IVF During Ramadan

How Does Fasting During Ramadan Affect Fertility?

Fasting changes your eating schedule, hydration levels, sleep patterns, and energy balance all of which can influence reproductive health in both women and men.

Impact on Female Fertility

• Hormonal balance depends heavily on nutrition and hydration
• Dehydration may affect egg quality and ovarian response. Couples should aim for 2-3 liters of water between Iftar and Suhoor.
• Fatigue and sleep disruption can increase stress hormones, which may interfere with ovulation. Maintaining sleep hygiene of 7-8 hours daily will help you recover from the stress.

Impact on Male Fertility

• Low fluid intake can reduce semen volume and sperm motility
• Poor nutrition may affect sperm quality and testosterone balance

However, fasting itself does not automatically reduce fertility. With proper hydration and meal planning during Suhoor and Iftar, many couples can maintain reproductive health throughout Ramadan.

Is It Safe to Fast During IVF Treatment?

This depends on where you are in your IVF cycle and your overall health.

IVF Stages and Fasting Safety

Ovarian Stimulation Phase

Most women can fast safely with:

• Adequate hydration between Iftar and Suhoor
• Proper medication timing
• Close medical monitoring

Egg Retrieval Phase and Embryo Transfer Phase

Fasting may be temporarily discouraged on the procedure day due to:

• Pain, bloating, or dizziness
• Need for fluids and rest

Patients may consider timing their IVF cycle to avoid egg retrieval during Ramadan, or scheduling retrieval in early Ramadan when fasting hours are shorter. During Ramadan couples will need to break their fast on the day of procedure. Often safe with caution, but stress reduction and hydration are key.

Medical exemptions from fasting can be made if required, and your health always comes first. At Orchid Fertility Clinic, we encourage patients to consult with their religious advisor alongside Orchid’s medical team.

IVF Medication Scheduling During Ramadan

One of the biggest concerns for patients is:

Will IVF injections break my fast?

From a medical perspective:

• IVF injections can be scheduled before Suhoor or after Iftar. However, time-critical medications like the trigger shot will be adjusted and scheduled by your clinical team keeping in mind your fasting hours.
• Oral medications are also adjusted to non-fasting hours
• Blood tests and scans can continue safely during fasting hours

Fasting does not significantly impact IVF success rates when nutrition, hydration, and medication timing are well managed. With proper medical guidance, many patients can maintain their IVF protocol during Ramadan without compromising treatment outcomes.

Best Suhoor and Iftar Foods to Boost Fertility

Recommended Foods (Include)

At Suhoor

• Oats, whole grains, and brown rice
• Eggs, Greek yogurt, and lentils
• Nuts, seeds, dates, and fruits
• Plenty of water and electrolytes

At Iftar

• Lean proteins (fish, chicken, tofu)
• Vegetables like spinach, broccoli, carrots
• Healthy fats (olive oil, avocado)
• Hydrating foods such as soups and fruits

Key Nutrients for Fertility:

• Folic acid
• Iron
• Vitamin D
• Omega-3 fatty acids

Foods to Avoid or Limit During Fasting

• Excess caffeine (causes dehydration)
• Sugary drinks and desserts
• Fried and processed foods
• Excess salt (increases thirst)

PCOS and Ramadan: Can Fasting Be Beneficial?

For some women with PCOS, structured fasting can:

• Improve insulin sensitivity
• Reduce inflammation
• Support hormonal balance

However, PCOS patients undergoing IVF must be cautious. Skipping nutrients or fluids can worsen symptoms. Always follow a customized plan created by your fertility specialist.

Male Fertility and Fasting: Is It Safe?

Yes, generally healthy men can safely fast during Ramadan while trying to conceive, provided they:

• Stay hydrated after Iftar
• Eat antioxidant-rich foods
• Avoid smoking and excessive caffeine

Healthy fasting may even improve metabolic health, which supports sperm quality when done responsibly, especially when combined with appropriate fertility treatments and medical guidance.

Is Fasting Safe for Pregnant Women?

Pregnant women are religiously exempt from fasting, and medically:

• Fasting can be practiced in early pregnancy but only under supervision of your treating doctor.
• Hydration and stable nutrition are essential for fetal development

If pregnancy occurs after IVF during Ramadan, your doctor may advise stopping fasting immediately.

Post-Ramadan Fertility Reset: How to Rebalance Your Body

After Ramadan, many couples benefit from a fertility reset:

• Re-establish regular meal timings
• Improve hydration levels
• Resume balanced sleep patterns
• Review hormone levels if needed

This is an excellent time to:

• Start IVF
• Resume paused treatment
• Optimise fertility health

Planning Your Fertility Journey: Ramadan 2026 in Dubai

For couples considering fertility planning in Ramadan 2026, early preparation is key. At our fertility clinic in Dubai Healthcare City, we help patients map out their treatment timeline to align with their spiritual commitments.

Timeline Considerations for Ramadan 2026:

• Ramadan begins: February 18, 2026
• Ramadan ends: March 18, 2026

Our Approach to Fertility Care in Dubai:

• Scheduling flexibility around prayer times and Iftar
• Culturally sensitive consultations with respecting couples privacy
• Ramadan-specific individualized treatment protocols
• Privacy and discretion in all aspects of care

Whether you choose to undergo treatment during Ramadan or prefer to plan around it, our team at Dubai Healthcare City is here to support your decision with compassionate, expert guidance.

Why Fertility Clinics Are Especially Important During Ramadan

Ramadan requires special medical sensitivity. At Orchid Fertility Clinic, we provide:

• Flexible appointment scheduling
• Ramadan-friendly medication plans
• Nutrition and hydration counselling
• Culturally respectful fertility care
• Dedicated support for fasting patients

Ramadan Offers at Orchid Fertility Clinic

During this blessed month of Ramadan, Orchid Fertility Clinic Dubai is here to support couples at every step of their fertility journey. Benefit from our exclusive Ramadan fertility consultation packages, get guidance on IVF planning while fasting, and take advantage of special post-Ramadan fertility assessment offers.

Wondering how to plan your IVF cycle around Ramadan 2026? Book a consultation with our fertility specialists.

Disclaimer: ‘’The information provided on this website is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Individual treatment outcomes may vary from one person to another.’’