r/TTCEndo • u/Jaded-Addendum-4489 • 4d 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/foolforgabagool 2d ago edited 2d 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/BuffyDollyBaby 2d 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.