What Not to Buy During Infertility: Save Your Money (and Your Energy)
Before I started IVF, I Googled everything. How do I track ovulation? How do I improve my chances? What should I expect? I’m a scientist. I like to be prepared. I want to know my options- how can I maximize my chance at success. What I found—the internet had opinions. Eat pineapple core. Take these supplements. Buy these crystals. Use this essential oil blend. Read this manifestation book. Try acupuncture. Cut out gluten. Eliminate dairy. Stand on your head after transfer. Eat warming foods.
I tried some of it. Spent money on things that were supposed to help. And here's what I learned: Most of it was expensive nonsense.
Some things genuinely helped (I wrote about those here . But a lot of what's marketed to people going through infertility is either useless, pseudoscience, or actively harmful. So here's the list nobody wants to admit: What NOT to waste your money on during infertility treatment.
Not because I'm against hope or trying things. But because you deserve to spend your limited resources—financial and emotional—on things that actually matter.
THE FOODS THAT "HELP IMPLANTATION"
Pineapple Core (The Biggest Myth)
What they say: Eat pineapple core for 5 days after transfer. The bromelain helps with implantation.
The truth: There's zero scientific evidence for this. Bromelain is an enzyme that might have anti-inflammatory properties, but there's no proof it affects implantation. And you'd need to eat unrealistic amounts.
Why it's harmful: Creates false hope. Makes you think you have control over something you don't. And raw pineapple core is genuinely unpleasant to eat.
What to do instead: Eat pineapple if you like pineapple. Skip it if you don't. It won't change your outcome.
Read more:
https://www.ccrmivf.com/blog/pineapple-fertility/
Brazil Nuts (For Selenium)
What they say: Eat 3-4 Brazil nuts daily for selenium, which helps implantation.
The truth: Selenium is important, but you're likely getting enough from your prenatal vitamin. Excess selenium can actually be harmful. Only those with a selenium deficiency may really benefit from eating brazil nuts.
Why it's wasteful: Expensive. Unnecessary if you take a prenatal. Can be toxic when eaten in large amounts.
What to do instead: Take your prenatal vitamin. That's it.
Read more:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10704322/
Pomegranate Juice (For Uterine Lining)
What they say: Drink pomegranate juice daily to thicken your lining.
The truth: If your lining is thin, juice won't fix it. Your doctor has actual medications for that. On the other hand, pomegranate juice may be helpful for sperm quality (seen in a rat study).
Why it's wasteful: Expensive. High in sugar. Gives false sense of control.
What to do instead: Follow your doctor's protocol. If your lining is thin, talk to them about actual medical interventions.
Read more:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18222572/
Fertility-Specific Foods or Diets
What they say: Cut gluten, dairy, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, processed foods, etc.
The truth: Unless you have a diagnosed sensitivity or your doctor specifically recommends it, extreme dietary restrictions don't improve IVF outcomes.
Why it's harmful: Adds stress. Creates food anxiety. Makes you blame yourself if it doesn't work. And during treatment, you need whatever food brings you comfort.
What to do instead: Eat generally healthy. Don't make yourself miserable. Your diet isn't why IVF doesn't work if it doesn't work.
Read more:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8634384/
https://academic.oup.com/humupd/article/29/6/811/7226236
THE SUPPLEMENTS INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX
"Fertility" Supplement Blends
What they say: Special proprietary blends of vitamins and herbs to boost fertility.
The truth: Expensive versions of basic vitamins, often with unproven herbal additives. The dosages are usually the same as regular multivitamins.
Why it's wasteful: You're paying 3-4x more for marketing and pretty packaging.
What to do instead: Take a good prenatal vitamin. Add CoQ10 if your doctor recommends it. That's probably enough.
Fertility Teas
What they say: Special herb blends to balance hormones and improve fertility.
The truth: Most contain herbs that aren't proven to help. Some (like vitex) can actually interfere with your treatment protocol. There is some evidence that green tea phenols may be beneficial for male fertility. Read the review linked here. There is promise that green tea may also be helpful in females, based on rat-based studies.
Why it's harmful: Can interact with medications. Gives false hope. Expensive.
What to do instead: Drink regular tea if you like tea. Ask your RE before taking ANY herbal supplements—even "natural" ones can interfere with treatment.
