A viral TikTok trend suggests eating McDonald's fries after an embryo transfer can help with implantation, but fertility experts say there is no evidence to support this. The trend has gained traction among IVF patients, with many sharing videos of themselves eating fries post-transfer.
No scientific backing
Dr Radha Venkatakrishnan, consultant gynaecologist and specialist in reproductive medicine at CREATE Fertility, told Metro: 'There is no evidence that eating McDonald's fries after an embryo transfer improves implantation or helps an embryo stick.' She added that an embryo does not attach because of salt in a meal, and fries cannot thicken the womb lining, which develops in response to hormones or medication before transfer.
Origin of the myth
The myth may stem from early IVF days when fresh transfers were common, leading to higher risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Salty foods were sometimes recommended after egg retrieval to help draw fluid back into blood vessels, but Dr Radha clarified: '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.'
Expert advice
Pharmacist Thorrun Govind recommends a balanced diet during IVF rather than increasing salt intake. She urges people to seek evidence-based guidance from healthcare professionals instead of relying on social media trends. Despite the lack of evidence, the trend has fostered a sense of community, with supportive comments and solidarity videos. Dr Radha concludes: 'If fries have become part of someone's IVF ritual, they can enjoy them without feeling guilty. They should simply be seen as comfort food, not fertility treatment.'
