IVF (In vitro fertilization) is a complex and challenging procedure. Most women who get pregnant through IF are those who couldn’t get pregnant naturally. In that case, you would not want to do anything that might harm your chances of a successful pregnancy.
One such activity that you might fear will harm your baby is having an orgasm, either through masturbation or through sex with your partner. Some say that pregnancy sex is more intense and satisfying and can be relaxing. Others say that having an orgasm during pregnancy can harm the baby.
So, is it actually safe to have an orgasm during early pregnancy IVF? Will it harm the mother or baby in any way? Continue reading to learn more about the effects of orgasms during IVF pregnancy and whether they harm the pregnancy.
Note : Myself Dr Niveditha, a best fertility speciality in chennai, on who write this content. this note is to ensure the content content you are consuming is writtent by a trustable resource.
Are orgasms safe during Early IVF pregnancy?
- > Orgasms during early IVF pregnancy are generally safe for women with low-risk pregnancies.
- > It is advisable to avoid orgasms if you have certain conditions such as recurrent miscarriages, preterm labor history, vaginal bleeding, or multiple pregnancies.
The answer to this question depends on your body condition and what kind of pregnancy you have.
If you are having a low-risk pregnancy, you can have orgasms if you like. But ensure you are safe and don’t aggravate your vagina or cervix, causing bleeding in IVF.
However, if you are having a high-risk pregnancy, it is best to abstain from having sex until your doctor tells you otherwise. Below are some cases where having an orgasm or sexual intercourse may not be good for you.
- You have had recurrent miscarriages in the past.
- You have had preterm labor before or are showing signs of having a preterm labor.
- You’re having vaginal bleeding.
- You have been diagnosed with an incompetent cervix or placenta pervis.
- You are carrying two or more babies.
- You’re leaking amniotic fluid.
- You develop a hernia during pregnancy that puts you in a high-risk pregnancy category.
If you come under any of the above conditions, your fertility doctor will advise you to abstain from having an orgasm for some time. Even for women with a low-risk pregnancy, having intercourse can have certain side effects.
All the Best for your IVF Journey !
Does Orgasm cause implantation failure?
- There is no solid evidence that orgasms cause implantation failure, but precautions might be suggested post-embryo transfer.
As of today, there is no concrete evidence to prove that orgasms can cause implantation failures. However, some doctors might suggest you abstain from intercourse for at least two weeks after an embryo transfer.
Implantation is the process where the transferred embryo gets implanted into the uterine lining. An orgasm or sexual intercourse causes uterine contractions. These contractions can hinder the embryo from implanting into the uterus, affecting the implantation rate.
Most patients, however, try to abstain from sex till their pregnancy is confirmed, as they don’t want to take any chances. You can also consult your doctor regarding when it will be okay to have an orgasm.
Effects of Orgasm During Early Pregnancy
- Orgasms can have positive effects on relaxation and emotional well-being, but their impact on IVF success is still debated.
Having an orgasm, either through sexual intercourse with your partner or through masturbation, can have some effects on your body and your IVF treatment.
Effects of orgasm on your body
Pregnancy orgasm can actually be good for your body (unless your doctor asks you to avoid it for health reasons). You might be tensed during the entire IVF journey and might have gone through much physical and emotional burden.
An orgasm releases the hormones oxytocin and endorphins in your body. This can make you feel relaxed, satisfied, and happy. It is like a massage for your body after the IVF procedure.
Effects on IVF treatment
Having an orgasm during IVF treatments has been known to have an effect on implantation rate and IVF success. There have been two contradictory studies on this matter.
One study shows that having intercourse during the implantation window can affect implantation and increase the risk of miscarriage.
Another study shows that patients who had sexual intercourse one day before embryo transfer have had an increase in implantation and pregnancy rates. The study concludes that semen exposure during the time of embryo transfer increased the chances of successful implantation and embryo development.
Safety Concerns During Early Pregnancy IVF
- Safety concerns during early pregnancy IVF include the risk of cramps, rare miscarriage risks, and possible triggering of false labor contractions.
There are not many risks associated with orgasm during early pregnancy. Most women can engage in sexual activity about two weeks after embryo transfer. However, there are some safety concerns that you should know before engaging in sexual activity.
Pregnancy orgasms can cause cramps
Pregnancy orgasms can cause cramps due to the release of oxytocin, which causes uterine contractions. This might increase the chances of preterm labor in some women who have a high-risk pregnancy.
There is a risk of miscarriage and other complications
The chances of miscarriage due to sexual intercourse are very rare and only happen in high-risk pregnancy cases. You don’t have to worry if you will have a miscarriage as your doctor will inform you prior if you are having a high-risk pregnancy.
Orgasm might bring on labor pain
If you are in your second or third trimester, your orgasms can trigger false labor contractions, commonly called “Braxton-Hicks.” This happens because your uterus stiffens during orgasm, as the size of the baby makes it harder to contract.
This might feel a bit like labor pain, but usually disappears after some time. But you have to pay attention to this pain as your due date approaches, as these tightenings can lead to actual labor.
Conclusion
Each woman experiences pregnancy differently. While one woman might feel intense joy and relaxation during an orgasm, another woman might feel a decrease in libido during pregnancy.
There is no definite answer to whether orgasm and sexual intercourse will be good or bad for you. It is best to consult your fertility doctor and ask for advice on such matters before engaging in it.
FAQs
No, orgasms do not necessarily bring on labor. If you are in your second or third trimester, your orgasms can trigger false labor contractions, commonly called “Braxton-Hicks.” This happens because your uterus stiffens during orgasm, as the size of the baby makes it harder to contract, imitating labor pain.
No, orgasms do not harm the fetus in any way. Your fetus might actually feel like it was given a massage due to the uterine contractions. However, this is the case only if you have no other complications during pregnancy. If you are having a high-risk pregnancy, consult your doctor on such matters.
Some medical professionals have noted that having sexual intercourse during IVF helps increase the bond between the couple. The female partner will feel stressed, and the male partner might feel left out during the procedure. Having intercourse occasionally can help reduce stress and make them feel loved and cared for.
