Many clinics advise women to refrain from sexual activity during their IVF treatment. This includes during egg retrieval and after embryo transfer as well as the two-week wait.
But what exactly does this mean? Is sex, masturbation or orgasm safe? Let’s find out! This article will explore the answers to these questions and more.
Understand your IVF pregnancy
When undergoing fertility treatment, there is a lot to keep track of. In addition to medications and treatments, there are also other lifestyle choices that have an impact on your pregnancy. For example, sex is a normal part of life but it is important to understand the precautions and safety measures that need to be taken when you are trying to conceive using fertility treatments.
Some fertility treatment methods, like in vitro fertilization (IVF), require you to refrain from sexual activity during certain stages of the cycle. Some clinics, such as Shady Grove, recommend that couples abstain from sexual intercourse before and after egg retrieval or embryo transfer (embryo transfer is when an fertilized egg is implanted into the uterus). This “pelvic rest” allows for the best chance of successful implantation of the embryo.
During this time, your hormones are constantly fluctuating and you may not feel physically or emotionally ready for sex. In these instances, it is important to listen to your body and ask for support from your partner.
It is also recommended that you avoid contact sports and sexually transmitted infections during this time. You should also ensure that you are getting enough folic acid, which is essential for the development of a healthy fetus. This can be achieved by taking a multivitamin supplement or by eating foods rich in folic acid.
Precautions and safety measures
While a positive pregnancy test after IVF is an exciting milestone, there are many precautions that should be taken. This includes eating a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and taking folic acid supplements to support the development of your baby’s neural tube. It’s also important to have open communication with your doctor throughout the process to ensure that everything is going as it should.
IVF is a highly regimented process, with a clear hierarchy from ovarian stimulation to egg retrieval and embryo transfer. During this time, it’s best to avoid having sex to prevent a high risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). In some cases, a woman may lose her libido during this period, which can be emotionally challenging.
It’s also important to refrain from having sex after an IVF treatment cycle, particularly when undergoing a frozen embryo transfer (FET) or donor egg cycle. It’s generally recommended that patients abstain from sexual activity anywhere from 48 hours to 2 weeks after implantation, as this will give the embryo the optimal opportunity for implantation and increase their chances of success.
However, there is some research that suggests that having sex and/or exposure to semen can benefit uterine receptivity and improve IVF outcomes. For example, a study showed that women who had sex or passive exposure to semen the night before their embryo transfer had better implantation and clinical pregnancy rates than those who abstained from intercourse.
Communicate openly with your doctor
Your IVF doctor will have specific recommendations on how to manage your pregnancy. They will provide you with advice and guidance on the best way to stay healthy and safe, which is vital for your baby’s development. You should never feel guilty about asking your doctor about what you can or cannot do.
Some clinics will advise women to avoid sexual intercourse after the embryo transfer, especially during the two-week wait period. This is due to the fact that sexual intercourse can cause uterine contractions that could prevent or delay the embryo’s implantation. However, there is no medical proof that this will have a negative effect on your IVF pregnancy.
Most couples who are going through fertility treatment tend to be extra cautious when it comes to sex. This can be hard for some couples and may cause tension in their relationship. It is important for couples to keep the lines of communication open and communicate their concerns with their partner. This will help to ease the stress and avoid any misunderstandings that might arise in the future.
You should also make sure to practice the same safety measures as you would in a normal pregnancy, including practicing a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and avoiding smoking and alcohol. Taking food supplements like folate, vitamin D, omega-3, and vitamins B6 and B12 can help prepare the body for pregnancy, as well as boost the immune system.
Maintain a healthy sexual relationship
After weeks or even months of trying to conceive, receiving a positive pregnancy test is a moment of great excitement and hope for the future. However, it is important to understand that sex after IVF requires precautions and safety measures to ensure a healthy pregnancy and the best possible outcome.
In general, many fertility clinics recommend that couples refrain from sexual activity for a week or two after the embryo transfer. This pelvic rest offers the embryo the best chance to implant into the uterus and reduces the risk of miscarriage.
However, some couples take a more liberal approach and decide to engage in sexual activity sooner than this. The issue is that the uterine contractions that accompany the female orgasm could prevent the embryo from implanting. However, there is no evidence to support this belief. In fact, a recent observational study by Dr Natalie Crawford showed that women who had intercourse just once during the implantation window had a 1.59-times greater risk of a miscarriage than those who did not have any sexual activity during this time.
The most important thing to remember is that you are still undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) and that your doctor is monitoring your progress closely. They will be able to offer you guidance and recommendations regarding sexual health and can also discuss alternative forms of intimacy if they think it would be beneficial to your emotional and physical wellbeing.
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