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When it comes to IVF, some women believe what you eat plays a big part in increasing the likelihood of getting pregnant.
With around 52,500 women having in vitro fertilisation each year in the UK, with an average success rate of 31%, it’s natural couples are trying everything to increase their odds.
Tomatoes are touted as a fertility superfood online, while others champion pomegranate juice and pineapple cores, which supposedly increase blood flow and are anti-inflammatory.
And, surprisingly, McDonald’s fries are increasingly being hailed as the most effective IVF snack.
On TikTok, countless videos show women sitting in their cars after an embryo transfer, eating chips with their partner in the hopes that it’ll help the baby ‘stick’.
Some creators claim the salt content helps the embryo attach to the womb lining, and others say it makes the lining thicker for implantation.
But while there are few things in life that are better than a fresh, salty fast food hit, a portion of chips is unlikely to have any tangible impact on your reproductive system.
As Dr Radha Venkatakrishnan, consultant gynaecologist and specialist in reproductive medicine and surgery at CREATE Fertility, a trip to Maccies isn’t going to be the deciding factor in a pregnancy.
‘There is no evidence that eating McDonald’s fries after an embryo transfer improves implantation or helps an embryo stick,’ she tells Metro.
‘An embryo does not attach because of the salt in a particular meal, and eating fries after the transfer cannot suddenly thicken the womb lining.
‘The lining has already developed in response to the patient’s natural hormones or fertility medication before the transfer takes place.’
It’s likely that the McDonald’s fries myth stemmed from the early days of IVF when fresh transfers were more common, which led to a higher risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).
This medical condition is essentially the body overreacting to fertility medications used to stimulate egg growth, causing the ovaries to swell and fluid to leak into the belly.
Although it can often resolve on its own, eating salty foods following egg retrieval was sometimes recommended to help avoid OHSS, with doctors saying the sodium may help draw excess fluid back into the blood vessels.
‘Advice relating to salt and hydration has sometimes been discussed in the context of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, but that is very different from improving implantation,’ Dr Radha explains.
What do you think about the McDonald's fries IVF myth?
‘Anyone experiencing bloating, pain, vomiting, breathlessness or rapid weight gain after egg collection should contact their clinic rather than attempting to manage the symptoms with salty food.’
According to pharmacist Thorrun Govind, taking it back to basics with your food is a better option if you’re looking to improve your odds.
‘A balanced, healthy diet is important before and during IVF, rather than deliberately increasing your intake of salt and sat,’ she tells Metro.
‘I urge people to seek advice from healthcare professionals who can provide evidence-based guidance, rather than relying on social media trends.’
Still, there’s no harm to the McDonald’s trend. If anything, it’s responsible for creating a newfound sense of community on IVF TikTok.
Many who shared videos eating chips after fertility treatment have received countless supportive comments, while friends and family now send videos enjoying a portion in solidarity.
So although this post-transfer treat is unlikely to affect the outcome, if it brings you joy, it’s worth it.
‘If fries have become part of someone’s IVF ritual, they can enjoy them without feeling guilty,’ Dr Radha says. ‘They should simply be seen as comfort food, not fertility treatment.’
Essentially, feel free to hit the drive-thru — but don’t pin your hopes on it.
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