Choosing the right time to have an IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) and show up with a perfect sperm sample is about timing, lifestyle changes, and sometimes being in the zone of luck. We provide those strategies here to help you achieve your best sperm potency. We will touch on things to consider and do before sperm retrieval, as well as what happens during the actual day of the collection.
8 Best Ways to Prepare for Perfect Sperm Sample before IVF
Leading a healthy lifestyle is the key to improving semen quality and increasing IVF success rates. This requires adopting strategies to manage diet, exercise, hydration, stress-busting, and avoiding smoking and alcohol.
You know that without healthy sperm, IVF has a very low chance of success; as such, anything you can do to preserve and improve the health of our “soldiers” is a good thing.
Before Collection Day
Stay away from sex:
The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests you don’t have sex for 2-7 days before you collect a semen sample. Not having sex boosts sperm count. Studies also show that not having sex for less than 4 days can make sperm better at fertilizing and lead to better results, as shorter times without sex can affect how sperm move and their size.
Eat well:
What you eat can change male fertility and sperm quality. Skip junk food, hot drinks, fatty meats, and processed meats. Instead, eat lots of fiber from fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean meats, and good fats. Studies show that eating fish, seafood, and fruits can make sperm better, help them move more, and live longer. Foods with omega-3s also help reduce damage by making cells work better.
Drink enough water:
Drinking enough water is key for a healthy sperm. Not enough pee can lead to trouble in erection, low sperm count, and infections in the prostate. Men should try to drink about 12 cups of water each day. Pee in the color of straw means you’re drinking enough, while dark pee means you need more water.
Stay out of the heat:
Studies show that sperm gets worse when you’re hot inside or outside. Don’t spend too long in saunas, steam rooms, or hot tubs. Wear loose, airy clothes to keep cool since each degree hotter can cut sperm production by 14%.
Don't drink or smoke:
Drinking too much alcohol and smoking can cut down your sperm count and make it worse. Research shows that even a little drinking can lower your chances of having a baby through IVF. Stay away from these habits to boost your odds of giving a better sperm sample.
Stay fit and work out often:
Working out helps your body and mind. Try to stick to a routine of medium-level exercise, like fast walking, swimming, or biking, to pump up your testosterone and get your blood flowing better. Being active has been shown to make your sperm better and improve your chances of having a baby.
Minimize Stress:
Stress hurts sperm quality. To manage stress, talk about your concerns with a counselor, break tasks into smaller steps, spend time with others, and seek support. Less stress can boost sperm motility and concentration.
Take Fertility Supplements:
Fertility supplements can help your body and boost the nutrients you need to get healthy sperm. Consult your fertility doctor and get nutritional supplements for healthy sperm production.
On Collection Day
Get to Know the Process:
Learn how sperm collection works, which involves masturbation. Make sure you can get the sample to the clinic within an hour to keep it fresh, which plays a key role in IVF success. Stick to the clinic’s guidelines and tell your doctor about any drugs or supplements you take.
Keep Things Clean:
Before you collect the sample, wash and dry your hands and private parts well to avoid any contamination.
Skip the Lube:
Don’t use any lubricants unless the clinic gives them to you, as they can hurt sperm quality and movement. Always check with your specialist if you need to use a lubricant.
Use the Provided Container:
Put the sample straight into the clean, safe plastic jar the clinic gives you. Don’t use any other container – it’s not right and might mess up the sample.
Common Instructions for Sperm Collection
- Don’t Have Sex: Skip ejaculation for at least two days but no more than five before you collect the sample.
- Pick a Clean Container: Just use the clean, safe plastic jar the clinic gives you.
- Collect at the Clinic: Most clinics want you to collect there, and they have private rooms for this.
- Clean Up First: Wash and dry your hands and private parts well before you start.
- Keep the Cup Clean: Don’t touch inside the container or try to move any spilled semen.
- Skip the Lube: Unless your doctor says so, don’t use any lubricants.
- Keep Sample Warm: During transport, make sure the sample stays close to body temperature.
- Let the Clinic Know About Problems: If you spill anything or run into trouble, tell the clinic right away.
- Stay Away from Bad Stuff: Don’t use drugs, drink alcohol, or smoke for ten days before you give your sample.
Conclusion
To get ready for sperm sample collection before IVF, you need to do more than just show up on the day. A good diet, enough water, regular workouts, and staying away from bad habits help improve the sperm sample.
If you follow these steps and ask your doctor for advice, you can boost your chances of IVF success.
Use the sterile container the clinic gives you. Wash and dry your hands before you collect the sample. Don’t use lubricants unless your doctor tells you to.
Yes, high stress levels and not enough sleep can hurt sperm quality. Make stress management a priority and try to sleep 7-8 hours each night.
Don’t drink or smoke before you give the sample. Both can make your sperm quality worse. Stay away from these habits for at least ten days before you give the sample.
