If your partner and you are going through the process of IVF, you will know how stressful it is.
Our expert article Overcoming the War of Psychology & Sex highlights the need for fertility treatments to be a female-led process with the male partner being the backbone of support.
There is a lot of wonderful information out there addressing your wife and your doctors have probably given her a tough list of dos and don’ts. But, are you wondering how you can help?
Daddy’s Digest has put together a very simple list of things you can do to help her through this tough time.
1. Fertility treatments work best when a woman’s weight is in check. Support your partner's weight management goals by following a similar nutrition plan. If your partner wishes to exercise, make sure it’s under the guidance of a qualified medical care professional as over-exercising has been linked to a failure of the chemical pregnancy process.
2. Help keep track of her vitamin and supplement intake based on your doctor’s recommendation.
3. Smoking and smoky environments affect the lining of the uterus. If your wife is a smoker, make sure she abstains. If you are a smoker, it would be a good time to kick the habit.
4. Do not underestimate the power of positive thinking and the need for stress management. Fertility treatments are serious business and can take a toll on you both. Find ways to relax and destress and if additional support is required, seek the assistance of a counsellor.
5. It is important that your partner sleeps through the night and gets as much rest as she can. Find ways to take on the extra load and give her the necessary time to focus on herself.
6. In addition to smoking, she will also need to avoid sex, drugs, alcohol, flying, housework, heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, horse riding and aerobics, sunbathing, saunas, hot tubs, jacuzzis, swimming and hot baths.
7. Acupuncture is often recommended during fertility treatments. It is important to remember that there has been no conclusive evidence to prove its clinical efficacy and biological mechanism in female infertility. Take the time to discuss such treatments with your doctor before attempting them.
This is a male-focused advice piece and doesn’t factor in medical advice offered by fertility doctors. It is presented with the intent of offering support. Always consult with a qualified medical care professional before taking decisions regarding your partners or your own health.
For more information, read: Female Infertility, Male Infertility, Semen Analysis, Egg Donors, Sperm Donors and IUI.
Reviewed by: Dr. Melanie Schlatter
Date reviewed: 14th November, 2018