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Since the festive season brings an inevitable increase in the consumption of sweets, fried snacks and alcohol, fertility experts say couples who are trying to conceive naturally or through IVF should be more cautious during the holidays. Although overeating for a few days may not cause long-term harm, even short-term intake of high-carbohydrate, high-sugar, and heavily processed foods can temporarily disrupt key reproductive functions.
Dr Mahesh Koregol, Director, National Strategy Group and Senior Clinical Director (Fertility Specialist) at Nova IVF Fertility, Bengaluru, explains how these short-term dietary patterns can affect hormones, egg and sperm health and the timeline of IVF treatment.
How does short-term binge eating affect fertility?
According to Dr. Koregol, eating excess sweets and fried foods for a short period of time does not have any significant effect on fertility. However, there may still be consequences to the immediate metabolic changes resulting from the festive diet. Sudden insulin spikes, swelling and fluid retention can interfere with reproductive hormones. These fluctuations can affect egg quality, sperm motility, and even early embryo implantation.
“Many couples undergoing IVF are unaware that insulin spikes and inflammation affect egg quality, sperm motility and implantation,” he says. He added that reducing junk food intake during the treatment cycle can help stabilize the body’s biochemical environment.
Can 2-3 weeks of poor festive diet affect the menstrual cycle?
One of the most common questions couples ask is whether short-term changes in diet during the holidays can alter menstrual cycles. Dr. Koregol has confirmed that this can happen.
He says, “Two to three weeks of poor diet during the festival can unbalance the hormones to some extent. Even minor changes in weight lead to hormonal changes, leading to delayed menstruation.” For those planning IVF cycles in December-January, such a delay may push back treatment timelines or impact ovulation monitoring.
Top diet mistakes couples make during festivals
Dr. Koregol highlights three common patterns that negatively impact fertility:
- Irregular eating patterns: Long gaps between meals lead to sugar cravings, leading to excessive consumption of sweets. These spikes worsen inflammation and insulin resistance, which are harmful to egg and sperm health.
- Excessive fried and oily foods: These trigger oxidative stress, which can impair sperm motility and affect egg maturation.
- High-sugar beverages, tea and coffee: Frequent consumption of sweetened beverages increases insulin levels and can worsen conditions like PCOS, affecting ovulation.
He advises, “Eat on time and don’t stay hungry for a long time. When you are hungry for a long time, you will crave sugar-rich food, which would be wrong.”
Dietary Guidelines for Couples Trying to Conceive
Dr Koregol recommends adopting a disciplined approach during the festivals, especially for couples undergoing IVF:
- Prioritize fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to stabilize insulin levels and reduce inflammation.
- Avoid excessive oils, fried foods and sweets, which hinder metabolic balance.
- Maintain regular meal times to prevent cravings and hormonal fluctuations.
- Hydrate adequately, especially after heavy meals or alcohol consumption.
- Include anti-inflammatory foods like green leafy vegetables, nuts, berries and omega-3-rich options.
“Fruits, vegetables and more dietary fiber keep you satiated longer and support overall reproductive health,” he says.
For couples planning IVF or trying to conceive naturally, balancing festive joy with mindful eating can help maintain hormonal stability and support fertility outcomes during the holiday season.
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