IVF and Weight Gain: Navigating Body Changes During Fertility Treatment

IVF is a very specific journey in one’s own life. Actions aimed at overcoming infertility using the capabilities of modern methods require personal dedication and perseverance.

Many women become concerned about side-effects in relation to their body and appearance during the necessary hormonal treatment. These uncertainties posed by lack of knowledge may lead to frustration and, as a result, further postponement.

However, the most recent findings reject almost every myth related to IVF’s negative effects, including weight gain. Stay with us to learn more about fertility planning and weight changes.

Understanding the IVF Process

Understanding the IVF process may seem complicated to an uninitiated individual. Let’s make a breakdown of its main stages.

Overview of IVF Treatment Stages

The first step is comprehensive gynecological and physical evaluation. Before going ahead, the fertility doctor makes sure that ART procedures are not going to impose any harm. The patient passes blood tests, smears and urinalysis, mammogram, cardiac function assessment and lung X-ray.

The second step is ovarian stimulation. Patients start administering hormones subcutaneously and taking pills in order to promote simultaneous growth of multiple follicles. The process goes on for 12-14 days. The development of follicles is measured using ultrasound.

36-40 hours before the egg retrieval, a trigger shot is injected, which causes egg maturation. The eggs are retrieved using a special puncture needle that penetrates the vaginal wall. The patient receives anesthesia during the process and doesn’t feel discomfort.

The third step is In Vitro Fertilization of eggs that happens inside the embryology unit. After its completion, the embryos will be watched for 5-7 days, then transferred or vitrified as they reach the blastocyst stage.

Hormonal Medications Used in IVF

Fertility drugs prescribed for ovarian stimulation are called gonadotropins. They are administered subcutaneously which is harmless, and may come in various forms, i.e. as premade injection pens.

The Connection Between IVF and Weight Gain

Currently, clinically important connection between IVF medication and weight gain has been disproved. Moreover, going through the 2nd or 3rd of consecutive IVF does not increase such risks.

Still, it doesn’t mean that the patient's weight is destined to remain absolutely constant during IVF stages. There are a few factors at play.

Common Causes of Weight Gain During IVF

During IVF, the abdominal area may become bloated against the backdrop of ovarian stimulation, and patients may register slight changes in their weight as a result. Additionally, nutritional patterns may unexpectedly change: Some patients feel hungrier than they used to, hence they start eating more.

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) and Weight

Edema (or swelling) in the abdominal region can happen in IVF patients. The state is called Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (or OHSS) which can occur in various forms, mild and severe ones. Should it take place, the IVF patient’s weight can also increase as liquid begins accumulating in the abdominal cavity.

Patients suspected to develop OHSS have to be monitored more often, and their IVF drug dosages need to be adjusted cautiously.

How Much Weight Gain is Normal During IVF?

Average Weight Gain Statistics

As confirmed by a study, patients typically gain less than 1% of the body’s mass prior to IVF, which is not enough to consider it clinically significant (such gains involve 5%–7% rise).

Impact of Weight on IVF Success Rates

Optimal BMI for IVF Treatment

It is an obvious fact that pregnancy causes BMI to increase which results in weight gain. One past research project claims that every unit that exceeds 29kg/m2 decreases the chances of achieving pregnancy, while an ASRM paper notes that excess body weight negatively impacts embryo implantation and live birth rate (LBR).

BMI of 20-25 kg/m2 is the ideal span for IVF treatment. Consult with an NGC specialist to find out if your case requires any extra measures.

How Excess Weight Affects Fertility

Obesity is a huge factor affecting fertility. Approximately 13% of women suffering from it have issues with fecundity. Exceeding weight results in lower quality eggs produced in the ovaries. Additionally, it makes stimulation with regular doses ineffective. Hence, hormonal load should be increased, while the risk of blood clots that comes with it should be carefully assessed and managed.

Managing Weight During IVF Treatment

Managing one's weight is no easy task. Keeping weight stable during IVF without taking drastic measures is the right strategy. If you have previously settled on a diet, then stick to it throughout the IVF stages so as not to gain extra weight. In its turn, embarking on extreme dieting is not a good plan either.

Nutritional Guidelines for IVF Patients

IVF does not require adherence to any particular diet plan. Following one’s own senses is usually enough. Avoid fatty and salty food that may lead to intestinal discomfort and bloating. Drink plenty of water and eat enough foods rich in fiber to manage possible constipation.

