It Starts with the Egg: The Science of Egg Quality for Fertility, Miscarriage, and IVF (Third Edition) Paperback – 29 Aug. 2023

This book is so useful!! When you discover you have infertility complications, if you're anything like me, you go on a Google rampage looking up anything and everything that's supposed to help. Unfortunately it's very hard to weed out the rumours and old wives tales from the proven aids and so I found myself rattling like a maraca having taken up about 15 different vitamins/supplements. After my second unsuccessful IVF I was recommended this book by my acupuncturist and I wish I'd had it sooner. It's based on thorough academic research and gives clear, simple outlines of the various supplements etc which will make a difference - both positive and negative (I was horrified to learn some of the things natural food shops had suggested for me might actually be making things worse). It also provides ideas for lifestyle adjustments, such as switching household products which can be affecting your fertility, and diet recommendations (though you'd probably want a separate book for that, there are plenty available with recipe ideas for fertility-friendly meals). I'd only been making changes for about a month or 6wks when I fell pregnant naturally - I don't for a minute think this is entirely down to the book, I'm sure my recent IVF cycle and a big massive dollop of luck helped considerably, but I do believe this made a difference and I'm trying to continue with some of her suggestions throughout the pregnancy. Plus it made me feel I was doing something pro-active to help things along by trying some of the lifestyle changes like swapping toiletry brands etc. Overall, an easy read which has many valuable ideas.

I got this book after 2 miscarriages following IVF and I really just wanted to understand what more I could do. And just have more knowledge about the terms being used. I finished this book feeling extremely powerful, able to advocate for what I wanted in the next stage of our journey, and just so full of knowledge and understanding. This book took all the things I’d heard online, from nutritionists, doctors etc, and explained it perfectly. This has become my fertility bible.

Initially I was absolutely obsessed with this book. It’s scientific and very actionable, with detailed supplement plans for different situations. While this sounds amazing at first, I only learned later down the line that you need to be careful with generic recommendations like this. I only learned that once I started a university course in Nutritional therapy. Generic recommendations will not be applicable to everyone, and there are dangers in blindly taking all of the supplements on the list. It’s important to do blood testing (and/or other tests) first to see where you stand and what you need in your very unique situation. We are truly all very different individuals. Some of the raving reviews might be from people who were lucky that this generic program worked for them, but that won’t be the case for everyone. Many others experience negative effects from that protocol. That’s why I cannot stress enough to take this book with a grain of salt, and make sure you consult a professional to find out what supplements (and MOST importantly, at what dosage!) you need. But don’t try your GP, they are not trained in this. A nutritional therapist is your best option.

Great book

Purchased this book 2 weeks ago after finding out about it on a UK IVF Facebook group. I really, really wish I knew about it sooner! It should definitely be recommend by Fertility clinics or GPs. Reading this book should be the 1st thing you do. Unfortunately for me I read the book after undergoing two failed IVF treatment cycles and a natural miscarriage. I have endometriosis and this book really focused on this condition suggesting the best diet & supplements for this condition in particular. It also focuses on our fertility conditions such as PCOS. Two weeks into this book I already feel enlightened, I have thrown away lots of plastics in my home (bathroom & kitchen mainly). I have also changed my hair shampoo & conditioner to that which contains no sulphates and other nasty chemicals, (I'm UK based so use Maiu products, which can be found in Tesco and Superdrugs for £9 a bottle) - I have no affiliation to this brand. Others in the UK have tried OGX products. I just wish I knew which products were best to try in the UK & reasonably priced, which is why I'm sharing this info. The book also gives purchase suggestions for the USA & UK. I also have changed my shower gel to Simple, which again can be found in most UK supermarkets, Boots etc. I've changed a lot of my cooking utensils to wood or silicone. I've thrown away plastic Tupperware and am using glass containers with sillicone lids or beeswax wraps instead. I've completely changed my diet to that of a Mediterranean based diet and have almost cut out all chocolate and sugar. I've completely cut out other trans fat foods such as chips, burgers, fish fingers etc. I don't like fish much but went to the fishmonger who filleted and skinned haddock and cod for me. I then cooked the fish in garlic, herbs & extra virgin olive oil to help with the taste, it's not salmon yet but it's a start. I've also been taking all of the supplements suggested for endometriosis sufferers on a daily basis for the last 7 days or so. I already feel good different, my symptoms already feel much better.In a short space of time I would already recommend this book. If nothing else it's changed my life for the better already. If I fall pregnant within the next few months, I'll be sure to leave another review!!! :)