The benefits of reproductive reflexology

Embarking on IVF and fertility treatment can be incredibly stressful, and this time of year can make it particularly challenging. In our latest post, we chat with reflexologist Charlotte Bentley about the benefits of reproductive reflexology.

“Reflexology not only stimulates the reproductive and endocrine systems but also helps put the body into a relaxed state, which is needed at this sensitive time,” she explains.

The holidays emphasise family and celebration, which can be lonely and isolating. At the same time, the demands of the party season can make it hard to focus on a healthy lifestyle. So, this could be the perfect time to find an approach that decreases stress and increases relaxation.

Reflexology, an ancient healing practice rooted in Egyptian and Chinese traditions, involves applying pressure to specific points on the hands and feet. This technique is often used to alleviate various health concerns.

“I have been specialising in women’s health, including menstrual cycles, fertility, pregnancy, postnatal, peri-menopause, and menopause since qualifying. I also see people suffering with any kind of ailments which may include insomnia, anxiety, pain management, migraines, sinus issues, and lots more.”

reproductive reflexologyPractitioners believe that the soles of the feet serve as a miniature map of the body, with specific areas corresponding to internal organs and systems, including the fallopian tubes and ovaries. By massaging these points, reflexologists aim to clear energy blockages, helping the body restore its natural balance and promote self-healing.

“Reflexology is the technique of applying gentle pressure to reflex areas on the feet or hands to bring about a state of deep relaxation and stimulate the body’s healing processes. Reflexology can help boost the immune system and create a stronger body and calmer mind.

“Reflexology is a safe, natural therapy that helps to give your body what it needs.”

Why did you decide to specialise in reproductive reflexology?

“During my year-long reflexology course, I had to do approximately 100 case studies. One woman had been trying to get pregnant for three years and was planning to start IVF. As a case study, I saw her once a week for four weeks, and that month she conceived.

“That had a huge impact on me, and I decided to specialise, doing additional courses in fertility, pregnancy and postnatal reflexology as well as everything relating to women’s health, such as the menopause.”

What are the benefits for those trying to conceive?

Irregular or missing periods can be regulated through reflexology by stimulating hormonal points such as the pituitary gland.

“I can make a big difference for patients with PCOS and endometriosis. Many girls are on the pill for so long, they don’t know where they are in their cycles.

Couples struggling to conceive will also experience significant levels of stress, which increases the release of adrenaline, cortisol, and nor-epinephrine in your body. Reflexology can help rebalance these hormones while stimulating the release of oxytocin.

“One of the most significant benefits of reflexology is that it puts your body into a relaxed state. This is particularly important for patients undergoing IVF.”

When should clients see you if they are trying to conceive naturally?

“This varies. Some women come to me a year before they plan to start trying, especially if they’ve got PCOS or endometriosis, to regulate their periods. Typically, they’ll see me once a month.

“When they want to start trying for a baby naturally, I like to see them twice before they ovulate. So, once they get their period, they let me know. Then, we will do two reflexology sessions. Obviously, everyone’s cycle is different.

“Then I don’t like to see them until they get their periods or not. If they get a period, we will try again the following month.

When do you prefer to see IVF patients?

“Ideally, as soon as possible, just to have a starting point. You can have reflexology as much as you want in the run-up although, depending on where they are in their fertility treatment, we do not stimulate the ovaries.

“I would see a patient until their egg collection, apart from the 24 hours after the trigger injection. After that, I can see them up until their transfer. Personally, I don’t like to see them post-transfer as nature should take its course.

Do you see patients after the embryo transfer?

“If it is a failed transfer, we can obviously start again. If the transfer is successful, I don’t usually see them during the first trimester unless there are special circumstances.

“One client was seven weeks pregnant but was celiac and didn’t want to take her medication during pregnancy, so reflexology helped her metabolism work properly.

“From the second trimester onwards, it’s all systems go, and they can have as much as they want. After childbirth, women often don’t have the time to prioritise themselves, but I recommend at least one treatment to rebalance hormones and to stimulate drainage of toxins.”

Click here to get in touch with Charlotte Bentley. Go to our Support Hub for access to some of the organisations offering fertility support, advice and information.

