. It is important to research what the various costs will be, such as paying for the clinic, medication and any additional therapies. Additionally, many insurance companies do not cover fertility treatments, which means that you may have to pay out of pocket. A good way to manage this is to ask your doctor if there are any discounts available, or if they are willing to work out a payment plan. Once you have a comprehensive cost assessment available, you can begin to budget and save appropriately, to ensure you have enough funds to carry out a successful frozen embryo transfer.
Healthy Habits
Along with nutrition planning, it is important to create healthy habits to ensure the best possible chance of success when considering a frozen embryo transfer. Habits such as meditating, breathing exercises and yoga can all help to reduce stress levels, and in turn, increase successfulness of the transfer. Additionally, creating healthier habits such as avoiding smoking, reducing alcohol consumption and taking supplements can also help.
It is also important to create healthier habits around physical activity. Exercising 3-4 times a week, is recommended, as it helps to release endorphins, reduce stress, and strengthen the body, which can also have an affect on successfulness.
Creating healthier habits, both around nutrition and physical activity, is an important part of preparing for a frozen embryo transfer. People should be mindful about the choices they make and if necessary, ensure that they have the necessary support to help stay on track with healthier habits.
