IVF in Summer: Debunking the Myth

Reviewed By: Dr. Anusha Kushanapally, fertility specialist at Ferty9 Fertility Clinic, Warangal

IVF is a common procedure chosen by couples who are having trouble getting pregnant. During this journey, the patient(s) take every step with caution, which helps them stay positive for a fruitful outcome. One of those precautionary measures is not going through the treatment in summer. That is because, under high-temperature conditions (over 37 degrees), the embryos or sperms do not work as effectively as they could have. But is that a scientifically proven fact, or just a misconception prevalent all around?

So, can you undergo IVF in the summer or not?

According to medical studies, summer is a favorable season for a successful pregnancy. This is due to lower stress levels, more physical activity, and increased Vitamin D levels (sun exposure).

In this article, we will help you break the myths associated with not undergoing IVF in summer and discuss the role of technology in dealing with it.

Also Read: Advanced IVF Fertility Labs: What’s New at Ferty9?

The Impact of Summer on In-Vitro Fertilization Outcomes

According to popular belief, Summer, i.e., high temperature, is not beneficial for pregnancy. But if we take science into consideration, IVF in summer is actually a favorable choice. Let’s get a better understanding of it:

Melatonin is a hormone known to induce sleep. It’s primarily produced by the pineal gland in the brain. But that’s not all it does. The hormone is also known to be involved in several other functions in the body, including the regulation of blood pressure and seasonal rhythmicity, which encompasses reproduction. Summer, with its longer days and more sunlight, naturally reduces melatonin production, helping us feel more awake and energetic. This can lead to increased productivity, more time for outdoor activities, and an overall boost in mood.

Summer greatly impacts IVF outcomes, making it a favorable choice for couples to start their journey.

Related Read: Ferty9’s Promise of Affordability

The Role of Vitamin D in Enhancing Reproductive Health

The doctor will prescribe Vitamin D supplements if you undergo an IVF treatment. It is an effective in multiplying your chances of a successful pregnancy. This vitamin increases your IVF success rate in summer and reduces the chances of a miscarriage. In the summer, you get it naturally from sufficient sun exposure.

Along with Vitamin D, women also require another hormone called gonadotropin. Gonadotropins are a critical component of IVF treatment as they stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, which improves the chances of successful fertilization and pregnancy. Gonadotropin levels increase in summer, further indicating it to be a favorable season for IVF.

The Benefits of Reduced Stress Levels on Fertility

It is a well-known fact that stress always negatively impacts your health. This mental state not only affects the fertility ability of women but men as well. If you are undergoing an IVF in the summer, your chances of a successful pregnancy improve. The stress and anxiety levels are always lower as compared to winter.

As the sun begins to shine again, you are quaint and relaxed, and so is your embryo. So you can focus on carrying out the procedure.

The Correlation Between Higher Levels of Physical Activity and Fertility

Winter promotes lethargy, and summer induces energy. During this period, you are more motivated to achieve your fitness goals. This ultimately improves your strength and metabolism while aiding weight management. According to several studies, an increased physical activity level positively impacts the chances of getting pregnant. That’s why the IVF success rate in summer is always better.

Important Considerations for Couples in Summer

Couples, worried about failed IVF attempts, postpone their parenthood. Instead of initiating the process as soon as possible, they wait for the summer to end. That’s because they think the high temperature can affect the success rate.

What the couples don’t realize is that women have a fertility clock behind them that’s always ticking. They are born with a limited egg count, which is reduced over time. Lifestyle, age, and associated diseases can affect men's and women’s fertility levels. So, postponing this procedure is only putting a dent in your dreams.

If you have been trying to conceive naturally only to hit a rocky road, it is important to consult a fertility expert. As a woman, if you are older than 35, waiting for another year is not a good idea. Seek assistance within the next 6 months to start narrowing down the options.

As technology advances continuously, medical sciences have also significantly improved. The latest solutions have made it easier for women to undergo IVF at any time. So, waiting for the right season should no longer be important. IVF in summer is always a viable option for you.

The deciding factors should be your health condition, age, and reason for infertility. Whether you undergo IVF in summer or winter is an insignificant matter.

The Role of Technology in Preserving Fertility

As we are talking about advancing technology, how does it work exactly? What will make you feel confident that summer can also be an IVF-friendly season?

The key is to understand that embryos, eggs, and sperm must be kept in 37-degree surroundings, i.e., the normal body temperature, to grow and survive. Today, as the eggs are collected, the temperature of the incubator or room is adjusted to 37 degrees regardless of the climate or season outdoors.

What wasn’t possible earlier, time-temperature control is now a reality. Irrespective of the temperature and climatic conditions, the room imitates the temperature desired by an embryo for safe growth. This way, the growing baby would feel that it is developing inside a womb rather than an incubator.

Worrying about the right season for a successful IVF is unnecessary.

The Evolving Landscape of Fertility Treatment

The scenario of fertility treatment is significantly improving. Couples always prefer natural pregnancy. But those who dream of becoming parents but have been trying for 10 to 15 years can switch to IVF. With better technologies coming into the picture, you can turn your dreams into a reality.

In countries like UAE and Dubai, where temperature is mostly high, the conditions are not always favourable for an IVF. Owing to the advanced technology introduced here, the results have turned positive.

Let’s understand this through an example:

A couple tried IVF in summer, 3 years back. 6 embryos were collected, of which 1 was transferred, leading to a successful pregnancy. The woman gave birth to a healthy baby boy. The remaining embryos were preserved at -196 °C via a state-of-the-art cryopreservation technique. After 3 years, the same embryos were used again for pregnancy, and the result was positive. This instills trust in the new-age technology so that couples who haven’t been able to get pregnant naturally always have an option.

So, consult your fertility doctor and plan the course of action without stressing about the weather. Your IVF in summer is no longer an unfavorable situation.

Conclusion

Research has shown that successful IVF only requires the right doctor and modern technology. IVF in summer is possible today, and it is time to break free from the shackles of these myths. The medical expert can help you understand the technology and the process. As a hopeful parent, one thing you have to remember is always keeping yourself hydrated. When couples travel a lot, they constantly sweat and dehydrate themselves. So, drink plenty of water and limit your sun exposure. Stay safe, stay healthy! Your successful IVF in summer is just a step away.

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