Starting your first IVF cycle is a major step — emotionally, medically, and physically. The goal in the weeks and months before treatment isn’t to turn your life upside down, but to make sure your body and mind are in the best possible condition for a successful cycle and healthy pregnancy. Thoughtful preparation can improve how your body responds to stimulation, enhance egg and sperm quality, and reduce risk during pregnancy.

At the heart of preparation is individualized planning — what’s right for you depends on your age, ovarian reserve, health status, and personal priorities. For a young person with a good ovarian reserve (high AMH and normal semen analysis), aggressive optimization may be less urgent than in someone over 35 with diminished ovarian reserve. You should work with your doctor to weigh how changes like weight loss, supplement use, or advanced medical interventions fit into your IVF timeline. Waiting six months to lose weight when the ovarian reserve is low may not be clinically advisable — time matters.

Medical Assessment and Pre‑IVF Workup

Before any IVF cycle, a comprehensive health evaluation is crucial. This usually includes:

Reproductive hormone testing: AMH, FSH, LH, estradiol — to gauge ovarian reserve and plan stimulation protocols.

Uterine and ovarian imaging: To assess fibroids, polyps, or structural issues that could affect implantation.

Thyroid and metabolic screening: Thyroid disorders and diabetes can affect fertility and pregnancy risk.

Infection screening and immunology: To make sure there are no untreated infections or immune concerns that could impact pregnancy.

Male factor evaluation: A full semen analysis well before your cycle helps optimize timing and strategy.

Preconception evaluation isn’t just about fertility; it checks for hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular health, and thrombophilia — all of which impact pregnancy outcomes. Treatment of these conditions before IVF can improve safety and success.

Lifestyle and Nutrition

A balanced lifestyle boosts reproductive health, whether you are 28 or 38:

Diet: Lean proteins, whole grains, leafy greens, healthy fats, and antioxidant‑rich fruits support hormone balance and egg quality. Many clinics recommend a Mediterranean‑style diet as part of IVF preparation. I believe you should stick to your cultural practices and avoid too much of carbohydrates oils and sugars and increase your vegetable and fruit intake.

Weight: Both overweight and underweight conditions can affect ovulation, hormone levels, and implantation. Achieving a healthy BMI can improve outcomes, but extreme or crash dieting right before IVF is discouraged, especially when time is short.

Hydration & Sleep: Adequate water intake and consistent, quality sleep (7–9 hours) support hormone regulation and stress management.

Caffeine, Alcohol & Smoking: Reducing caffeine to under ~200 mg/day and avoiding alcohol and smoking is generally recommended, as these can negatively impact egg, sperm, and embryo health.

Exercise is beneficial, but keep it moderate. Walking, yoga, or gentle cycling enhance circulation and reduce stress; avoid intense training that may disrupt hormones.

Supplements and Nutritional Support

Start a prenatal vitamin at least 1–3 months before your cycle. These typically contain folic acid, which prevents neural tube defects, and other nutrients like iron and B vitamins that support reproductive health. 

Other supplements commonly used under medical guidance include:

Vitamin D — many people are deficient, and correction supports ovulation and immune balance.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) — may improve egg quality, especially in women over 35.

Omega‑3 fatty acids — support cell membrane health and reduce inflammation.

DHEA – useful for women with low AMH

Myo‑inositol — useful particularly for women with PCOS.

Not all supplements are right for everyone, and dosing should be individualized. A PubMed review highlights that certain supplements such as CoQ10 or melatonin might have benefits for IVF patients, but evidence varies with age and response.

Mind‑Body Readiness

IVF can be emotionally demanding. Prioritize mental wellbeing with stress‑reduction techniques like meditation, counselling, gentle movement, and supportive relationships. Stress doesn’t directly stop IVF from working, but it impacts sleep, hormone patterns, and resilience during treatment.

Practical Timing Considerations

Because egg maturation takes about 90 days, many clinicians suggest starting lifestyle and supplement changes at least 2–3 months before your cycle. But the urgency of age and ovarian reserve may push for earlier medical intervention rather than delaying for perfect optimization. A shared decision with your fertility specialist ensures the best balance between preparation and timing.