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Aria embryologist Dr Xavier Vinals Gonzalez publishes preimplantation genetic testing research

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At Aria Fertility, we believe in empowering our patients with knowledge and support to make informed reproductive decisions. Our commitment to patient education is at the heart of everything we do. Recently, our head of the laboratory, Dr Xavier Viñals Gonzalez, in collaboration with University College London, published a study on patient perspectives after preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A). This research sheds light on the complexities and challenges faced by patients when deciding whether to transfer a non-euploid embryo. Today, we sit down with him to discuss the findings and their implications for patient care.

Dr Gonzalez, can you explain what non-euploid embryos are and why they presents a challenge in reproductive medicine?

Dr X: When we perform preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies or PGT-A, we typically would expect to get embryos reported as euploid (genetically normal) or aneuploid (genetically abnormal). Mosaic or segmental aneuploid embryos are non-euploid embryos which have shown to have moderate to good reproductive potential based on published literature. When a non-euploid embryo is identified, the decision to transfer such embryos offers challenges to patients as the clinical outcomes and long-term effects are often uncertain.

Your study highlights several key factors influencing patient decision-making. Can you elaborate on these?

Dr X: Certainly. Our study involved an online survey of individuals worldwide who had undergone PGT-A during their fertility journey and had a non-euploid embryo as a result. For most respondents, the type of non-euploid found was a mosaic. From their responses, we learned that the opportunity to discuss implications, the number of topics covered during consultations, and the country where the treatment was received were significant factors influencing decision-making. Additionally, respondents highlighted mismatched expectations, inadequate information provision, and an unsupportive decision-making process as major challenges.

Can you share some of the respondents’ experiences regarding mismatched expectations of PGT-A?

Dr X: Many respondents noted a gap between how IVF professionals explain PGT-A to patients and the certainty with which it is offered. Quotes in the paper reflect a common sentiment that the limitations of PGT-A may not have adequately been communicated.

How common is mosaicism in human embryos?

Dr X: This is a very good question and the answer may vary depending on which clinic you will be undergoing treatment and the genetic laboratory that will process your samples. However, we would typically expect the mosaicism rate to fall under 10% across all age groups. Not all clinics report mosaicism, so if this information is important to you – this is something you will need to discuss with your team.

What about the clinical outcomes of mosaic embryos?

Dr X: In recent years, research in mosaic embryos has shown similar reproductive outcomes compared to embryos reported as euploid – and by outcomes, I  mean sustained pregnancy/live birth and miscarriage rates.  One of the main concerns I hear from patients is how likely is this mosaicism seen on embryos to be present at birth; and from what we know, this is very unlikely. It is important to also note that there are different types of mosaic and other non-euploid embryos (ie. non-mosaic segmental), with varying outcomes. We are very active in the area of human reproductive genetics and we hope to share the work we are doing soon.

Respondents also mentioned inadequate information provision from clinics. Can you discuss this issue?

Dr X: Yes, some respondents expressed that their clinics provided limited or no information about PGT-A ahead of the testing. Less than a quarter of the respondents were given information about the use of non-euploid embryos and only 17.5% were aware of the risk of miscarriage after PGT-A. One respondent said, “There was no discussion other than it was included into the IVF package.” This lack of detailed information led many patients to undertake their own self-directed research, often relying on medical literature, peers, private genetic counsellors, and social media groups.

How does Aria address these concerns?

Dr X: At Aria, we are committed to providing comprehensive and transparent information to our patients. We believe in clear, patient-centered communication to help patients understand their options. Our team is available to discuss the implications of PGT-A results and answer any questions. We strive to create a supportive environment where patients feel empowered and informed. We have an excellent Genetic Counselling support service that explores complex genetic information with patients so they can understand some of these terminologies in the context of current evidence in the field.

What are the global trends and insights from your study?

Dr X: It’s important to note that the data in our study comes from patients worldwide, with a higher proportion of respondents having received treatment in the US. This highlights global trends and could provide insights into how different populations navigate non-euploid embryo transfers.

What are the next steps for research in this area?

