What to Avoid During IVF Injections

Going through in vitro fertilization (IVF) is a journey filled with hope, anticipation, and a little bit of anxiety. Whether this is your first cycle or you’ve been through the process before, IVF injections are one of the biggest parts of the experience. They’re the step where science and your body work together to give you the best chance at creating life. So it’s completely normal to wonder: “Am I doing this right? Is there anything I should be avoiding?”

The answer is yes. Below, we walk you through all the dos and don’ts of giving yourself daily shots and what to avoid during IVF injections. 

How IVF injections work

Before we get into what not to do, let’s first understand what IVF injections are actually doing inside your body. IVF treatment relies on stimulating your ovaries to produce multiple eggs in a single cycle, unlike a typical menstrual cycle, where you release just one. To make this happen, your doctor will prescribe a series of injections containing hormones that guide your body through this process.

There are several types of injections you'll encounter during IVF treatment:

• Ovarian stimulation medications (gonadotropins): These stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
• Ovulation suppressants: These prevent premature ovulation so the eggs can be retrieved at the perfect time.
• Trigger shot: This is the final push to mature the eggs for retrieval.

What to avoid during IVF injections

Lifestyle choices play a big role in fertility. Now that you have a better understanding of how IVF injections work, let’s talk about the things to stay clear of during this phase to ensure IVF success.

1. Skipping injections

It may seem like a simple reminder, but this is one of the most critical rules during IVF. The medications you’re injecting are time-sensitive, and following your injection schedule as closely as possible can make a major difference in how well your ovaries respond. Even being off by an hour can, in some cases, throw off the IVF cycle.

If you happen to forget a dose or make a timing mistake, don’t panic, but give your clinic a call right away. They’re used to these calls and may be able to help you adjust or correct course. Many women find it helpful to set alarms on their phone, write reminders on their bathroom mirror, or even ask a partner or friend to be their “shot buddy” and help them stay on track.

2. Alcohol 

When you're doing IVF injections, your body is already in hormone overdrive, and it’s best not to add more stressors to the system. Alcohol is one of those substances to avoid during this time — some research found that those who abstained from drinking were twice as likely to conceive. Not only can it interfere with liver function (which processes many of your medications), but it may also negatively affect egg quality and implantation rates. That glass of wine may be tempting after a stressful appointment, but it's wise to hold off until after your retrieval or when your doctor gives the green light.

3. Strenuous exercise

If you’re a gym regular or someone who de-stresses with some high-intensity interval training, you may need to dial things back for a little while. As your ovaries enlarge during stimulation, they become more sensitive and prone to twisting — an extremely painful condition known as ovarian torsion, which is serious and requires immediate evaluation in the emergency room.

This doesn’t mean you have to stop exercising altogether. Moderate exercise is still recommended as a way to boost fertility, just don’t overexert yourself. Gentle movement like walking, slow-paced yoga, or swimming can still be great for mental and physical health. Just avoid high-intensity exercise — sorry, that marathon is going to have to wait. Think of this as your body’s rest-and-restore phase. 

4. Herbal supplements 

During an IVF cycle, it’s tempting to want to boost your chances by taking extra vitamins, fertility teas, or natural remedies. But this is a time when less is more, especially when it comes to things you put in your body. 

While some studies suggest that certain herbs could improve pregnancy outcomes, the truth is that the safety and effectiveness of these supplements aren’t well established, especially in IVF settings. Some herbs could even pose risks to a developing embryo, which is especially concerning during such a crucial time.

Even though some IVF patients still take herbal supplements during fertility treatment (sometimes against medical advice), this highlights a big need for better education on the topic. Your doctor is the best person to guide you here.

The supplement industry is also highly unregulated, so always check with your healthcare provider before adding anything new to your routine, no matter how “natural” it may seem.

5. Smoking, vaping, and recreational drugs 

It’s no secret that smoking harms fertility, but during IVF, the risks are even more concerning. Smoking reduces ovarian reserve, damages egg quality, and can negatively impact embryo development, leading to lower IVF success rates. Even if you’ve already quit, exposure to secondhand smoke or vaping nicotine can still pose problems.

And while CBD and marijuana might seem like natural ways to relieve stress, the science around how THC affects fertility and early pregnancy is still emerging, and not reassuring. Most fertility specialists recommend steering clear of both CBD and cannabis products during IVF. If you’re feeling anxious or having trouble sleeping, there are other safe options your clinic can recommend to help you cope without interfering with treatment.

