Fertility is influenced by more than just IVF or fertility treatments. The choices you make every day – from your diet to your stress levels – can significantly impact your chances of conceiving and your overall well-being throughout the process. At ISIS Clinic in Nicosia, we guide couples and individuals on how simple nutrition and lifestyle habits can help prepare the body for pregnancy and support success with assisted reproduction.

One of the most important steps is following a Mediterranean-style diet, which research published in Human Reproduction shows can increase IVF success rates by as much as 65 to 68 percent. This diet emphasizes fresh vegetables, fruits, olive oil, herbs, legumes, nuts, seeds, fish, and seafood, along with moderate amounts of eggs, goat and sheep dairy, and lean meats such as chicken, turkey, and rabbit. Red meat is consumed sparingly, usually just once a week, while processed foods and excess sugars are kept to a minimum. Natural additions like wild greens, mushrooms, honey, grape syrup, and royal jelly can also provide valuable nutrients. Outside of treatment cycles, a small amount of red wine may be acceptable, but moderation remains key.

Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is equally important. Excess body weight or obesity can disrupt ovulation and alter reproductive hormones, while being underweight can lead to irregular or absent menstrual cycles. Both extremes can reduce the likelihood of conception, whether naturally or with IVF. A body mass index between 20 and 25 is ideal, and gradual, sustainable adjustments to diet and activity are far more effective than extreme diets or rapid weight loss.
Exercise, when done in moderation, further supports fertility. Just thirty minutes of daily activity — a brisk walk, light cycling, yoga, or swimming — helps regulate hormones, improves circulation, and reduces stress. Overtraining, however, can disrupt ovulation and should be avoided.

Stress management is another vital factor in fertility. Studies show that couples with higher stress levels before embryo transfer experience lower pregnancy rates. Incorporating relaxation practices such as breathing exercises, yoga, calming music, and positive visualization can lower stress and promote emotional balance, creating a healthier environment for conception.
Finally, adopting a healthy lifestyle goes beyond diet and exercise. Quitting smoking, limiting alcohol to one to three drinks per week, and reducing caffeine to no more than two cups of coffee per day can protect reproductive health. Choosing organic foods when possible, avoiding exposure to pesticides and preservatives, switching to natural cleaning and skincare products, storing food in glass containers rather than plastic or aluminum, and drinking clean, filtered water are all simple yet powerful steps to create a healthier environment for both partners.

Small, consistent changes can make a meaningful difference in fertility outcomes. By aligning your nutrition, activity, stress management, and daily habits, you can enhance your chances of conception and improve your overall well-being during this important time. At ISIS Clinic, we encourage all our patients to integrate these practices as part of their fertility journey.
For more guidance on preparing your body for conception and exploring fertility treatment options, contact ISIS Clinic in Nicosia today and take the next step toward growing your family.