Dr X: The field of reproductive genetics (and embryology) is continuously evolving. Studies on non-euploid embryos, show that some previously not recommended for treatment could now be considered after careful consideration. The eldest baby born from a mosaic embryo in our dataset was 3 years old at the moment of response and met all developmental milestones. Research on live birth data and developmental milestones could bring further reassurance to patients and professionals.  Our research highlights the need for further studies to better understand the experiences and needs of specific patient groups. By expanding our understanding, we can continue to improve the support and information we provide to our patients. We are committed to advancing reproductive medicine and ensuring our patients have the best possible care and support.

Thank you for sharing these insights. Any final thoughts for our readers?

Dr X: At Aria, we are dedicated to helping our patients navigate the complexities of human reproduction with information based on internal evidence and experience, considering global trends. It is part of our human nature to want to quantify success in numbers, and with the broad information we have online nowadays it is difficult for patients to gather whether that is relevant to them or not. If you have any questions or need more information about genetic testing, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.

Click here to read the research in full >

For more advice on preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A), call +44 (0) 203 263 6025 or email admin@ariafertility.co.uk to arrange a consultation with one of our fertility experts.

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Is a vegetarian diet good for fertility?

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It’s National Vegetarian Week, and the latest figures show there are just over 3 million vegetarians and vegans, with 4.5% of the UK population having a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Traditionally, meat was the star of a meal, but more and more of us are cutting back or cutting it out together, whether you’re a ‘classic’ vegetarian, lacto or ovo vegetarian, pescetarian or flexitarian. The health benefits of a vegetarian diet can be myriad, from boosting heart health, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, preventing diabetes and managing your weight to keeping your brain sharp and reducing the risk of cancer.

In our latest blog, we focus specifically on whether a vegetarian diet is good for fertility and explore how other popular diets, ranging from keto to vegan, affect fertility and IVF outcomes.

Does vegetarianism impact your fertility?

The first question should be, does diet affect your fertility? The reasons that couples are unable to conceive range from a woman’s ovaries not producing healthy eggs or blocked fallopian tubes that prevent the egg from moving to the womb to the egg’s inability to attach to the lining of the womb successfully. Male infertility can be the result of poor sperm quality, including motility, morphology and sperm count.

Even after tests, the cause of infertility may not always be clear, as about 15% of infertility cases remain unexplained.

No individual food or supplement can fix these potential issues, but there have been multiple studies into the positive and measurable influence of diet and other related lifestyle choices on fertility.

If done correctly, a vegetarian diet is at least as healthy as one that involves meat. It is important to clarify that any diet—whether plant-based or meat-focused—must be well-planned and varied in terms of nutrients and avoid ultra-process food (UPF). The popularity of plant-based meat alternatives has seen staggering growth in recent years.

In fact, it might be even better, as a 2015 study into IVF couples found that men’s meat consumption could affect the outcome of fertility treatments. Although poultry consumption had a positive impact, processed meats such as bacon and sausage, with men who ate the most processed meats, with an average of 4.3 servings a week, had just a 54% chance of achieving pregnancy with their partner.

What about other popular diets?

A recent study published in Nutrients journal examined the impact popular diets have on fertility. It analysed the Mediterranean diet, the DASH diet, the keto diet, and plant-based diets such as vegetarianism and veganism.

  • Mediterranean diet: Rich in fruit, vegetables, nuts, whole grains olive oil and other heart-healthy fats, this diet is routinely described as the gold standard for health and there is growing evidence it could also be beneficial for fertility.
  • Dash diet: This diet was devised to lower blood pressure. It heavily features fruit, vegetables, and nuts with low meat and salt consumption. It’s been found to be beneficial for PCOS patients.
  • Vegetarianism and veganism: Excluding meat and potentially all animal products, these diets can have many health benefits but could cause nutritional deficiencies if poorly planned.
  • Ketogenic diet: high fat and low-carb diets have proven very successful in diabetes management or reversing obesity and have also shown significant benefits for women suffering from PCOS.
  • Western diet: high in ultra-processed foods and chockfull of sugar and salt, this diet is linked with rising BMIs and associated health risks. Studies have also shown a negative impact on sperm quality and embryo development.