6. Poor diet  

When you’re going through IVF injections, what you eat may play a big role in how your body responds (and possibly even in your overall success). Though there are no strict nutritional guidelines for people undergoing IVF, research has linked certain dietary habits with better fertility outcomes. Think of a healthy diet as part of your fertility toolkit. Certain diets, like the Mediterranean or profertility diet, have been linked to better IVF outcomes. These eating styles focus on whole foods: lots of leafy greens, fruits, whole grains, legumes, lean protein, and healthy fats like olive oil. They also favor fish and seafood over red or processed meats.

You’ll also want to make sure you’re getting enough folic acid (at least 400 micrograms daily), omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D. Folic acid supports healthy embryo development, while omega-3s have been tied to improved reproductive health.

On the flip side, there are some IVF foods to avoid. Cutting back on things like red meat, fried foods, trans fats, and highly processed foods can make a difference. These have been linked to lower fertility and may impact how your body reacts during treatment. 

7. Winging the injection technique 

Sticking yourself with a needle every day is nobody’s favorite part of IVF. But how you give your injections matters just as much as when. Common mistakes include injecting too shallow or too deep, forgetting to rotate injection sites (which can lead to bruising), or not allowing the alcohol wipe to dry before injecting, which can sting.

Don’t be shy about asking your nurse to demonstrate the injections again, even if it’s your second or third IVF cycle. Watching a video approved by your clinic can also help, as can having someone with you for the first few days to talk it through. You might find that warming the medication slightly in your hands makes it easier to inject, or that a little ice before and after helps reduce discomfort.

8. Comparing your journey to others 

Every IVF journey is unique. It can be so tempting to compare your response, your follicle count, or your symptoms to someone else’s, especially if you’re part of an online support group. But the truth is, no two women respond to IVF the same way. One woman might retrieve five eggs and get pregnant. Another might have 30 eggs but no success that cycle. Fertility is deeply personal, and progress looks different for everyone.

It’s okay to feel envious or discouraged when you hear others’ success stories, but try not to let them make you question your path. Stay focused on your own fertility journey, and give yourself grace.

FAQ

What precautions should be taken during IVF injections?

When you’re going through IVF injections, it’s really important to follow your doctor’s instructions closely to ensure everything goes well. Take some time to understand your medication schedule; knowing the timing and dosage is key to making the treatment successful. Don’t forget to store your medications properly, too. Some need to be kept in the fridge, while others can stay at room temperature. Before you give yourself an injection, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly and find a clean, dry spot to work. Clean the injection site, usually around your abdomen or thigh, and remember to rotate the sites to avoid any irritation or bruising. If you’re feeling a bit nervous, it’s totally okay to reach out to your nurse or doctor for help. Make sure to keep an eye on how your body is feeling. If you notice anything unusual, like excessive swelling, pain, or signs of an allergic reaction, be sure to let your healthcare team know. Also, try to avoid intense workouts during stimulation, since enlarged ovaries can be more sensitive. Lastly, remember to take care of yourself. Reduce stress, get plenty of rest, and stay hydrated.

What to do and not do during IVF stimulation?

During IVF stimulation, your body is working overtime to produce multiple eggs, so it's essential to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally. Follow your medication schedule exactly as prescribed, as the timing of your hormone injections is critical for egg development. Stay in close contact with your fertility clinic and attend all monitoring appointments so your doctor can track your progress and adjust medications if necessary. Remember to hydrate well and eat a balanced diet — consider a Mediterranean or pro-fertility style diet. Try to get enough rest and incorporate gentle exercise, such as walking or light yoga, to help manage stress without putting strain on your body. Emotional self-care is also important, so lean on your support system or talk to a counselor if you feel overwhelmed. There are certain things you should avoid: high-impact or strenuous workouts, as your ovaries will be enlarged and more sensitive; skipping or adjusting your medications on your own; and consuming alcohol, smoking, or using recreational drugs, as these can negatively impact your treatment. Additionally, avoid starting any new supplements, especially herbal ones, without consulting your doctor.

What not to eat and drink during IVF?

There’s no one-size-fits-all IVF diet or official set of dietary guidelines, but your overall eating habits still play a big role in supporting your health and treatment outcomes. That means avoiding certain foods and drinks is just as important as choosing nourishing ones. Steer clear of alcohol, trans fats, heavily processed foods, and red or processed meats, which have been linked to lower IVF success rates. Also, avoid high-mercury fish like swordfish and king mackerel, as well as unpasteurized dairy and undercooked meats or eggs, to minimize the risk of foodborne illness. And while herbal teas or supplements might sound like a natural boost, they’re not well-regulated and can interfere with your treatment, so skip those unless your doctor gives the green light. Even though there’s no perfect “fertility diet,” eating a well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet can help support your body through the IVF journey and beyond.