Whether planned or not, a FET is a walk in the park compared to a fresh cycle.  There are still medications involved if you choose to do a medicated FET but it is much easier on the body for sure.

I like medicated FETs because they are controlled and in the world of IVF, if you have been in it, through it or are still stuck there, there is very little control with the entire process so any chance you have to grab, I say ‘go for it’.  After a fresh cycle, going through a FET it seems like you should be doing something- there are very few appointments, no follicle growth checks, no e2 increase worries really, and not that many injections depending on your protocol. So, what are we to do with all of the idle time?!

Some of the things we have researched on GenderDreaming.com have become a checklist of sorts for those going through a FET- a must have.  A few of those tricks of the trade are:

Cayenne Pepper:

There is no other herb which increases your blood flow faster than cayenne. Cayenne moves blood. When people ask Dr. Schultze, “What are the 10 most important herbs to have in the home?” He tells them, “At the top of the list iscayenne pepper, because it will make the other 9 work better.”

Cayenne is the greatest blood circulation stimulant known. Cayenne increases your blood circulation immediately within seconds, more than any other herb.

When you have a sick area, there’s often a restriction of blood flow to that area. Blood flow is what takes nutrition and the healing properties of herbs to those cells. Blood flow is also what carries out and removes waste material.Cayenne pepper is like TNT. It blasts through all that blockage to get to that area which is sick, taking with it all the minerals and vitamins from the foods you eat, and all the vital chemicals from the herbs you take – all the way to the sick area.

It is recommended that the cayenne powder be used, as opposed to capsules. It is believed that you are only getting a small part of the potential effect of cayenne pepper by taking it in capsules. When you put cayenne in your mouth, your stomach secretes digestive juices before the cayenne ever gets there. So when the cayenne gets down there, your stomach is ready for it.

What is going on is that some of cayenne’s healing action occurs right in your mouth. As cayenne touches your tongue, the cayenne absorbs in seconds and nerve endings send signals throughout the body – sending waves of fresh blood throughout your body.

This herb is a great food for the circulatory system in that it feeds the necessary elements into the cell structure of the arteries, veins and capillaries so that these regain the elasticity of youth again, and the blood pressure adjusts itself to normal. It rebuilds the tissue in the stomach and heals the stomach and intestinal ulcers; in equalizing the blood circulation, Cayenne produces natural warmth in your body; and in stimulating the peristaltic motion of the intestines, it aids in assimilation and elimination.

• Cayenne regulates the flow of blood from the head to the feet so that the pressure is equalized; it influences the heart immediately, then gradually extends its effects to the arteries, capillaries, and nerves (the frequency of the pulse is not increased, but is given more vigor).

• Human circulation; it is warming; dilating; specific for varicose veins; equalizes the blood pressure in the arterial and venous system; equalizes blood pressure instantly actually.

• Cayenne is useful in alleviating allergies, muscle cramp, improving digestion, gives more pep and energy, and helps wound healing with minimal scar tissue.

• Cayenne is a counter-irritant; it brings blood to the surface and allows the toxins to be taken away.

Pineapple Core(Bromelain):

Bromelain is an extract derived from the stems of pineapples, although it exists in all parts of the fresh plant and fruit, which has many uses. The extract has a history of folk and modern medicinal use. As a supplement it is thought to have anti-inflammatory effects and may aid with implantation of the embryo(s).

Avocados:

There is a small study that suggests eating avocados more than triples the success rates with IVF.  It is said to be due to the type of fat consumed.

The study took place among 147 women having IVF at the Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center.

Their intake of different dietary fats was recorded and the outcome of fertility treatment compared between the highest and lowest third of intake in each category.

Women eating the highest levels of all types of fat had fewer good eggs available for use in treatment.

Prof Chavarro said the link was driven by saturated fat intake, while high levels of polyunsaturated fat consumption produced poorer quality embryos.

Higher intakes of monounsaturated fat were linked to a 3.4 times higher live birth rate than those with the lowest intake.

Warm Liquids:

If you have ever had acupuncture done, you may be familiar with the term “cold uterus”. Some people say cold feet, cold uterus.  After you ovulate, progesterone rises and this warms the body. The thought behind the warm liquids is to help the body keep itself at the optimum temperature for implantation to occur and downing an ice cold water or diet coke is just not advisable prior to transfer.  Ginger teas and room temperature drinks are the way to go.

L-arginine:

Again, focusing on blood flow, L-arginine may be helpful.  L-arginine is converted in the body into a chemical called nitric oxide. Nitric oxide causes blood vessels to open wider for improved blood flow. L-arginine also stimulates the release of growth hormone, insulin, and other substances in the body.
Hope these help and your Frosties are in your arms very soon!