IVF preparation – what a couple can do before the procedure

IVF preparation does not begin only on the day ovarian stimulation starts or when the procedure is scheduled. For many couples, it is a period in which general health, hormone status, sperm quality, ovulation, lifestyle habits, diet and possible nutritional support are reviewed. The goal is not for the couple to replace the doctor or fertility clinic, but to enter the process more organised, informed and with realistic expectations.

IVF, or in vitro fertilisation, is always planned with a gynaecologist, embryologist and fertility clinic team. However, what a couple does in the weeks or months before the procedure may help them prepare better, identify possible obstacles on time and coordinate therapy, supplementation and lifestyle habits properly.

This guide explains what a couple can check before IVF, what is important for the woman, what is important for the man, which habits should be improved and how products such as Genante 90 tablets, Pro Kryon Male 90 tablets, Pro Kryon Female and Betavitevit Folic 400 + B12 may fit into the preparation plan, always with professional advice.

Author: Ljubica Barbulović, Master of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Operations Manager, Apotekarska ustanova “Alek”

What does IVF preparation mean?

IVF preparation includes medical, laboratory, emotional and practical preparation of the couple before entering the procedure. In women, doctors most often assess hormone status, ovarian reserve, ovulation, the uterus and fallopian tubes, menstrual cycle, previous pregnancies, miscarriages, surgeries and current therapy. In men, semen analysis, sperm count, motility and morphology are important, as well as other factors that may affect sperm quality.

It is important to understand that IVF is not only a “female procedure”. Although ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval are performed in the woman, sperm quality, the man’s general health and preparation of both partners may play an important role in the whole process.

What can a woman do before IVF?

Before IVF, a woman should follow the recommendations of her gynaecologist and fertility clinic. Depending on the situation, the doctor may request hormone tests, ultrasound, ovarian reserve assessment, swabs, thyroid evaluation, insulin resistance testing, vitamin D, blood count and other analyses. Not every woman needs the same work-up, so preparation is planned individually.

Adequate folate intake before pregnancy is especially important. Products such as Betavitevit Folic 400 + B12 may be part of the preparation plan, but the form and dose should be agreed with a doctor, especially if the woman uses medication, has a chronic condition or has specific gynaecological recommendations.

For women entering IVF, formulas for female fertility such as Pro Kryon Female may be considered when a professional evaluates that nutritional support is appropriate during preparation of oocyte quality and reproductive health.

What can a man do before IVF?

The male factor is a common reason for additional evaluation, so semen analysis should not be postponed. It provides information on sperm count, motility and morphology, and if necessary, the doctor may recommend urological evaluation, hormone tests, sperm culture or other examinations.

Since sperm maturation takes several weeks, male preparation is usually most useful when started early enough, ideally a few months before the planned procedure. During this period, it is important to reduce smoking and alcohol, avoid overheating of the testicles, regulate sleep, nutrition and body weight, and avoid adding supplements without consultation if medication is already being used.

For men, Pro Kryon Male 90 tablets may be considered as monthly nutritional support, or Pro Kryon Male 30 tablets, depending on professional advice and the couple’s plan.

Preparing both partners: why a shared approach matters

In couples preparing for IVF, the focus is often placed on the woman, but it is better to view preparation as a shared process. Both partners can perform basic checks, improve habits, care for nutrition, reduce risk factors and discuss supplementation with the professional team on time.

Genante 30 tablets and Genante 90 tablets are positioned in this cluster as nutritional support for couples preparing for fertility and IVF. They should be seen as support to a well-managed plan, not a substitute for medical evaluation, treatment or IVF clinic protocols.

Habits to improve before IVF

The period before IVF is best used to stabilise habits that affect general health. This does not mean strict regimes, extreme diets or adding many supplements at once, but a realistic plan the couple can maintain.

• Stopping smoking or reducing it significantly with professional support.
• Moderate physical activity without overtraining or exhaustion.
• Balanced nutrition with enough protein, vegetables, fruit, healthy fats and micronutrients.
• Body weight regulation when the doctor considers it important for the procedure.
• Enough sleep and stress reduction as much as realistically possible.
• Reviewing medication and supplements before the IVF protocol begins.

What should not be done before IVF?

Before IVF, high doses of vitamins, hormones, herbal products or combinations of several products should not be introduced without consultation. Prescribed therapy should not be stopped without medical agreement, and no supplement should be expected to guarantee IVF success.

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Frequently asked questions about IVF preparation