Safe Exercise During IVF

IVF is not a reason to quit your fitness activities, however consider limiting them slightly. It is recommended to continue visiting a gym, go on regular jogging sessions etc. Do not exercise outside of your regular scope though, so as to not cause any traumas or decrease wellness.

Psychological Aspects of Weight Gain in IVF

Body Image Concerns

Everyone will agree that physical shape is tightly linked to self-image. Administering medication can make you feel nervous and vulnerable, thus increasing hunger levels and making your diet more erratic. One should accept one’s emotions and keep food consumption at bay.

Coping Strategies for Emotional Well-being

Support from significant people in your life is always crucial. Besides, online forums allow finding a community of individuals with similar experience. Raise your awareness, while taking online advice with a grain of salt. Be sure to consult with your fertility doctor should you become uncertain.

Post-IVF Weight Management

Patients typically don’t need to take any weight-management measures post-IVF. As mentioned earlier, slight fluctuations in weight go away after the cycle is complete.

Returning to Pre-Treatment Weight

Returning to pre-treatment weight, should it have changed during IVF treatment, isn’t difficult. Eat healthy during the day, limit the amount of food you eat during dinners, exercise and take walks when you can.

Long-term Health Considerations

Treatment using assisted reproductive technologies has no proven long-term health effects. The clinic carefully checks everything prior to allowing you to enter a program. All preexisting conditions are properly managed and potential harm is always avoided.

Medical Interventions for Weight Management

When to Consider Medical Help

Medical intervention for weight management may require visiting a dietologist and an endocrinologist.

Safe Weight Loss Methods for Fertility Patients

Working solutions include dietary and lifestyle changes, as well as increasing physical activity. Using weight-controlling pills during IVF is usually not allowed as it may interfere with the treatment outcome.

IVF, Weight Gain, and Pregnancy

Transitioning from IVF to Pregnancy Weight Gain

Gaining weight during pregnancy is okay! You should not fear it. A baby growing inside is a big task for the body, frequently followed by a more sedentary lifestyle with limited to no exercise. Hence, it is normal to gain 10kg of excessive weight or so.

Guidelines for Healthy Pregnancy Weight Gain

Try telling apart normal weight gains and those inflicted by unhealthy lifestyle. Lack of motion and overconsumption are key predictors here. Maintaining a healthy diet and correcting mood swings is important to prevent overeating and detraining.

Future Fertility Treatments and Weight Considerations

Emerging Research on Weight and Fertility

New research data has shown that the effect of weight loss on IVF, clinical pregnancy and live birth is negligible or very unremarkable at least.

Potential New Approaches to Minimize Weight Gain

Although new medicines (GLP-1 drugs) designed to help fight obesity have recently emerged and gained a significant popularity, there is not enough data to confirm safety. In fact, the US FDA recommends women to stop taking these medications at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy.

When to Consult Your Fertility Specialist About Weight Concerns

If you suffer from a mild or severe form of obesity and cannot conceive, visit our fertility doctor to receive recommendations in the context of treatment using assisted reproductive technologies. If you are experiencing rapid weight gain after IVF treatment that you cannot explain, contact our office.

Conclusion

Hugely due to the abundance of information on the Internet, women are concerned that an IVF cycle may provoke negative changes in their appearance. Weight plays an important part in self-image, hence the fear. Despite constant online discussions, the correlation between IVF and weight gain is rejected by researchers. Evidence-based medicine supposes that women undergoing IVF treatment do not gain weight in a statistically important way.

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FAQs

Is weight gain inevitable during IVF?

No, it is not. Patients normally don’t gain excessive weight during fertility treatment. However, if you feel that your weight is out of control after a cycle of treatment, consider developing special measures. Visiting a dietologist may be a good idea.

Can I diet during IVF treatment?

It is not recommended to skip meals during IVF. Go for your regular diet instead.

How does weight gain affect IVF success rates?

Excessive weight and embryo transfer success rates are in direct correlation.

Will I lose the weight gained after IVF treatment?

Your hormonal background, pace of life and dietary choices revert back to normal after IVF treatment. Hence, any surplus weight occasionally gained during fertility treatment is likely to disappear.

Are there any IVF medications that don't cause weight gain?

None of IVF medications, such as gonadotropins and progesterone, cause weight gain per se. However, it is important to pay attention to birth control pills. They may cause sustained weight gain associated with increased liquid retention and appetite.