If you’re looking for more advice on nutrition and fertility, please visit our Support Hub, where we provide links to experienced and empathetic dieticians who treat couples and individuals undergoing fertility treatment. To arrange a consultation with one of our fertility experts, call +44 (0) 203 263 6025 or email admin@ariafertility.co.uk.

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A hostile environment: male infertility and pollutants

Breathing in air pollution in the form of fine particles produced by road traffic and construction and which hang in the air could increase the risk of male infertility by 25 per cent, a new study warns.

Published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), the Danish study also found that women face a different threat with UK traffic noise levels, leading to a 14% increased risk of infertility.

Researchers analysed data on over 500,000 men and nearly 400,000 women in Denmark aged between 30 and 45 who had fewer than two children. They looked for patterns linking reproductive health and air and noise pollution prevalent in their location.

In terms of air pollution, the study’s authors specifically looked at PM2.5s. These are tiny particles, less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter, created by road traffic and the burning of fossil fuels.

Danish men exposed to an annual average of 2.9 micrograms of fine particles of pollution per cubic metre had a 24% increased risk of infertility. Yet, worryingly, levels in our UK cities are nearly double that figure.

Female fertility and pollutants

The study found that PM2.5 exposure did not have a similar effect on women’s fertility, but it did note that noise pollution had an impact. This is thought to be due to the link between noise pollution, increased stress and disturbed sleep patterns.

The research, published in the BMJ, is observational, meaning it cannot directly establish that pollution causes infertility. Lifestyle factors were not considered.

Professor Allan Pacey, an expert in andrology at the University of Manchester, commented on the study: “It is possible that the real cause of this association lies with something that it was not possible to measure.”

Lifestyle factors in male infertility

It is challenging to avoid exposure to environmental pollution, particularly if living and working in urban areas, but there are modifiable lifestyle factors that we know impact our overall health and, by extension, the health of our sperm.

Here are 7 lifestyle factors that could affect male fertility and sperm health:

  1. Smoking: smoking can impact sperm quality, by giving you a lower sperm count, poorer sperm movement and can affect your DNA fragmentation.
  2. Alcohol: we know that women are advised to abstain if they are trying to get pregnant, but is there a ‘safe’ amount for men?  A 2023 meta-analysis of 40 studies found alcohol intake reduced semen volume during each ejaculation.
  3. Steroid use: anabolic steroids are recognised as one of the causes of male infertility. Even things like testosterone supplements can act as a male contraceptive, and it may take some time to reverse their effects.
  4. Stress: chronic stress can cause hormonal imbalances within the body, affecting sperm production.
  5. Lack of sleep: research has found a lack of sleep may be a factor in male infertility. A study published in Fertility & Sterility, which followed almost 700 couples for a year, found that men who slept less than 6 hours a night were 31% less likely to get their partner pregnant.
  6. Being overweight: having a too high BMI is associated with many different health risks, and it is recognised as a common cause of male infertility. Studies show that it can affect hormone levels, causing reduced sperm production, and there may also be a link between obesity and reduced sperm motility and morphology.
  7. Poor diet: good nutrition supports all our bodily functions, including producing healthy sperm. Diets high in processed meat, caffeine, saturated fatty acids and trans fats are linked to low-quality semen. Conversely, antioxidant-rich diets are linked to better sperm quality.

Male infertility affects up to half of couples having problems starting a family. Our Male Fertility MOT test will check your sperm count, shape, movement, and other characteristics and help diagnose and treat male infertility causes.

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What’s the difference between IVF and IUI?

Different methods of assisted conception have come under the spotlight recently as Democrat vice-presidential candidate Tim Walz speaks out about his family’s struggle with fertility.

Walz and his wife have been open about their “journey with IVF” but were then forced to clarify that they had relied on a different process known as intrauterine insemination, or IUI.

It is common for patients to conflate the two under the umbrella of ‘IVF’, but what’s the difference?

What is IUI?

During intrauterine insemination, or IUI, sperm is placed directly into the uterus. This increases the chance of the sperm reaching the egg as it reduces the distance it must travel.

