Environmental Factors and Fertility Success

In regards to environmental factors and fertility success, we recommend the following to maximize the success of your fertility treatment.

Supplements

The below supplements can be purchased from Theralogix at www.theralogix.com using PRC code 104321.

CoQ10 has been shown in studies to reduce oocyte aneuploidy.
600 mg supplement per day recommended.
NeoQ10 125 mg (equivalent to 750 mg CoQ10 due to higher absorption rate), recommend 1 pill/day for women mid 30s and younger)
OvaVite: includes 250 mg CoQ10 and folate, recommend 1 pill/day for women mid 30s or over
Foods high in Coq10: fatty fish, brocolli, cauliflower, oranges, strawberries, soybeans.
For patients using their own eggs to conceive

25 mg 2 times a day (better absorption if taken with a meal containing some fat)
May improve stimulation for poor responders. May also improve egg and embryo quality.
Start 3-4 weeks prior to treatment cycle
Women with PCOS, diabetes or hormone related cancers should not take DHEA. DHEA may interfere with insulin, sertralin, and many others.
For patients using their own eggs to conceive
Discontinue when pregnancy occurs

800 mg of EPA and 1200 mg of DHA daily recommended.
May improve fertility outcome through an antioxidant effect
Theralogix sells supplement called Theromega with 400 EPA/300 DHA; Recommend 2-3 pills/day
Foods high in DHA: flax seeds, walnuts, soybeans, oysters, and salmon

The following lifestyle changes may have a positive impact on your fertility outcomes.

We recommend patients NOT take biotin while undergoing fertlity treatment as this supplement may interfere with hormonal assays.

Increase intake of foods high in antioxidants: pomegranate, chocolate, berries, espresso coffee, fruits and vegetables, turmeric, cumin, ginger, oregano, vitamin C rich foods.
A “Mediterranean diet” is high in antioxidants – seafood, fruits & vegetables.
Limit intake of red meat, saturated fats.
Avoid foods that have advanced glycation end products: overcooked, charred, grilled, BBQ foods. These foods can induce oxidative stress. Avoid over boiling or over microwaved foods.
Limit caffeine intake to 2 caffeinated drinks per day.

Know your BMI. Ask your physician if you need help calculating.
Normal BMI is 18.5-24.9, overweight is 25-30, obese is >30.
Obesity is associated with a state of systemic inflammation and high oxidative stress which affects oocyte quality and uterine receptivity.
Obesity is linked to a higher rate of many obstetrical complications including miscarriage, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and preterm delivery.
Obese women who exercise have a 3x higher pregnancy rate with fertility treatment than obese women who do not exercise.

Avoid exposure to BPA (bisphenol A)
BPA is found in plastic containers and canned food linings.
Avoid microwaving or heating food or beverages in plastic or styrofoam containers.
The Think Dirty app is a helpful tool to check your personal care products and make sure they do not contain ingredients toxic to your reproductive health.

Alcohol intake is associated with decreased fertility success rates (female and male).
Alcohol is contraindicated in pregnancy and should be avoided before, during, and after a treatment cycle

Alcohol and tobacco have been known to affect both quality and quantity of sperm.
Reduce exposure to extreme heat 2-3 months prior to and during treatment. Extreme and vigorous exercise can also affect the quality and quantity of sperm.
Severe illness / high fever can decrease sperm count (inform the doctor if this has occurred within 3 months prior to or during treatment).

800 mcg/day
Should take for at least one month prior to conception to help prevent neural tube defects.
Higher doses may be required if you or your partner had a neural tube defect, you have diabetes, or you are taking antiepiletics.

Moderate exercise may improve oocyte quality and fertility treatment outcome.
Avoid exercise in the latter half of your stimulation or when your physician tells you.
Avoid extreme/vigorous exercise as this can actually worsen treatment outcome.

Sustained stress levels increase cortisol hormone production interfering with the normal balance of the hormones that play a role in fertility function.
Mental health professionals can assist in exploring ways to cope with stress .
Other activities that may reduce stress: exercise, acupuncture, massage, yoga, and meditation

Follow strict precautions to avoid mosquito-borne diseases.
Prior to becoming pregnant or starting fertility treatment, please read the information on the CDC website about Zika and West Nile Virus.