Diet and Lifestyle’s Impact on IVF Success: A 2025 Nutritional Guide
– Published on 11 NOV 2025
Undergoing IVF is a major step in the fertility journey—one where every possible advantage matters. While many focus on technology, medications and timing, equally important are two modifiable aspects: diet and lifestyle. In this 2025 guide we explore how what you eat, how you live and the habits you form can influence your chance of success with In vitro fertilization (IVF).
Why diet & lifestyle matter in IVF
It has long been understood that age, ovarian reserve, reproductive-health conditions and sperm quality shape IVF outcomes. But growing research shows that nutrition and lifestyle also play a meaningful role in how well your body responds to IVF protocols, supports egg and sperm quality, regulates hormones and creates a receptive environment for embryo implantation.
For example, a 2022 systematic review found that higher adherence to certain dietary patterns (e.g., a “pro-fertility” diet) was associated with increased chances of live birth in assisted reproduction cycles. Another large cohort found that better adherence to healthy dietary patterns was associated with lower risk of pregnancy loss in infertility treatment. On lifestyle, research shows that diet combined with physical activity and other behaviors (sleep, stress, partner habits) may influence IVF outcomes.
While diet and lifestyle are not magic bullets, they are cost-effective, modifiable factors that complement your medical treatment.
Key nutritional strategies for IVF success (2025 update)
Here are the dietary habits to priorities when preparing for IVF:
- Embrace a fertility-friendly pattern
Adopting a diet rich in whole foods—plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats (especially monounsaturated and omega-3 fats)—is beneficial. Many clinics reference the Mediterranean Diet as a model. One cohort showed that women <35 yrs with high adherence had nearly double the live birth rate compared with low adherence.
Fruits, vegetables and whole grains provide antioxidants, nutrients and fibre which help regulate blood sugar and reduce oxidative stress—important for egg quality and implantation.
- Choose healthy fats, proteins and fish
Priorities sources like:
- Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel) for omega-3s
- Nuts, seeds, avocado and olive oil for monounsaturated fats
- Lean poultry, eggs, dairy and plant-based proteins
Avoid excessive processed meats, trans-fats, high-glycemic refined carbs and sugary beverages. These have been linked to poorer fertility outcomes.
- Focus on key micronutrients
Certain nutrients are especially relevant:
- Folate / folic acid – supports early embryo development
- Vitamin D – emerging evidence for reproductive health
- Iron, zinc, B12 – linked to egg and sperm health
- Antioxidant-rich foods – to reduce oxidative stress
While supplementation may be helpful, whole-food sources remain foundational. One review noted that many undergoing IVF take supplements, but emphasized evidence-based use.
- Timing matters: get ready before the cycle
For best effect, begin your nutritional and lifestyle changes 2-3 months before starting the IVF stimulation cycle. This gives your body time to adjust, build reserves and optimize your hormonal environment.
Lifestyle habits that matter in 2025
Beyond diet, several lifestyle factors contribute to IVF success:
- Exercise: Moderate regular physical activity supports metabolic health, hormonal regulation and body-weight management. Very intense exercise may need adjustment during stimulation.
- Stress management & quality of life: Infertility and IVF bring psychological burden. Better fertility-specific quality of life has been associated with better outcomes.
- Sleep & rest: Adequate sleep is foundational for hormonal balance and recovery.
- Avoiding toxins & harmful habits: Smoking (yours or your partner’s), excessive alcohol, high exposure to environmental toxins may impair results. For example, partner smoking has been linked to reduced outcomes.
- Healthy body weight & metabolic health: Both underweight and overweight can negatively impact IVF. Achieving stable, healthy weight and good metabolic markers improves chances.
- Partner involvement: Remember, fertility is a couple’s journey. The male partner’s diet, lifestyle, sperm health and habits matter too.
Putting it into practice: A 2025 nutrition & lifestyle plan
Pre-IVF (2-3 months before)
- Begin moving toward “Mediterranean-plus” diet: vegetables > 5 servings/day, whole grains, fish twice weekly, olive oil as primary fat.
- Replace refined carbs with whole-grain alternatives, remove sugary drinks and processed snack foods.
- Begin moderate exercise: e.g. 30 mins of brisk walking or cycling 4-5 times/week.
- Ensure sleep 7–8 hours/night; engage in stress-reducing practices (yoga, meditation, counselling).
- Reduce exposure to toxins: quit smoking, limit alcohol, review personal-care product chemicals if possible.
- Get baseline tests: BMI, vitamin D level, thyroid, HbA1c, lipid profile, possibly fertility nutrient levels.
During IVF stimulation
- Continue fertility-friendly diet: focus on quality over quantity, avoid drastic diet shifts.
- Stay hydrated (aim ~2–3 L fluid/day unless advised otherwise).
- Avoid heavy lifting or intense exercise; gentle movement and stretching are optimal.
- Priorities rest and sleep; monitor your stress levels.
- Stay in regular communication with your fertility specialist and nutritionist.
Post-retrieval / Embryo transfer phase
- Maintain diet and lifestyle habits; the body is still in recovery and early implantation phase.
- Avoid sudden large weight fluctuations; maintain balanced meals, moderate portions.
- Manage stress around the waiting period (often difficult psychologically); consider support groups or therapy.
- Keep up hydration, avoid alcohol and smoking completely, support partner’s health likewise.
Conclusion: Your 2025 fertility-friendly lifestyle
As you proceed with IVF, remember: you’re not only choosing a treatment protocol—it’s a full-body journey. The food you eat, the way you move, the habits you build and the stress you manage all contribute to your environment for success. By adopting a fertility-friendly diet and proactively aligning your lifestyle with optimum reproductive health, you give yourself the best chance of a positive outcome.
At the Pune IVF Centre, we support not only your clinical path but your holistic wellbeing—helping you navigate nutrition, lifestyle and emotional health as part of your fertility journey. If you’d like personalized nutritional counselling or lifestyle planning alongside your IVF protocol, reach out to us today.
Here’s to nourishing your body, mind and hope for the future.
By Dr Samidha Dalvi-Amale
IVF and Fertility specialist Medical Director- Pune IVF