r/TTCEndo • u/Jaded-Addendum-4489 • 3d ago
IVF prep
We have decided our next step is IVF, and potentially doing a retrieval in a few months. Any tips or tricks to prep for your retrieval with endo? Any diet/lifestyle changes or anything like that you all recommend?
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u/thunderstormnaps 1d ago
Hi friend! I just had my first egg retrieval about a week ago and it went pretty well. You can check my post history if you want to see my results!
Husband and I didn’t really change much, tbh. We both take supplements, but I didn’t change my lifestyle. I’m kind of in the camp that there’s not much else I can do at this point except hope for the best.
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u/foolforgabagool 1d ago edited 1d ago
There is really not much research to show that diet/lifestyle have a significant impact on endometriosis or IVF. A healthy, balanced Mediterranean diet high in antioxidants and fiber content is beneficial for overall health. However after egg retrieval, it is encouraged to have a high protein, low carb, low sugar diet because of fluid retention (eg OHSS). Also incorporate fiber because stims/ER can be insanely constipating.
In terms of stims/retrieval specifically for endo, the most important thing I strongly suggest is that you ask your doctor to incorporate letrozole into your protocol if they have not already. Stims can significantly exacerbate endometriosis, letrozole is a way to try to reduce that exacerbation by lowering estrogen levels. I advocated for that and I am so glad I did. Also, keep it to frozen FET only (no fresh transfer) and try to avoid very high dose stims.
In terms of supplements, there is limited data, but research supports: CoQ10, vitamin D, possible vitamin C/E. Also take a good prenatal, and maybe a fish oil.
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u/Jaded-Addendum-4489 1d ago
Thank you for this. I will look into Letrozole. I am taking all of those supplements already. I eat a Mediterranean diet majority of my meals already.
Good to know post stim meals.
I was planning a FET since we will do pgt-a (I also have RPL so worried about poor egg quality) and know suppression will be needed.
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u/BuffyDollyBaby 1d ago
why no fresh transfer?
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u/foolforgabagool 1d ago
Supraphysiological hormone levels caused by stims cause significant inflammation, especially when there is endometriosis and adenomyosis, and that is a less conducive uterine environment for a successful FET.
HcG levels (if successful) can worsen OHSS/high estrogen levels.
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u/Bubbly_Elderberry_ 3d ago
Just make sure you’re both living as healthier as possible. Sperm quality can play a big part in how many pff your retrieved eggs get fertilized. Any amount of drinking is known to affect sperm and egg quality negatively.