Excessive Supplements Without Medical Guidance
What they say: Take CoQ10, vitamin E, vitamin D, DHEA, L-arginine, maca root, royal jelly, etc.
The truth: Some supplements have evidence (CoQ10, vitamin D if deficient). But taking everything without testing or doctor guidance is expensive guesswork.
Why it's wasteful: Expensive. Can cause interactions. More isn't always better.
What to do instead: Get tested for deficiencies. Take what your doctor specifically recommends. Don't self-prescribe a pharmacy's worth of supplements.
THE ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS
Fertility Crystals
What they say: Carnelian, moonstone, rose quartz, etc. to balance energy and promote fertility.
The truth: Crystals are rocks. I love a pretty rock or mineral, but its still just that. They don't affect your reproductive system.
Why it's wasteful: You're buying expensive decorative objects being marketed as medical intervention.
What to do instead: They may bring your joy or comfort. Personally, I love crystals and I find them soothing. If that’s you, that’s great. But don't expect them to impact your treatment outcome. And don't spend money you can't afford on them.
Fertility Essential Oils
What they say: Special oil blends to balance hormones, support implantation, reduce stress.
The truth: Essential oils smell nice. That's it. They don't balance hormones. Some (like clary sage) are actually contraindicated during pregnancy.
Why it's harmful: Can be unsafe. Expensive. Creates false expectations.
What to do instead: Use whatever scents you find calming, but don't expect medical results. And research safety during different phases of treatment. Depending on where you are in your journey, essential oils may be risky.
Fertility-Specific Yoga Classes
What they say: Special poses and sequences to boost fertility.
The truth: General yoga for stress relief can be helpful. But there aren't specific poses that make you more fertile. The practice may have health benefits that in turn benefit your treatment.
Why it's wasteful: Paying premium prices for regular yoga marketed to desperate people.
What to do instead: Do regular yoga if you like yoga. Or any movement that feels good. Don't pay extra for "fertility" branding.
THE MINDSET/MANIFESTATION INDUSTRY
"Positive Thinking Will Make You Pregnant" Books
What they say: Visualize pregnancy. Manifest your baby. Think positive thoughts. Release negative energy.
The truth: Your thoughts don't control your embryos. Millions of anxious, stressed people get pregnant. Millions of positive, calm people don't.
Why it's harmful: Makes you feel responsible for treatment failure. Adds guilt on top of grief. Suggests your mindset is the problem.
What to do instead: Feel whatever you feel. Hope if you want to hope. Be anxious if that's where you are. Your emotional state isn't preventing pregnancy.
Fertility Meditation Apps (The Expensive Ones)
What they say: Special guided meditations to prepare your body for pregnancy.
The truth: Meditation for stress relief can be genuinely helpful. But you don't need fertility-specific content at premium prices.
Why it's wasteful: Paying $20-30/month for what free apps offer.
What to do instead: Use free meditation apps (Insight Timer, YouTube). Or paid apps like Calm or Headspace that aren't fertility-specific. The meditation doesn't need to mention wombs to be helpful.
"Clearing Emotional Blocks" Programs
What they say: Your infertility is caused by emotional trauma, limiting beliefs, or unresolved issues. Clear these blocks and you'll get pregnant.
The truth: This is victim-blaming dressed up as empowerment. Infertility is a medical condition, not an emotional failing.
Why it's harmful: Blames you for your situation. Makes you responsible for outcomes you can't control. Preys on vulnerability.
What to do instead: Therapy for processing emotions is valuable. But therapy doesn't remove medical infertility. Your trauma didn't cause your low AMH or male factor infertility.
THE LIFESTYLE PRODUCTS
Special "Fertility" Loungewear
What they say: Comfort clothing designed specifically for IVF patients.
The truth: It's just soft, loose clothing with markup.
Why it's wasteful: You're paying 2-3x more for the word "fertility" on the label.
What to do instead: Buy regular elastic-waist pants, soft dresses, comfortable bras. Same function, fraction of the cost.
Fertility-Branded Water Bottles, Journals, Planners
What they say: Special products designed for your journey.
The truth: Regular water bottles and journals work exactly the same.
Why it's wasteful: Paying extra for branding targeted at vulnerable people. If you are seeking it out, go for it. Just know that a regular item will do the same job. Without the markup.
What to do instead: Use what you already have. Or buy regular versions. The fertility branding doesn't add function.