Furthermore, the semen is separated from the seminal fluid before it is injected, significantly increasing the number of sperm in the uterus compared to through intercourse.

If you have irregular ovulation, we can use fertility drugs in combination with IUI.

How is IUI performed?

The sperm sample is injected through a fine catheter into the uterus at the time you are ovulating. The patient may be prescribed fertility medication to stimulate egg production.

The procedure is relatively quick and painless. In preparing for the IUI procedure, you will visit the clinic to monitor the eggs’ development before ovulation.

Who is IUI suitable for?

IUI may be recommended for:

  • Couples with unexplained infertility, often as a first-line treatment
  • Mild male factor infertility, such as low sperm count, sperm motility, or other mild sperm abnormalities
  • Cervical factor infertility as IUI bypasses the cervix
  • Use of donor sperm
  • Male and female conditions that make full penetrative sex difficult, such as vaginismus or erectile

What is IVF?

IVF or in-vitro fertilisation involves fertilising the egg with a sperm outside the body. Embryos are developed in the laboratory before they are transferred to the uterus, where they will hopefully implant successfully and lead to a full-term pregnancy.

IVF maximises the chance of fertilisation, and we can use embryo selection techniques, including time-lapse monitoring and preimplantation genetic screening, to choose the embryo with the highest potential for pregnancy.

How is IVF performed?

IVF involves several steps. First, ovarian stimulation medication produces multiple eggs in one cycle. These are then retrieved through a minor surgical procedure performed in our Marylebone fertility clinic. Our embryologists then fertilise the eggs with sperm in our lab to create embryos.

The embryos are carefully monitored for a few days before the healthiest ones are selected. At this stage, they can either be frozen, or one or two are transferred to the uterus, with the rest frozen for possible use later.

The IVF process involves several visits to the clinic over four weeks for monitoring, egg collection and transfer.

Who is IVF suitable for?

IVF is suitable for the following fertility patients:

  • Couples with infertility issues
  • Same-sex couples wishing to use donor eggs, sperm or embryos
  • Single individuals using donor eggs or sperm to conceive
  • Patients with ovulation disorders such as PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)
  • Individuals with genetic disorders as embryos can be screened before implantation
  • For fertility preservation as IVF can be used to freeze embryos, eggs, or sperm for future use

Regarding success rates, there are many factors to consider, such as age and underlying fertility issues. Typically, IVF has higher success rates, but IUI can be a viable option for couples with minor fertility issues as a first-line treatment.

During your fertility consultation, our experts can thoroughly explain each procedure’s benefits and drawbacks and advise you on the most appropriate treatment option.

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Sorting fibroid myths from the facts

Fibroids are estimated to affect up to 50% of women of reproductive age, yet despite being such a common female complaint, there are many misconceptions.

Here are six common myths about fibroids:

Myth #1: Fibroids can be cancerous

Fact: Fortunately, this is untrue, as fibroids are benign growths and are not linked to uterine cancer. Although they can affect quality of life, they are not usually life-threatening.

Myth #2: Fibroids can impact your fertility

Fact: Most women with fibroids have normal fertility and pregnancy outcomes. Depending on size and location, some types of fibroids may impact fertility as they can obstruct the journey of a sperm or fertilised egg. Larger fibroids in the uterus may affect foetal growth. Treatment should be able to improve your chance of preventing conception from occurring and a healthy, successful pregnancy.

Myth #3: Once removed, fibroids can’t come back

Fact: Unfortunately, new fibroids can develop after treatment. If fibroids reoccur, you may need to explore a new treatment option for shrinking or removing your fibroids.

Myth #4: If you have fibroids, you will experience heavy menstrual bleeding and pain

Fact: Heavy or painful periods are a common symptom of fibroids, but not all women experience this or any symptoms.
When symptoms do occur, alongside heavy and painful menstrual bleeding, women may experience pelvic pain, frequent urination, and pain during intercourse. Depending on the size and location, it can cause constipation, and if the fibroid is pressing on a nerve, you may even experience back or leg pain.

Myth #5: Fibroids are genetic

Fact: Although it is not known exactly what causes fibroids, there does seem to be a genetic link. If you have a family history of uterine fibroids, you are three times more likely to develop them yourself.

