5 Ways to Increase Your Chances of IVF Success
Preparing for an IVF cycle is one of the most hopeful and demanding things you can do. You’re investing so much, physically, emotionally, and financially, and it’s natural to want to know what you can actually do to improve your odds. The good news: there is quite a bit within your control. At The Oldershaw Clinic, we’ve been supporting patients through IVF preparation since 1995. In this blog we discuss five strategies to increase your chance of IVF success most consistently, and why.
Preparing for IVF has the following goals:
- Boost ovarian response to improve both egg quality and quantity
- Support the uterine environment to increase implantation rates
- Set the stage for a healthy and successful pregnancy
1) Increase IVF Success: Supplements For IVF
If you’re preparing for an IVF cycle, starting the right supplements early is one of the most impactful things you can do. Eggs take three to four months to mature, so ideally you begin at least that far in advance of your retrieval. The supplements below support egg quality, ovarian response, and the uterine environment. Over 31 years of practice, we’ve seen this protocol make a real difference for our patients.
Our shop page links you to all the Theralogix products listed below. Use provider code 194610 for a 15% discount.
NeoQ10 (CoQ10), 600 mg daily
CoQ10 is one of the most well-researched supplements for fertility. It supports the energy production inside egg cells, which declines with age, and boosts egg quality. We recommend NeoQ10 by Theralogix because it uses a highly bioavailable form that the body absorbs more effectively than standard CoQ10.
Order NeoQ10 with 15% off
Thera-D (Vitamin D), 6,000 IU daily
Vitamin D plays a key role in reproductive and is frequently low in women going through fertility treatment. It can both improve egg quality and reduce the risk of miscarriage. We recommend Thera-D because dosing is precise and the formulation is pharmaceutical grade.
Order Thera-D with 15% off
Ovasitol (Inositol), 4 grams daily
Ovasitol is a blend of two forms of inositol (myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol) in the ratio shown in research to support ovarian function and hormone balance. It supports egg quality across the board and is particularly beneficial for women with PCOS. The powder mixes easily into water or a smoothie.
Order Ovasitol with 15% off
Theratonin (Melatonin), 3 mg at bedtime
Most people think of melatonin as a sleep aid. It also acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting the egg during the maturation process. Theratonin delivers a consistent, research-aligned dose.
Order Theratonin with 15% off
TheraNatal Core (Preconception Vitamin)
A high-quality prenatal vitamin is the foundation of any IVF supplement protocol. TheraNatal Core includes methyl folate, the most bioavailable form of folic acid, along with key nutrients to support the preconception phase and early pregnancy.
Order TheraNatal Core with 15% off
OvaNAD+, 1 capsule daily
OvaNAD+ promotes cellular energy production, thereby supporting healthy egg quality during IVF preparation. We recommend OvaNAD+ alongside NeoQ10 to support your cells’ energy needs from two different angles.
Order OvaNAD+ with 15% off
Where to Order: All Theralogix products are available through our shop page or directly at theralogix.com. Use our provider code 194610 for 15% off.
2) Increase IVF Success: Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the most well-supported complementary treatments you can add to an IVF protocol. Research has shown that a course of acupuncture treatment significantly supports IVF success rates (citation below).
Acupuncture works to:
- Reduce stress and promote relaxation
- Support ovarian function, leading to more robust eggs
- Increase blood flow to the reproductive organs
- Enhance the uterine environment, supporting better implantation
- Minimize side effects of stimulation medications
A typical pre-IVF treatment plan includes acupuncture once a week for 12 weeks before the retrieval cycle. This timing aligns with the three to four months eggs spend maturing. Supporting that process through acupuncture can improve both the quantity and quality of eggs retrieved.
Treatment continues through the stimulation phase, twice weekly, to support response to medications and reduce side effects.
All three of our practitioners hold FABORM board certification in reproductive medicine, and fertility acupuncture is a core focus of our practice.
Research citation:
Impact of Whole Systems Traditional Chinese Medicine on In Vitro Fertilization Outcomes
Lee E. Hullender Rubin,a Michael S. Opsahl,b Klaus Wiemer,b Scott D. Mist,c and Aaron B. Caugheyc
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4458185/
3) Increase IVF Success: Stress Management
IVF is stressful by nature. The scheduling demands, the medications, the emotional weight of waiting for results: all of it adds up. Chronic stress affects cortisol and other hormones in ways that can work against the very process you’re trying to support.
Managing stress during an IVF cycle isn’t a luxury. It’s part of the protocol.
A few things that help:
- Scale back on outside commitments where you can
- Stay flexible: IVF schedules can shift quickly
- Prioritize acupuncture, which has a measurable effect on stress hormones
- Consider gentle movement, meditation, or other practices that help you feel grounded
4) Increase IVF Success: Keep Your Blood Sugars Stable
Blood sugar balance is a foundational piece of reproductive health that often gets overlooked. Elevated or unstable blood sugar disrupts hormone signaling, suppresses egg maturation, and can interfere with successful embryo implantation.
The keys to keeping your blood sugars stable:
- Start every day with breakfast
- Eat a meal or snack every three hours
- Prioritize protein at each meal
- Limit refined carbohydrates and grains
- Avoid sugary foods and beverages
If you have blood sugar issues, including PCOS or insulin resistance, this piece of the protocol is especially important. Our nutrition consultations can help you build a plan that supports your IVF cycle specifically.
5) Increase IVF Success: Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is when your body does its most important repair and regulatory work, and that includes reproductive hormones.
During an IVF cycle, prioritizing 8 hours a night helps to:
- Support healthy hormone levels
- Lower cortisol and reduce physiological stress
- Give your body the rest it needs while doing the demanding work of an IVF cycle
If sleep is a challenge for you, melatonin (Theratonin, listed above) can help on both fronts: it supports sleep quality and acts as a protective antioxidant for your eggs.
Summary
Going through IVF takes courage, patience, and the right support. You deserve a care team that listens, understands your individual picture, and stays with you through the process. At The Oldershaw Clinic, that’s exactly what we offer: over 31 years of experience, board-certified practitioners, and a collaborative approach that works alongside your fertility clinic.
If you’re in the East Bay or San Francisco Bay Area, we’d love to be part of your team. Book a free 15-minute discovery call to get started.
Visit our shop page to explore the supplements we recommend for IVF preparation.
Leslie Oldershaw L.Ac, FABORM
Licensed Acupuncturist & Herbalist
Fellow, Acupuncture Board of Reproductive Medicine
Leslie Oldershaw brings over 30 years of leadership and expertise blending Eastern and Western medicine to support women’s health. Since founding The Oldershaw Clinic in 1995, she has helped women navigate fertility, hormonal transitions, perimenopause, menopause, and healthy aging with integrative, personalized care focused on vitality and lifelong wellness.
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