Temperature-Controlled Coffee Mugs for "Warm Womb"
What they say: Keep your womb warm with warm beverages.
The truth: Your uterus has its own temperature regulation. Drinking warm tea doesn't change that.
Why it's wasteful: Expensive gadget based on pseudoscience.
What to do instead: Drink whatever temperature beverages you enjoy.
THE POST-TRANSFER PSEUDOSCIENCE
"Implantation Support" Products
What they say: Special supplements, patches, or devices to support implantation.
The truth: Implantation happens or doesn't based on embryo quality and receptivity. No product changes that.
Why it's wasteful: Playing on your desperation during the TWW.
What to do instead: Follow your clinic's protocol. Rest if you want to rest. Live your life if you want to live your life. Neither approach changes outcomes.
Keeping Your Feet Warm / Warm Socks
What they say: Cold feet prevent implantation.
The truth: Your feet temperature has nothing to do with implantation.
Why it's silly: Gives you one more thing to worry about during TWW.
What to do instead: Wear socks if your feet are cold. Don't wear them if they're not. It doesn't matter.
Bed Rest After Transfer (Self-Imposed)
What they say: Stay in bed for days after transfer to help implantation.
The truth: Studies show bed rest doesn't improve outcomes. Some suggest it might even reduce success rates (blood flow).
Why it's harmful: Makes you more anxious. Isolates you. Doesn't help.
What to do instead: Follow your clinic's guidelines (usually "take it easy for the day, then normal activity"). The embryo isn't going to fall out. Moving around keeps blood circulating better.
THE RED FLAGS
Anything That Promises Results
Major red flag: Any product, supplement, or service that promises to get you pregnant or improve IVF success rates without medical evidence.
Why it's predatory: Taking advantage of desperate people. Making claims that can't be substantiated.
What to do: Run. If it sounds too good to be true, it is.
Anything That Says "Natural Alternative to IVF"
Red flag: Products marketed as natural ways to avoid medical treatment.
Why it's harmful: If natural methods worked, you wouldn't need IVF. These prey on your fear of medical intervention.
What to do: If you need IVF, you need IVF. Don't let pseudoscience delay actual treatment.
Anything That Blames You
Red flag: Programs or products that suggest your infertility is caused by your thoughts, emotions, or energy.
Why it's harmful: Victim-blaming. Creates shame and guilt. Ignores medical reality.
What to do: Block and delete. Your mindset didn't cause your infertility.
WHAT ABOUT THINGS THAT MIGHT HELP SOME PEOPLE?
Acupuncture
The nuance: Some research suggests modest benefits. Some people find it relaxing. But it's not a miracle cure, and expensive protocols aren't necessary.
The verdict: If you can afford it and find it helpful, go for it. But don't go into debt for it, and don't blame yourself if you skip it.
Read more here:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8865966/
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2024.1351281/full
Therapy/Counseling
The nuance: This can actually help—but it’s for coping, improving communication with your partner, working through the hard parts. Not for getting pregnant.
The verdict: Worth the investment for mental health. But it's not going to fix your AMH or sperm count.
Meditation/Mindfulness
The nuance: Stress reduction is genuinely helpful for your wellbeing. But it won't overcome medical infertility.
The verdict: Do it for yourself, not for improved outcomes.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Here's what actually matters:
Following your doctor's protocol
Taking prescribed medications correctly
Making it to your appointments
Getting through each day however you can
What doesn't matter:
Pineapple core
Crystal grids
Special yoga poses
Keeping your feet warm
Thinking positive enough
Save your money for:
Actual medical treatment
Therapy
Things that bring you comfort (not cure)
Your future (however it unfolds)
I'm not saying don't try anything beyond medical treatment. I'm saying be honest about what you're getting. If crystals comfort you—enjoy your crystals. If pineapple makes you feel proactive—eat the pineapple. If meditation helps you cope—meditate. But do it because it brings you peace, not because you think it'll get you pregnant.
Your protocol is your protocol. These add-ons aren't going to make or break your outcome.
And if treatment doesn't work, it's not because you didn't try hard enough or buy the right supplements or think positive enough. Sometimes it just doesn't work. And that's not your fault.
Save your money. Save your energy. Spend both on things that actually matter—like getting through this incredibly hard journey with some gentleness toward yourself.
-A
