Effectiveness of a mixed lifestyle program in couples undergoing assisted reproductive technology: a study protocol

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Lifestyle Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Infertility and assisted reproductive technology (ART) impose significant emotional, financial, and psychological burdens on couples.
• Lifestyle factors including nutrition, physical activity, and stress management critically influence fertility outcomes.
• Current ART interventions in Iran often lack integration with comprehensive lifestyle programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of integrated health-promoting lifestyle programs on couples undergoing ART.
• To develop and evaluate a lifestyle intervention tailored for infertile couples utilizing ART.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature review on health-promoting lifestyles in infertile couples undergoing ART.
• Expert panel consensus to design a lifestyle intervention program (diet, physical activity, stress management).
• A randomized clinical trial comparing the intervention group with a standard care control group, assessing outcomes like pregnancy rates and live birth.

Main Results:

• Health-promoting lifestyle programs are essential for improving pregnancy and live birth rates in ART.
• Integrated programs positively influence fertilization outcomes when combined with in-vitro fertilization (IVF).
• Lifestyle modifications reduce anxiety and stress, leading to healthier pregnancy outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Lifestyle interventions are crucial components of assisted reproductive technologies to enhance fertility success.
• Improving parental health through lifestyle changes contributes to better pregnancy outcomes.
• Coping skills and mental health management are vital for addressing fertility challenges in modern life.