Fibroids are also linked to the hormones produced by the ovaries, oestrogen and progesterone. They usually develop and grow as long as the ovaries produce these hormones and tend to shrink when hormone levels fall, such as after menopause.

Myth #6: If fibroids are untreated, they will continue to grow.

Fact: Not all fibroids get bigger if left untreated. Many women have small fibroids that do not grow or cause any symptoms or may stop growing when they reach a certain size.

If your fibroids are causing significant symptoms, Aria Fertility gynaecologist Miss Amanda Tozer can advise women on a range of tailored treatment options, including lifestyle changes, medications, hormone treatments and, if required, minimally invasive gynaecological surgery.

Call +44 (0) 203 263 6025 or email admin@ariafertility.co.uk to arrange a consultation.

 

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Recurrent implantation failure explained

Repeated embryo implantation failures pose a challenge for women and couples who wish to start a family, as well as for fertility experts. It is estimated that between 70% and 75% of embryos created, either through natural conception or via IVF, fail at some stage in their development before implantation occurs.   

There are many reasons why an embryo doesn’t attach or implant, and fertility expert Ms Srividya Seshadri explains how we investigate repeated implantation failure (RIF) at Aria.

Q: What is the definition of recurrent implantation failure?

There are numerous medical definitions in the literature of recurrent implantation failure or repeated failed IVF cycles, but generally, it is defined as two unsuccessful transfers of two good-quality embryos.

Q: What are the causes of recurrent implantation failure?

There are multiple causes of recurrent unsuccessful IVF cycles. I segregate them into two main parts. Is it the embryo, or is it the womb itself that’s resulting in an unsuccessful cycle?

Let’s look at the embryo. We all need to remember that the embryo is formed in the laboratory. I believe the success of any fertility clinic is largely dependent on the lab. Aria has a bespoke laboratory with cutting-edge technology and highly skilled embryologists that have the patient’s success at heart.

Then, there is the endometrium, or the lining of the womb. Multiple factors can result in a failed or unsuccessful IVF cycle, and one of them could be endometrial receptivity. Are we getting the timing right of the transfer, and is there any delay in the receptivity window that’s resulted in the unsuccessful cycle?

Or could it be selectivity that the lining doesn’t seem to recognise this beautifully normal, good-quality embryo? Could other anatomical factors, such as fibroids, endometriosis or hydro-salpinges, which means water in the tubes, interfere with success rates?

Q: How soon can we try again after a failed IVF cycle?

Regarding how long it takes to wait before you start again, I always advise couples that it is an individual choice. I’ve had patients who have struggled with the side effects of drugs from their previous cycle and who are emotionally drained. Do not let medicine dictate to you when you need to start.

In essence, though, once you’ve had a withdrawal bleed after an unsuccessful cycle, you can start the transfer process immediately. However, I always tell my patients that we need to find out why something has not worked out before we rush into another transfer because, quite often, this will result in another unfortunately unsuccessful cycle.

Q: What tests are required after an unsuccessful IVF cycle?

The tests that must be performed after an unsuccessful IVF cycle depend on the individual couple’s history. I could list pages and pages of tests that we could order, but are they all necessary?

The tests could include thrombophilia, which checks whether you have an inherent capacity to overclot rather than underclot, which may be easily treated with heparin injections before and during treatment.

Or should you check to see if the lining has an infection from a previous loss or any previous operations you have undergone?

Is immune testing necessary? Absent evidence does not mean the absence of evidence. We all believe immunology plays a role in kidney, heart, gut issues, and even early dementia. But, when it comes to reproduction, everybody gets very nervous. Please look on the UK’s fertility regulator website for more information or discuss this with one of the consultants at Aria.

A detailed history, evaluation, and discussion with your consultant to discuss all possible causes and necessary tests are essential stages of managing recurrent implantation failure. Contact us to arrange a consultation.

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Optimising your egg freezing 

After supporting IVF and fertility preservation patients for many years, dietitian Ro Huntriss recently underwent egg freezing herself, giving her a personal insight into undergoing fertility treatment. She explains the steps she took to prepare.

