How a Fertility Dietitian Can Improve Your IVF Success Rates
Support from Cameron Sisler - Fertility Dietitian in St. Louis - will come in 3 distinct phases when you are navigating IVF to grow your family. Already involved with IVF? No problem - we can jump in at whatever point you are in your journey!
Phase 1: Preparing for an IVF Cycle
Why this phase matters
Before starting stimulation medications, the body is laying the groundwork for egg quality, stress management, hormone balance, and uterine readiness. Both egg and sperm have about a 90-120 day “lag time” between the start of recruitment and ovulation/ejaculation.
Research demonstrates that a person’s pre-conception diet can influence outcomes in assisted reproduction. For example, one study of women undergoing ART found that higher adherence to a so-called “pro-fertility” diet (rich in whole grains, low-pesticide produce, seafood, dairy, vitamin B12, and vitamin D) was associated with higher odds of live birth. (1)
Another large‐scale cohort found distinct associations between pre-conception dietary patterns and IVF intermediate outcomes (normal fertilization, transferable embryos) in women undergoing IVF. (2)
Phase 1 Focus Areas
Improve sperm & egg quality: I will help you implement a diet abundant in fiber and antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and targeted supplement routines based on lab work and symptoms. (3)
Target chronic inflammatory conditions (like endometriosis and PCOS): In conditions like PCOS and endometriosis, nutrition and lifestyle interventions play a role in managing insulin resistance and systemic inflammation. For example, anti-inflammatory diet patterns were associated with a lower risk of infertility related to ovulation dysfunction. (4)
Support metabolism and blood sugar balance: You’ll receive education and strategies to help with consistent meal timing and protein-fat-fiber inclusion, while still eating foods you enjoy!
Phase 1 in Real Life
If possible, I try to start working with clients on implementing this plan at least 3–6 months before your IVF cycle when possible. We will focus on nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory eating, stabilizing blood sugar, and gentle lifestyle modifications to create optimal body conditions.
Phase 2: During IVF Stimulation & After Your Egg Retrieval
Why this phase matters
During ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, and the days immediately after, your body is under increased hormonal, metabolic and recovery demands. Supporting nutrition and lifestyle here can optimize recovery, reduce stress, and support egg (and ultimately embryo) development.
Phase 2 Focus Areas
Healing & recovery meals: We will prioritize easily digestible, nutrient-dense meals with quality protein, healthy fats, colorful vegetables, and whole grains.
Hydration & electrolytes: Drinking abundant water plus mineral-rich fluids (soup, broth, electrolytes) to support increased metabolic load during stims and after retrieval.
Small, frequent meals/snacks: If the stimulation phase brings nausea or appetite changes, we can plan mini-meals every 3–4 hours with carbs + protein + fat + fiber.
Lifestyle support: Prioritizing sleep (>7 hrs), gentle movement rather than heavy workouts, and stress-reducing practices (breathwork, meditation, therapy) to support cortisol and hormone balance.
Phase 2 in Real Life
This phase is about supporting the body, not restricting. We’ll work together to build a short-term plan for nutritional recovery and hormonal support. Keeping meals simple, comforting and nutrient-dense reduces overwhelm while maximizing benefit.
Phase 3: Before & After Embryo Transfer
Why this phase is critical
The window before transfer and during the “two-week wait” is crucial for uterine lining readiness, implantation potential and stress management. Your body craves stability, nourishment and emotional grounding.
Phase 3 Focus Areas
Nutrition Focus
Uterine lining boosting foods, like those naturally high in nitrates (beets) and vitamin E (nuts and seeds) can help your body build up a nice cushy lining for your embryo.
Avoid major diet overhauls during this window; focus on consistency, nourishment and trust.
Create easy to execute meal and snack plans with built-in comfort.
Stress reduction & lifestyle
Manage the “two-week wait”: I will help you focus on low-stress routines, like short nature walks, restorative yoga, journaling gratitude or hopes, and planning social connection
Supplements & monitoring
I will provide guidance on which supplements to continue, and which you should stop (all to be cleared by your medical doctor).
Phase 3 in Real Life
The window around transfer and your 2 week wait is about steady support, not drastic change. As a Registered Dietitian who specializes in fertility, I can help you curate a nutrition and lifestyle plan that minimizes stress, maximizes nourishment and supports implantation.
TL/DR
Working with a fertility dietitian offers you:
Personalized nutrition strategy aligned with your IVF cycle, labs and diagnosis
Evidence-based dietary and supplement guidance backed by research
Practical meal plans AND lifestyle support for recovery and stress management
Support starting from pre-IVF groundwork all the way through to your BFP!
While no diet guarantees success, strategic nutrition improves your internal environment — supporting egg quality, hormonal balance, uterine readiness and implantation potential. Working together with your fertility team, a dietitian becomes a key part of your “optimal health for IVF” team.
Remember: Your body needs nourishment, not perfection. The goal is consistency, support and empowerment — from pre-cycle preparation, to pregnancy, and beyond.
References:
Gaskins, A. J., Chiu, Y.-H., Williams, P. L., Gillman, M. W., Rexrode, K. M., Souter, I., … Chavarro, J. E. (2019). Dietary patterns and outcomes of assisted reproduction. Nutrition & Metabolism, 16, 10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12986-019-0344-1
Wu, S., Zhang, X., Zhao, X., Hao, X., Zhang, S., Li, P., & Tan, J. (2022). Preconception dietary patterns and associations with IVF outcomes: An ongoing prospective cohort study. Frontiers in Nutrition, 9, 808355. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.808355
Gaskins, A. J., & Chavarro, J. E. (2018). Diet and fertility: A review. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 218(4), 379–389. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2017.08.010
Alesi, S., Villani, A., Mantzioris, E., Takele, W. W., Cowan, S., Moran, L. J., & Mousa, A. (2022). Anti‑Inflammatory Diets in Fertility: An Evidence Review.Nutrients, 14(19), 3914. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14193914
Cameron Sisler, MS, RD, LDN is a registered dietitian who has spent six years working in higher levels of care, helping clients navigate the complex journey of eating disorder recovery. She is also St. Louis’s leading expert on fertility nutrition, and has used science-backed nutrition and lifestyle guidance to help many people achieve their dream of conceiving. Cameron loves cooking and developing new recipes, and uses her skills in the kitchen to help clients find nutritional solutions that fit their taste preference and lifestyle.