Today I am going to share my exact protocol and fertility supplements for IVF that led to my successful frozen embryo transfer. I was also on these during my failed cycle, but I was taking different doses of each of these supplements for IVF. I am sharing this, not so others can follow it exactly, but so others struggling with getting a successful cycle can discuss these supplements with their doctor and maybe find a protocol that works for them. Awareness of our options is always a good thing! Knowledge is power!
I am not a doctor, so ALWAYS ask your doctor before starting any sort of supplement or vitamin for IVF or infertility. What works for one person, may not be as successful for someone else. With that being said, here are all of the supplements, with links to where to buy them, that led to my successful embryo transfer.
Before my Egg Retrieval:
1. Prenatal Vitamin with DHA – This is a given, and you will be on a prenatal vitamin until you eventually have a baby. I took THIS prescription prenatal vitamin that I really liked (I had a huge discount by getting it through my doctor’s office.), but any prenatal vitamin will do. Make sure the vitamin includes DHA, and make sure to look for the USP (United States Pharmacopeia) symbol to ensure a quality product. Organic without added dyes or color is a plus, too. I am a big fan of Smarty Pants Gummies, because they are one of the only vitamin gummies with Methylfolate, which I talk about next. I stayed on prenatal vitamins until I quit breastfeeding.
2. Methylfolate/Foltanx – I do not have MTHFR, but my doctor prescribes this Methylated Folate Supplement to all of har patients no matter what. I stayed on this supplement until I gave birth. Since this is a prescription that is actually quite expensive, there are a lot of Methylfolate supplements available on Amazon these days. I don’t remember what dose I was on, so please ask your doctor what is best for you.
3. DHEA 75mg – According to the Center for Human Reproduction, “Adding a DHEA supplement for at least 6-8 weeks before IVF cycle start improves egg quality and results in overall better IVF outcomes.” I took this supplement to improve my egg quality and quantity. I took it everyday during my egg retrieval protocol then quit the day after the retrieval.
4. CoQ10 600 mg – I began taking CoQ10 after my first consult with my Doctor. She said it was one of the most important supplements for IVF that both my husband and I could be taking. According to the Center for Human Reproduction, CoQ10 increases male sperm count and motility. For women, taking CoQ10 improves egg quality. We started with the instructions on the bottle for dosage, and really liked THESE CoQ10 Gummies. Then when I was told to increase my dosage before my egg retrieval and continue with the high dosage through the transfer, I switched to CoQ10 capsules. I took 600mg for my failed embryo transfer then they upped me to 1200mg(!) for my second successful embryo transfer.
My doctor advised me to stop taking this when I had a subchorionic hemorrhage early in my pregnancy. But, without the bleeding, I would have stayed on this supplement until at least 15 weeks pregnant. I started taking CoQ10 Gummies again after I gave birth because according to Healthline.com, CoQ10 “has been shown to help improve heart health and blood sugar regulation, assist in the prevention and treatment of cancer and reduce the frequency of migraines. It could also reduce the oxidative damage that leads to muscle fatigue, skin damage and brain and lung diseases.” It has also shown significant signs of preventing dementia later in life. So, I still take it!
5. Low Dose Aspirin 81mg – Low dose or Baby Aspirin is advised until 15 weeks of pregnancy. I was actually on baby aspirin when I got pregnant naturally with my first child. My OBGYN suggested it to help me conceive. Baby Aspirin has been shown to increase chance of getting pregnant and staying pregnant by 17%-20%. It reduces inflammation, which creates a better environment within the uterus making an embryo more likely to attach.
Before Frozen Embryo Transfer
1. Prenatal Vitamins with DHA once a day
2. Baby Aspirin – 81mg once a day until 15 weeks pregnant. Once again, I was advised to stop when I had some bleeding early on in my pregnancy. However, I would have been on it until 15 weeks.
3. Foltanx once a day until I gave birth. These are prescription.
4. CoQ10 1200mg a day – I decreased dosage once I was pregnant. I would have stayed on this until 15 weeks, however I was advised to stop after my bleeding.
5. L-Arginine 500mg twice a day until day of pregnancy test. L-arginine has shown to increase circulation to the uterus, which helps to improve the thickness of uterine lining. It also decreases inflammation, increases libido and improves the production of cervical mucus in those trying to conceive naturally. Just make sure you stop taking L-arginine once you are pregnant.
6. Vitamin E Capsules 800iu a day until the day before the transfer then stopped. – Vitamin E has many effects on infertility. First and foremost it helps thicken uterine lining and increase sperm health and motility in men. Studies show that when both partners use vitamin E during IVF, their chance of a successful cycle increases from 19%-29%. Vitamin E also helps balance hormones, and reduce the risk of miscarriage.
Once again, I am sharing this information because this is what worked for me. It is smart to ask your doctor about these supplements for ivf and if they are right for you. If you would like to shop any of the products, just click on the supplement name in bold. I hope this post helps someone out there bring to light something new their doctor may be willing to try! Good luck in your journey!
You can easily find all of these supplements for ivf, and other fertility products on my Amazon Storefront, HERE.
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