When we coach somebody through an IVF journey, we focus on improving sperm and egg quality and then also look at implantation. With egg freezing patients, we focus more on what we can do to support ovarian reserve markers and what we can do in terms of improving egg quality.

We know that an egg matures between 90 and 100 days before either ovulation or retrieval, so that’s the window of opportunity.

An excellent foundation is the Mediterranean-style diet. It’s great for fertility outcomes in general, but one of its key benefits is that it’s rich in antioxidants. One reason the quality or health of eggs can be quite poor is oxidative stress, which can rise as we get older and because of lifestyle factors.

To prepare for my egg freezing, I focused on antioxidants, so I ate lots of plant-based foods, such as fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. My plate was as brightly coloured and varied as possible. I saw every portion of fruit and vegetables as a win.

Alcohol consumption and egg freezing

I reduced my alcohol content but didn’t cut it out entirely in the three months leading up and then abstained when I started the injections. This was a personal choice as it would be for anyone. The advice to women undergoing IVF and trying to conceive is to abstain if possible because there are extra elements to consider, e.g. implantation of the embryo and then sustaining the pregnancy. The advice is of course to abstain when you could be pregnant due to the ill effects it could have on the unborn child. When you’re egg freezing, the treatment stops at egg retrieval, so there are much fewer risks.

For egg freezing, you shouldn’t be drinking excessively, but if you want an occasional drink such as a glass of red wine that is high in antioxidants, it is unlikely to do any damage, and could even help!

I also didn’t want to put myself in prison for three months! It was about making good choices and healthy adjustments. Generally, I eat healthily but I allow for balance and follow the 80/20 rule, eating and living well at least 80% of the time. While preparing for my egg freezing, I probably took a 90/10 or 95/5 approach. But I didn’t want to deny myself everything as that in itself can become stressful.

Certainly, for the fertility patients I support, I create sustainable programmes for them to follow.

Supplements and egg freezing

The fundamental change was in the supplements I was taking. I recommend patients take a prenatal supplement in the run-up to egg freezing. You may not be attempting to conceive, but these contain all the essential antioxidants, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and zinc, in reasonable quantities.

It can be challenging to make your diet nutritionally complete and this is one of the ways in which prenatal supplements can help, and there’s research that suggests that taking prenatal supplements can increase AMH levels.

Ro Huntriss on improving egg qualityMaking these changes in the run-up to egg freezing has no downside and could have a significant positive impact. We have supported several women who have had unsuccessful egg freezing rounds and collected no eggs towards outcomes they were really happy with. They have made changes to their diet and lifestyle and have been able to collect viable eggs on their next round.

For anyone that’s looking to optimise their fertility for the future, whether that be for egg freezing or not, we have created a programme called Fuel your Future Fertility.

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Egg freezing and me

Award-winning dietitian and founder of Fertility Dietitian UK Ro Huntriss has been supporting individuals and couples undergoing fertility treatments for many years. Recently, she embarked on her own fertility journey when she decided to freeze her eggs at Aria Fertility.

I’ve worked in the fertility sphere for a good few years now, and I’m very aware of egg freezing and its potential benefits.

I am 37, and I love my career, travelling, and spending time with my friends, so I had considered egg freezing. However, I was in a long-term relationship and out of nowhere, the relationship broke down very suddenly. I made the swift decision to freeze my eggs.

Making the choice to freeze my eggs

I don’t know what the future holds for me with regards to children, but I wanted to make a very positive decision in the middle of an uncertain time. Egg freezing represented an empowering choice. If I want to go on and have children, I’ve done what I can to facilitate that.

Preparing for my egg freezing treatment

Through my work, I’m seeing more and more patients who are about to embark on egg freezing, as there is so much you can do through your diet and lifestyle to influence your outcomes, including increasing the quality of your eggs and also the number collected.

Some women may have had an unsuccessful round and want to improve their chances, but there is also a growing awareness about the importance of preparation before they even begin. Egg freezing is a significant investment in time and money, so delaying your procedure for three months to improve egg quality and quantity makes absolute sense.

