Advice leading up to ICSI

[LRH001]

Does anyone have any advice leading up to ICSI - We are two weeks away from starting our treatment for the first time so wondered if anyone had any good advice. Things to do and not to do, eat and not to eat etc

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi LRH001. Obviously, it is important to keep as fit as possible during this time and try and keep within a normal BMI range, not to gain any weight. A good pre-treatment diet consists of a varied diet of course, but just to help, I have listed some of the “good” things to have:

Carbohydrates - Wholegrain bread and wholemeal pasta, oatmeal, brown rice

all fresh vegetables especially raw or steamed. Over boiling rids them of vitamins and minerals, pineapple juice, apricots, potatoes, all fruit and honey, beans, chickpeas and lentils.

Protein - Organic meat if possible, poultry, fish, Milk and hard cheese, nuts and seeds.

Fat - Extra virgin olive oil and sunflower oil, avocado and peanut butter,

Mackerel, sardines, nuts (especially Brazil and walnuts), seeds, sweet corn and sweet potatoes.

The things to avoid are too much sugar, processed foods, ready meals, butter, ice cream etc. A little is OK, but not all the time. Drink plenty of water and only a little tea and coffee if feeling deprived. Cut right down or right out – alcohol and smoking. Oh and don’t forget the Folic Acid! Hope this helps and all the best with the ICSI. Diane

[LRH001 in reply to DianeArnold]

Thank you very much, I really appreciate it.

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Pleasure! If I can help at all just get back in touch - privately if you prefer. Diane

[hopeandfaith1985]

Hi LRH001 me and my partner are having to have ICSI too, I start taking norethistorone on the 19th June and then it's all go for us! when you say you're starting your treatment have you had all your tests and stuff done? If you need a chat you can always private message me x x x

[LRH001 in reply to hopeandfaith1985]

Hi, yes we have had all the tests and are due to start the the injections on the 14th, Gonal first and then onto Cetrotide after day 6. I just wonder about the other side of things apart from the drugs. Foods and drinks, activities to avoid during the 2 weeks period etc. I am also having accupuncture. I am unsure if it actually works but the clinic has said it doesn't do any harm so am going to go for it.

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi LRH001. Dietary info the same as above. Regarding exercise - nothing too aggressive, but walking and swimming should not be a problem. Just make sure that you can rest for a few days during egg retrieval and after embryo transfer to give your body time to recover from all the procedures and while implantation is taking place. Plenty of water to drink too. Some believe that pineapple juice can be of benefit as well. Diane