Is the 'fertility detox' a myth? Fertility specialist Dr Shikha Malik explains everything about cleansing before IVF

Find out if a fertility detox can cleanse your body before IVF. Explore essential health tips and practices to boost your success.

Detox diets and cleanses are gaining attention among people preparing for IVF, but healthy, evidence-based habits matter more than quick fixes. Preparing for IVF can make couples more conscious about their health and lifestyle. This has also led to growing interest in the “fertility detox” trend, where people follow juice cleanses, restrictive diets, herbal products, or supplements in the hope of removing toxins and improving fertility.

Self-cycle IVF: Fertility expert explains what donor cycle IVF is, and who benefits from it (Twitter/Mz_enaj)

By Tavishi Dogra

Tavishi Dogra is a Deputy Chief Content Producer, Health & Wellness, at Hindustan Times. She has over 9 years of experience writing about fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, translating medical research and expert insights into practical advice readers can trust.

Career journey and experience
Tavishi began her health journalism journey in 2017, and has since reported for RSTV, Financial Express, Jagran, HT Media Labs and Zee. She joined Hindustan Times to simplify wellness subjects by cutting through jargon.

From decoding health trends and interviewing doctors to testing fitness routines herself, Tavishi always approaches content with one filter: “Will this help someone make a better decision today?”

Subject expertise
With 9+ years tracking India’s health conversations, Tavishi knows the gap between clinical advice and daily life. She knows fads from fundamentals and curates science-backed, expert-recommended solutions.

In fitness, she breaks down bodyweight training, recovery, and posture fixes for desk-bound readers. In nutrition, she translates guidelines into affordable, desi meal tweaks. In mental well-being, she focuses on stigma-free, actionable tools — all backed by research, expert input, and lived context.

Education and professional background
Tavishi holds a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and began her career reporting on public affairs for broadcast. Those early years in policy and TV shaped how she writes today: fast, factual, and human-first.

Editorial Philosophy
I write with one single goal: To simplify health in a world full of noise by finding what’s actually doable, safe, and evidence-based for my readers. I test claims against research and user experiences. When all else fails, I speak to the expert who sees 50 patients a day, not the one with the most followers.

Read moreRead less

"While the idea may sound appealing, there is limited evidence that a special detox can 'cleanse' the reproductive system or improve IVF success. The body already has natural systems, mainly the liver and kidneys, that process and remove waste. Instead of looking for a quick cleanse before IVF, focus on overall health and follow medical advice," Dr Shikha Malik, Fertility Specialist, Nova IVF Fertility, Kalyan, Mumbai, tells Health Shots.

What does a fertility detox usually involve?

Fertility detox programs can include fasting, juice diets, eliminating certain foods, herbal drinks, or taking multiple supplements. Some programs may also promote products that claim to balance hormones or remove toxins from the body. However, there is no established medical detox that can clean the uterus, ovaries, or sperm before IVF. Some restrictive diets can also make it difficult to get enough protein, vitamins, minerals, and calories.

Can detox improve IVF success?

There is no strong evidence that detox diets directly improve egg quality, sperm quality, implantation, or IVF success rates. Fertility is influenced by several factors, including age, ovarian reserve, sperm health, underlying medical conditions, and the cause of infertility. Rather than focusing on detoxification, couples should work with their fertility specialist to identify factors that can actually be addressed before treatment.

What should couples focus on before IVF?

A balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, pulses, nuts, seeds, and adequate protein can support overall health. Regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and maintaining a healthy weight are also important. Smoking and tobacco should be avoided, and alcohol intake should be discussed with the treating doctor. Existing conditions such as diabetes, thyroid problems, or high blood pressure should also be appropriately managed.

Tips before starting IVF

The “fertility detox” trend may sound like a simple way to prepare the body for IVF. Still, there is no proven cleanse that can remove reproductive “toxins” or guarantee better fertility outcomes.

• Avoid extreme fasting or restrictive detox diets.

• Do not take herbal products or supplements without medical advice.

• Eat a balanced and varied diet.

• Stay physically active as advised.

• Get adequate sleep.

• Avoid smoking and tobacco.

• Discuss medicines and supplements with your fertility specialist.

• Follow the IVF team's recommendations and prescribed treatment.

A healthier approach is to focus on nutrition, sleep, physical activity, medical conditions, and evidence-based fertility care. Before starting any detox, diet, or supplement program, couples should discuss it with their fertility specialist.

(Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.)