Stress and other lifestyle factors are also things to consider as there are many things that can affect our fertility so it’s wise to look at things from several angles.

So, I did everything I could do from a diet and lifestyle perspective to optimise my chances. This was very holistic, as everything I was doing made me feel better and did good things for my body. There’s no downside to making these positive changes.

My egg freezing journey

My egg freezing process went smoothly. I had the advantage of working in the industry, so I understood the process better than most people going into it. The most important part of it is finding a clinic that you like and that you’re comfortable with.

You are with that team for some time and want to feel cared for and seen as a person with a story and not just a number.

I knew of Aria beforehand and had met the clinicians, so that was a positive for me. But after speaking to the team members, I just felt very comfortable and supported.

I wasn’t sure how I was going to be with needles; I’m not needle-phobic, but I wasn’t sure how painful it would be. However, it was fine. I felt bloated towards the end, which makes sense as you have so much more fluid there, so it wasn’t unexpected. It does feel like your life is on hold for a bit.

They collected 13 eggs. The optimal number is 15 to 20, but this was still a pretty good result for my age from one cycle so I decided not to repeat the procedure because I was so close to the optimal number, and the quality of eggs was good. I’m also in a place where I’m not sure I want to have children, so I felt very happy with what I’d achieved and ready to move forward with the rest of my life.

Egg freezing was a positive step for me and I’m really glad I did it. It increases my chances of having children should that be my path, so I’d encourage others to consider it if they find themselves in similar positions, or who may be considering having children later in life.

You can watch Ro’s journey as the BBC’s Anna Collinson meets the people taking the chance to try and preserve their fertility in Egg Freezing and Me.

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Stress and fertility explained

The relationship between stress and fertility has been a hot topic for discussion for years. It is well documented that women experiencing infertility report elevated layers of stress, anxiety and depression. However, whether stress causes infertility is inconclusive.

Women get pregnant every day in very stressful conditions, but we know that elevated levels of cortisol, the stress hormone released by the body, can have a negative impact on the body as a whole, especially when experienced for extended periods. This can lead to inflammation which in turn affects menstruation, ovulation and embryo implantation.

One study found women who had high levels of an enzyme that indicated stress known as alpha-amylase in their saliva, took 29% longer to conceive compared to those who had less.

Similarly, studies have suggested there could be a link between stress and sperm quality, affecting sperm concentration and motility as well as abnormally- shaped sperm.

Steps to managing stress when undergoing IVF

Stress is a normal part of everyday life, but the emotional rollercoaster of IVF treatment on top of usual stressors can be overwhelming.

Moderate, short-lived stress actually has several benefits: it can enhance alertness, boost performance and improve memory function. When your stress response includes oxytocin, it can literally strengthen your heart, according to a recent study.

Unfortunately, long-term and unmanaged stress can have a hugely negative impact on your mental, emotional and physical health and dealing with infertility and undergoing fertility treatment is often a source of chronic stress.

Tips for thriving during your fertility treatment include:

  1. Get informed: one of the best and most practical ways to deal with the stress of IVF is to know and understand what is taking place and each step of your fertility journey.
  2. Be open to emotional support: we ensure all patients are aware of the physical demands of IVF before they embark on treatment, whether that’s the blood tests or injections required or the procedures they’ll have to undergo, but we also offer individuals and couples access to counselling options that can help them cope with the emotional impact of IVF.
  3. Prioritise yourself: IVF can be both physically and emotionally draining so it’s important you do not take on new commitments that could overwhelm you. Do not be afraid to say no to requests, whether that’s from work or friends and family.
  4. Take control of what you can control: there are so many aspects of IVF that are beyond your control, whether that’s the number of eggs harvested or embryos that would result. It is essential to focus your energy on what you can control, which could be working on your coping mechanisms so you can face each challenge as it arises.
  5. Reframe negative thoughts: negative thinking can be a significant source of stress but learning how to control these thoughts can increase your emotional resilience and reduce anxiety.

At Aria Fertility, we offer patients the opportunity to access counselling support from the very beginning of their journey and in our  Support Hub, we provide a guide to some of the organisations and practitioners offering fertility support, advice and information.

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