The Effectiveness of a Lifestyle Medicine-Based Program in a Fertility Clinic : A Pilot Study

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a lifestyle medicine-based program on behavioral changes and health outcomes in individuals attending an infertility clinic. A total of 40 participants from the infertility clinic enrolled in an 8-week program. Baseline and post-intervention assessments included comprehensive laboratory tests (complete blood count, blood sugar, thalassemia screening, rubella immunity levels, renal function tests, sexually transmitted infection screening, female ultrasound, and male semen analysis) and a lifestyle medicine health assessment form. The program comprised four components: 1) A self-care manual for infertility management, 2) Nutritionist consultations, 3) Sports scientist consultations and 4) Weekly online follow-up sessions. The lifestyle assessment evaluated six domains: nutrition, exercise, sleep, smoking/alcohol use, psychological well-being, and relationships. Statistical analyses included paired t-tests with significance set at p < 0.05. The total average score for lifestyle assessment significantly increased (p < 0.001). Significant improvements were observed in exercise (p = 0.010) and psychological well-being (p = 0.016). Improvements in nutrition (p = 0.129), sleep (p = 0.766), smoking/alcohol use (p = 0.905), and relationships (p = 0.534) were not statistically significant. Notably, two couples achieved pregnancy during the study period. Conclusion: The lifestyle medicine-based program demonstrated effectiveness in improving exercise and psychological well-being among individuals at a fertility clinic. While other domains showed improvement, further studies with larger samples are recommended to confirm these findings and explore long-term outcomes.