Just because you are biologically ready to have children does not mean that your lifestyle or headspace is aligned. You could still be in the midst of pursuing your career goals or finding the right partner, among other reasons. If that sounds like you, then egg freezing may be the ideal option to preserve your fertility and delay parenthood until you feel ready to start a family.
However, this procedure can be expensive and time-consuming. As such, adequately preparing your body for egg freezing is essential to boost your fertility and optimise your chances of success. Let us explore how you can prepare physically and mentally for the egg freezing process.
Tip #1: Weight control, exercise, and lifestyle change
Clinical studies have demonstrated that a healthy body mass index (BMI) is essential to female fertility, with underweight and overweight patients facing increased risk of infertility when attempting to conceive naturally or through IVF. Hence, beyond seeking fertility support, exercise and weight management is crucial to ensure optimal egg quality for freezing.
However, please note that while moderate exercises can be beneficial, vigorous or high-intensity exercises may be detrimental to fertility, especially for women with healthy BMI. So, moderation is vital. It is a good idea to maintain a reasonable level of physical activity for a few months before starting your egg freezing cycle.
Additionally, keeping your health at its peak can be helpful when trying to conceive. That is no different when preparing for egg freezing. You may need to make several lifestyle adjustments to preserve your fertility, including getting sufficient rest during this period. Also, avoid risky habits, such as smoking and drinking alcohol, to ensure the retrieved eggs are as healthy as possible.
Tip #2: Maintain a healthy diet
Beyond getting regular exercise, natural fertility treatments, like maintaining a healthy diet, are essential to preserving egg quality before starting an egg freezing cycle. Keep your diet varied and rich in vitamins, minerals, and fibre through lean proteins such as fish and poultry, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains like farro and quinoa, and legumes, including beans, chickpeas, and lentils.
Meanwhile, avoid ingredients high in cholesterol and saturated fats, like processed meat products. You can also consider various supplements available on the market to enhance your fertility prior to egg freezing. Please consult a fertility specialist beforehand to determine their suitability before purchasing and consuming them.
Tip #3: Avoid stress and be positive
Aside from the physical aspects of preparing your body for egg freezing, you must also be mentally ready for the procedure. Avoid placing stress on yourself, as it can affect your hormones and suppress the activity of the reproductive system. Instead, try to remain calm and be mindful whenever possible.
For instance, try self-care routines, like meditating or yoga. Alternatively, you can consider our fertility massage services, which target the pivotal acupressure points in your body, particularly the areas surrounding the reproductive organs, to induce your body to enter a relaxed state, thus reducing stress levels.
While egg freezing can be an emotionally and physically draining experience, it can also be incredibly empowering, as it allows you to be in control of your fertility. So, as your egg freezing preparation continues apace, be positive and ensure that you are well-supported throughout the process. If you wish to know more about preparing yourself for egg freezing, do not hesitate to reach out to our experts at Babies Bliss for help.