Debunking the Myth: Is IVF Treatment More Successful in Summer?

Understanding IVF Treatment and Seasonal Myths

In vitro fertilisation is an advanced and most commonly used fertility treatment. Advancements in reproductive medicine have made it a successful infertility treatment. But people still have myths about IVF, and some believe that IVF treatment is more successful in the summer. People think that warmer days or higher temperatures help to balance hormones and are better for maintaining good health. It is believed that more exposure to the sun, brighter days, and relaxed routines can improve fertility outcomes.

But, according to science, IVF success is not dependent on the season. IVF success is influenced by numerous factors, including medical, biological, and personal. Egg quality, sperm quality, uterine receptivity, and embryo health are important factors in determining IVF success. Changes in lifestyle, including diet and vitamin D levels, can improve reproductive health to some extent, but these are not success-determining factors for IVF.

Does season affect IVF success?

A common belief is that the summer months yield better results and higher pregnancy rates than any other time of the year. Is this true? Let’s try to understand. Many environmental factors, including temperature and sunlight, affect the reproductive hormone levels of a woman. The vitamin D produced by the sun or through supplementation is a significant factor in a woman's hormonal balance and ovarian function. Sunlight increases vitamin D production in the body and improves overall health. But IVF is a controlled treatment. Therefore, external temperature does not play a role in embryo development.

IVF specialists say that IVF success depends on factors such as uterine receptivity, sperm and egg quality, embryo quality, experience of the fertility expert, and underlying medical problems. These factors are not dependent on the season; therefore, IVF success does not change with the season.

Seasonal Impact on Lifestyle and Fertility Preparation

Seasons can indirectly affect fertility preparation by influencing the lifestyles of certain individuals.

In summer, people drink more water, which improves overall health. Proper hydration helps to maintain blood circulation. But if hydration is not maintained, it may lead to fatigue. If you choose summer for an IVF cycle, be sure to drink more water to stay properly hydrated. Wear loose cotton clothes and avoid excessive sun exposure after embryo transfer.

During monsoons, humid weather increases the risk of infection if proper hygiene is not maintained. Therefore, ensure to eat fresh food and wash your hands before eating.

In winter, people feel lazy and stay at home. Less exercise can affect blood circulation and metabolism.

Best Time for IVF Treatment - What Experts Recommend

Experts say that there is no best season for IVF, but the best time for IVF depends on the following factors:

• IVF treatment starts on day 2 and day 5 of the menstrual cycle. It does not have any connection with the season.
• Doctors evaluate hormone levels, sperm health, follicle growth, and uterine health. If these factors are favourable, IVF can be started during any month of the year. There is no best month for IVF; however, some couples prefer to start the IVF treatment during the fall or spring due to comfort and not because success rates are higher.

Expert Opinions - Debunking Seasonal Fertility Myths

Fertility experts say that IVF success does not depend on the season because IVF is done in the labs under controlled environmental conditions. IVF labs are well equipped to maintain constant temperature, air filtration, humidity control, suitable culture conditions, and HEPA systems. Therefore, external weather conditions do not influence embryo growth. The conditions inside the IVF lab remain the same no matter what the outside weather is.

Tips for a Successful IVF Cycle (Any season)

In order to improve your chances of IVF success, you may do any of the following:

• Consume lean proteins, lots of fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and whole grains, to maintain hormone levels, and support the growth of healthy sperm and eggs.
• Men should avoid hot baths or extreme sun exposure to maintain sperm health.
• Manage stress because emotional health plays an important role in balancing hormones and overall well-being.
• Continue taking prescribed medications and supplements to improve reproductive health and hormonal balance.
• Visit your doctor for scheduled appointments for check-ups and regular monitoring.

Conclusion

The factors affecting IVF success include age, quality of the egg and sperm used to create the embryos, quality of the embryo, the development of the uterine lining, and the experience of the physician you choose. While it is true that IVF Procedures are performed under very controlled environmental conditions, and that temperature fluctuations due to climate do not have an effect on the outcome of an IVF procedure. The month of the year that you select to start your IVF treatment may affect your ability to get enough vitamin D, since summer months provide ideal vitamin D levels and adequate hydration levels. On the other hand, if you are going to work with a highly trained fertility specialist, eat a balanced diet, lead a healthy lifestyle, and prepare your body for the IVF process, you can increase your chances of success.