In Vitro Fertilization, apart from being emotionally and financially challenging can also have far-reaching effects on a couple’s relationship, mainly sexual relations. During an IVF treatment, the most common concern in the case of most couples is whether they should or should not abstain from sex. Taking into account the efforts most of the couples put into the treatment, it is normal for them to be concerned about what may be safe or unsafe for the process.
While some of the best doctors in India advise abstinence from sexual intercourse during In Vitro Fertilization, there is nothing unsafe about having sexual intercourse during the stimulation phase of IVF treatment, provided the couple uses contraceptives. Nevertheless, given the fact that fertility medications are likely to enlarge the ovaries, sexual intercourse might be uncomfortable. Moreover, even the constant fear that engulfs most couples during their IVF treatment in Mumbai as to whether intercourse is likely to affect their cycle may deprive a couple of pleasurable sex.
In Vitro Fertilization comprises several stages namely ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, embryo culture, and embryo transfer.
Ovarian Stimulation:
As the ovaries of the patient get enlarged and swollen during the first stage, which is ovarian stimulation, it is quite possible for her to not feel like having sexual intercourse. Moreover, unprotected sex should also be avoided during this stage as it increases the chances of multiple pregnancies, which can be dangerous for the patient as well as the baby.
Moreover, it is also important for the men to avoid ejaculation for at least 4 to 5 days before the egg retrieval to make sure there is enough semen to carry out the lab culture of embryos.
Egg Retrieval:
After the egg retrieval, as the risk of infection is supposed to be high, it is best to refrain from sex.
Embryo Transfer:
Most of doctors advise abstinence from sex even after the embryo transfer for a period of two weeks. Nonetheless, several doctors say that a period of one week is more than enough.
In any case, once the woman becomes pregnant after the embryo transfer, she is free to have sexual intercourse.
During IVF, fertility medications, as well as emotional stress, are likely to make sex burdensome and uninteresting for the patient. The time restrictions on sexual activity are also likely to mount pressure and stress, making sex an uncomfortable activity. Nevertheless, counseling and consultation at the best IVF centre in Mumbai, India, and therapy can help a couple resolve this problem.
Gaudium is one of the best IVF centre in India offering world-class facilities and infertility solutions.
For a consultation from the best infertility specialist Dr. Manika Khanna, contact me today.
