IVF is not just a medical procedure. It is a carefully timed, multi-step process where small mistakes can affect success rates, cost, and emotional wellbeing. Many couples walk into IVF well prepared medically but still lose chances because of avoidable lifestyle, timing, and compliance errors.
KJK Hospital is one of the best IVF Hospital in Kerala, we often see the same issues repeating across patients who struggle with IVF outcomes. Understanding these mistakes early can significantly improve your chances of success.
1. Delaying IVF for Too Long
One of the most common mistakes is waiting too long before starting IVF.
Egg quality and ovarian reserve decline with age, especially after 35. Delaying treatment reduces both embryo quality and implantation potential, even when hormone levels look acceptable.
How to avoid it
- Seek fertility evaluation after 12 months of trying (6 months if over 35).
- Do not rely only on home remedies or repeated IUI cycles when IVF is already indicated.
2. Not Following Medication Timings Strictly
IVF medications work only when taken at exact times and doses.
Missing injections, delaying doses, or changing times without consulting your doctor can disturb follicle growth, ovulation suppression, and endometrial preparation.
How to avoid it
- Set phone alarms for every injection.
- Keep a medication chart visible at home.
- Contact your fertility team immediately if a dose is missed.
3. Self-Prescribing Supplements and Herbal Medicines
Many patients add fertility supplements or herbal medicines after reading online advice.
Some of these products can interfere with IVF drugs, affect thyroid levels, alter hormone balance, and even reduce implantation chances.
How to avoid it
- Take only supplements prescribed by your fertility specialist.
- Inform your doctor about every pill, powder, or herbal product you use.
4. Ignoring Lifestyle Factors
Lifestyle habits directly affect egg quality, sperm quality, and implantation.
Common issues include smoking, alcohol use, irregular sleep, poor diet, lack of exercise, and excessive caffeine.
How to avoid it
- Stop smoking completely.
- Avoid alcohol during IVF cycles.
- Follow a balanced, protein-rich diet with fruits and vegetables.
- Sleep 7 to 8 hours daily.
- Do moderate physical activity most days.
5. Not Involving the Male Partner in Treatment Planning
IVF is often treated as a woman’s responsibility, while male factors are underestimated.
Sperm quality plays a major role in fertilisation, embryo development, and miscarriage risk.
How to avoid it
- Both partners should attend consultations.
- Male partners should also correct lifestyle habits, weight, smoking, and sleep patterns.
- Semen quality should be monitored as part of IVF planning.
6. Skipping Appointments and Scans
IVF requires multiple scans and blood tests to track follicle growth, hormone levels, and uterine lining.
Missing appointments can cause mistimed egg retrieval or embryo transfer, directly reducing success rates.
How to avoid it
- Plan work and travel around your IVF calendar.
- Never skip scans or blood tests unless advised by your doctor.
7. Overexertion and Heavy Work During Stimulation Phase
Many women continue heavy household work, intense gym routines, or long travel during ovarian stimulation.
This increases discomfort, ovarian torsion risk, dehydration, and hormonal imbalance.
How to avoid it
- Avoid heavy lifting and high-impact exercise.
- Choose walking, stretching, and gentle yoga instead.
- Keep hydration levels high.
8. Expecting Instant Results and Giving Up Too Soon
IVF does not guarantee pregnancy in the first cycle.
Some patients stop treatment after one failed attempt even when prognosis remains good.
How to avoid it
- Understand that IVF success improves over multiple cycles.
- Discuss your realistic cumulative success chances with your doctor.
Focus on progress, not just a single outcome.
Also Read: Factors to consider in the success of IVF
9. Poor Emotional and Mental Health Support
IVF brings anxiety, disappointment, fear, and relationship stress.
Unmanaged emotional stress can lead to treatment fatigue, missed medications, and poor adherence.
How to avoid it
- Talk openly with your partner and care team.
- Consider fertility counselling or support groups.
- Practise relaxation techniques and maintain social connection.
10. Not Clarifying Treatment Plans and Expectations
Many couples proceed with IVF without fully understanding protocols, risks, costs, or next steps.
Confusion often leads to anxiety, mistrust, and delayed decisions.
How to avoid it
- Ask questions at every visit.
- Understand your diagnosis, protocol type, number of embryos transferred, freezing options, and backup plans.
- Keep written copies of your treatment roadmap.
Why Avoiding These Mistakes Matters
Avoiding these common IVF mistakes can help:
- Improve egg and sperm quality
- Increase fertilisation and implantation chances
- Reduce cycle cancellations
- Lower emotional burnout
- Improve overall treatment success
At KJK Hospital, IVF care is designed around personalised protocols, close monitoring, and continuous patient education to prevent avoidable failures.
Conclusion
IVF success depends not only on medical technology but also on patient awareness, discipline, and lifestyle choices. Avoiding these ten common mistakes can significantly improve your chances of achieving a healthy pregnancy. If you are planning IVF or have faced previous failures, consult the fertility specialists at KJK Hospital for a structured, personalised fertility care plan built around your unique needs.
