After Embryo transfer, what next?
The two-week wait after embryo transfer can be filled with mixed feelings. Particularly of anticipation and anxiety or bliss and joy, especially for first-timer IVF couples. It’s of utmost importance to stay positive, keep being busy with enjoyable activities, and draw strength and emotional support from your inner cycle of friends, family, or religious head. Avoid physical strenuous activities such as weight lifting, hiking, swimming or running, or exposure to a heated environment such as sauna bath, etc. No matter how tempted, kindly avoid ‘Dr Google’, as this can lead to unnecessary stress. Rather, focus on self-care, relaxation techniques, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Can I have sex during the 2WW? I messed up and had sex a few days after ET.
Most fertility centres would advise that sexual intercourse should be avoided after embryo transfer, a brief period of pelvic rest, so implantation can be encouraged. Although certain women have had sex a day prior to ET and have had improved implantation potentials and positive outcomes. With no general concensus and lacking research evidence, It’s only advisable to avoid sex immediately after ET or a few days after, so infections such as bacterial vaginosis would not impair implantation or adversely affect the potential developing foetus. So doctors are afraid that there could be an increased likelihood of such infections because the embryo catheter inserted could have rid the cervical canal of protective mucus.
Having sex on the day of ET or a few days afterwards could have some potential benefits, especially if the woman experiences an orgasm. Self stimulation or use of sex toys could give such orgasms if unattainable by penetrative sex. This could result in increased blood flow to the uterus, making it more conducive for implantation, but one could argue that such could also result in uterine contractions, which could impair implantation. The overall effect of orgasm could relax the woman, and semen deposited could aid implantation. This is particularly more helpful in treatment cycles without IVF / ET, such as IUI, or in a natural conception.
As previously stated, research is lacking, and evidence is limited on the effects of sex or orgasm on implantation in an IVF cycle. However, couples can resume sexual intercourse about a week after ET with little or no deleterious effects to the implanted embryo. These are grey areas, and more studies are needed. A similar situation is bedrest immediately after ET. Some centres advise 30 minutes to 1 hour while others enforce strict bedrest for days. There is really no clear-cut evidence, but women can maximise this time to rest and not run errands so their partners/husbands can run some chores, we won’t tell on you!
It’s advisable to adhere strictly to medical instructions given by your REI or IVF physician on the aforementioned circumstances on when to have sex and bedrest.
What should I do or avoid during the 2WW?
Certainly! Here are some do’s and don’ts for the two-week wait after embryo transfer:
Do’s:
1. Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and protein.
2. Get plenty of rest and prioritize sleep to support your body during this crucial time.
3. Engage in light exercises such as walking or yoga, unless advised otherwise by your healthcare provider.
4. Practice stress-relief techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle massage.
5. Keep yourself occupied with activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as music, reading, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones.
Don’ts:
1. Avoid strenuous exercises or activities that could put unnecessary strain on your body.
2. Steer clear of caffeine, alcohol, and smoking, as they can potentially interfere with implantation and pregnancy.
3. Try to refrain from obsessively checking pregnancy symptoms or taking multiple home pregnancy tests, as it can increase anxiety.
4. Don’t hesitate to ask for support from your partner, family, or friends if you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious.
5. Avoid exposure to environmental toxins or chemicals that could be harmful to a developing embryo.
Remember to follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider, as they will be tailored to your individual situation.
Reliance on early symptoms or signs of pregnancy could be inaccurate as many of these signs could be due to your natural hormones or luteal support leading up to your period. It’s advisable to wait the full 2 weeks for your pregnancy test. Home pregnancy tests are qualitative, picking at a certain range of hCG. By contrast, the blood sample tested at the clinic detects any trace amount of the beta -hCG and is quantitative.
The 2WW can be stressful for couples TTC. Adopt a relaxed mood, be compassionate with yourself, and get required support from friends and family.
Remember, you don’t have to be in this alone!