Patients frequently ask what they can do to improve their chances before IVF.

There is no diet, supplement or lifestyle intervention that can guarantee IVF success.

However, the months before treatment provide an opportunity to optimise general and reproductive health.

Why Three Months?

Sperm production and follicular development occur over weeks to months.

This makes preconception health a longer-term process rather than something that begins on the first day of injections.

Stop Smoking

Smoking is associated with adverse reproductive and pregnancy outcomes.

Ideally, both partners should stop smoking before attempting conception.

Review Alcohol

Excessive alcohol consumption should be avoided.

Women planning pregnancy should follow current Australian recommendations regarding alcohol and pregnancy.

Optimise Weight and Metabolic Health

Both undernutrition and excess weight can influence reproductive and pregnancy health.

For patients with obesity or metabolic conditions, sustainable improvements may provide broader health benefits before treatment.

Avoid extreme diets immediately before IVF.

Exercise

Regular moderate physical activity supports cardiovascular, metabolic and psychological health.

There is generally no need to stop normal exercise months before treatment.

Activity may need modification as the ovaries enlarge during stimulation, and your clinic can provide specific advice.

Folic Acid

Women planning pregnancy are generally advised to take folic acid before conception.

The appropriate dose may differ for women with particular medical or pregnancy risk factors, so discuss supplementation with your healthcare provider.

Review Medications

Tell your fertility specialist about:

• Prescription medications
• Over-the-counter medications
• Supplements
• Herbal products
• Testosterone
• Anabolic steroids

Do not stop important prescribed medication without discussing it with the relevant doctor.

Male Preparation Matters

Men should also use the pre-IVF period to optimise health.

Particular attention should be paid to smoking, excessive alcohol, anabolic steroids and external testosterone because these can affect reproductive health.

Sleep and Stress

IVF can be emotionally demanding.

Adequate sleep, regular exercise, counselling where needed and practical planning around treatment can make the process more manageable.

Stress reduction should be encouraged for wellbeing—not because patients should be blamed for unsuccessful treatment.

Be Cautious With Supplements

Fertility supplements are heavily marketed.

Some may be reasonable in selected situations, but evidence varies.

Taking many supplements simultaneously can increase cost and occasionally create medication interactions.

Discuss them with your fertility team.

The Take-Home Message

Preparing for IVF is about optimising health rather than achieving perfection.

Avoid smoking, review alcohol, exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, optimise relevant medical conditions, take appropriate preconception supplementation and review medications.

Most importantly, follow an individualised treatment plan rather than relying on unproven methods promising guaranteed IVF success.