Sexual intercourse in IVF treatment
Ivf treatment was first applied in the UK in 1978, and now it’s a method which is renewed and still developing day by day. Since then, more than 20,000 babies have been born with this method. There are some important issues to be considered in order for the treatment to be successful. Especially living a stress-free life, high morale and motivation, eating healthy and natural foods, using medication that should be used regularly and without interruption, regularly taking minerals and vitamins that should be taken can be considered as the most important factors affecting the success of IVF treatment. Besides all of this, another element that couples should pay attention to is sexual intercourse during treatment.
One of the important questions that couples have in mind during IVF treatment is whether sexual intercourse will negatively affect the course of treatment. During IVF treatment, sexual intercourse may need to be limited in some periods. Drugs used during IVF treatment can increase sexual desire because they cause an increase in hormone levels. However, at certain stages of treatment, couples may be asked to limit sexual intercourse. IVF treatment begins on the 2nd or 3rd day of the menstrual cycle. Starting from this date onwards, sexual intercourse should be different at every stage of treatment. Knowing every stage of your IVF treatment will be beneficial at this point.
Here we have listed the stages below;
Stage 1: In the first stage of IVF treatment, the mother-to-be needs to use medication to increase the number of eggs.
Stage 2: During this period, eggs are collected and the procedure is performed with anesthesia. This process lasts 15-20 minutes. Eggs are collected from the follicles.
Stage 3: This stage involves the laboratory, where the eggs taken from the mother-to-be are fertilized with sperm.
Stage 4: At this stage, the resulting healthy embryo which has developed in the laboratory is placed in the womb. When the embryo is attached to the womb of the expectant mother, pregnancy is achieved. If the embryo does not attach, miscarriage occurs. In this case, the treatment is repeated from the beginning with couple’s consent.
IVF treatment is not a form of treatment aimed at limiting sexual intercourse for couples. However, the stages of when you will be limited will be discussed in order for the treatment to be successful. Swelling and dilation of the ovaries may occur due to the medication used. For this reason, the female may feel uncomfortable to have intercourse.
Sexual intercourse is definitely not recommended during egg collection, which is one of the stages in IVF treatment. Another stage will be during embryo transfer. After egg collection, the womb will become sensitive. During this period, the mother’s uterus should be expected to heal. Therefore, it is appropriate to take a break from sexual intercourse for a period of time during and after egg collection period. Since the egg collection process is a tiring process for the mother-to-be.
Another stage which is considered to be of upmost importance is the days leading up to sperm collection day. The sample is taken on the day of egg collection and sexual activity as well as masturbation should be abstained at least 2 days’ prior for the optimal results
Embryo transfer; At this stage, couples can be restricted from having sex. The 1-week period after embryo transfer is the expected period for the embryo to attach to the womb. This period is highly sensitive. Miscarriages, which are indicative of failure of treatment, occur mostly during this period. Therefore, sexual intercourse is not recommended during this period of risk of miscarriage. After the 2 week wait has passed you may resume sexual activity once you consult your doctor.
It is very important that your doctor guides you at every stage of treatment. Although the methods applied in the treatment may seem standard, this process is special for each individual. Therefore, your doctor will enlighten you practices and restrictions that are suitable for you during the treatment process. In order for the treatment to be successful, it is very important to act in accordance with your doctor’s guidance.
One of the most important factors can be high morale and motivation. During this process, couples should support each other and create a stress-free living environment. Again, the increase in hormone levels due to the medications will affect the woman’s mood. Therefore, couples should be understanding and tolerant of one and other. IVF treatment is physically exhausting and a tiring process for both. This can also affect sex life. Therefore, it is quite normal for couples to experience sexual reluctance.
