IVF is a complex assisted reproductive method that costs time and money for a couple who undertake. While going through the process, many questions make up their minds. One of the most common questions many people still ask is regarding urination after embryo transfer.Â
Will urinating have any impact on the transferred embryo? You are not alone; most IVF patients have the same concerns.
Experts say that having a feeling of urination after embryo transfer is totally normal. If you feel as if you are urinating go and relax yourself. Totally, it is alright if you pass urine immediately after embryo transfer. Let us see, how safe it is to pass urine after embryo transfer, and how common myths and misconceptions are there regarding embryo transfer in this article.
Is it safe to pass urine immediately after embryo transfer?
Yes. After an embryo transfer, Passing urine is completely safe and unaffected. Compared to other natural behaviours like walking, coughing, and sneezing, the concern of embryo fallout is higher. These daily routine works never let your embryo fall out from your uterine wall.
Your body is doing different works using different parts. The bladder holds urine, the vagina is for intercourse and childbirth, and the uterus supports embryo development, so the urge to urinate comes from your bladder after embryo transfer. If your bladder is full, use the restroom as usual, don’t overthink about your embryo transfer.
Can an embryo fall out of the uterus after its transfer?
No, the uterus is not an empty space where an embryo can fall out easily. Your doctor asks you to come with a full bladder to help identify the uterus during the transfer. So, after embryo transfer, you are allowed to urinate and comfort yourself. Don’t get embarrassed or feel uncomfortable after completing your embryo transfer.
When the transferring process is completed, your embryo will find its own way to stick to the uterine wall. When it is placed successfully, it won’t come out or fall out when you are doing your regular activities. First, let yourself free from your fear of having fallen out of the embryo from your body. Trust your body and make up your mind to accept the embryo.
Myths & Misconception
The common myths and misconceptions that are prevalently trusted by many people are revealed below:
Myth 1: IVF Causes Multiple Pregnancies
Multiple Pregnancies is a popular misconception of IVF treatment. Although transplanting more than one embryo can enhance the likelihood of becoming pregnant, the main objective is to have one healthy pregnancy. Clinics now often transplant a single embryo. With only 5–7% of pregnancies ending in twins, technological advancements like preimplantation genetic testing have also decreased the likelihood of multiple pregnancies.
Myth 2: IVF Is Only for Women of a Certain Age
IVF can be a good option for couples of all ages facing infertility due to reasons like endometriosis or blocked fallopian tubes. One of the causes may also be those who have severe male factor infertility. IVF-ICSI is also necessary for husbands with sperm problem; the younger the lady, the better the outcome.Â
Myth 3: IVF Requires Hospitalization
A patient doesn’t need to stay in the hospital for more than five or six hours throughout the egg collection operations, which take only a few hours overall. These days, the treatment is patient-friendly and no hospitalisation is necessary. The hospital day care procedure takes 6–8 hours.
Myth 4: IVF Treatment Is Costly
IVF can be expensive, but many clinics offer ways to make it more affordable, such as discounts or installment plans (EMIs). Choosing a clinic with a high success rate can reduce costs by requiring fewer IVF cycles.
Myth 5: IVF Pregnancy Only Delivers by Cesarean
The majority of pregnancies end in vaginal birth, just like normally conceived pregnancies do. Other considerations, including maternal and foetal health, past birth history, placental difficulties, labour complications, and maternal preference, influence the decision to have a caesarean delivery in addition to IVF treatment.
Myth 6: IVF Depletes Your Ovarian Reserve
The eggs that would have died during the natural cycle are recovered with ovarian stimulation. Therefore, ovarian reserve is not further depleted by IVF than by natural pregnancy.
Myth 7: IVF Is Unnatural
It is untrue to say that IVF-born children are abnormal and will hence suffer developmental delays or other birth abnormalities. The normalcy and health of babies born by IVF are comparable to those born using spontaneous conception.
Myth 8: IVF Is Painful
There is some truth to the myth that IVF is painful and risky . IVF has a high success rate and is a proven, safe fertility procedure. Fertility clinics have stringent safety procedures in place to guard against issues during the process. Additionally, to guarantee patient comfort both during and after the treatment, pain control strategies are employed.
Myth 9: IVF Needs Bed Rest
There is a widespread misperception that bed rest is necessary during the post-transfer phase. IVF with prolonged bed rest is neither required nor advised by current medical guidelines. Activities that are typically advised in place of bed rest include mild housework and modest walking.
Myth 10: Ovarian Stimulation Causes Cancer
There is currently no evidence linking ovarian stimulation for IVF to an increased risk of ovarian cancer.
Myth 11: Emotional Stress Affects IVF Achievements
One of the widespread misconceptions about the process is the idea that stress can decrease the chances of having a successful IVF pregnancy. Infertility and emotional stress were recently studied in a research and it concluded that women’s chances of pregnancy through IVF are unaffected by the common stress she often experiences before treatment.
Should the woman take bed rest after embryo transfer?
No, women shouldn’t take complete bed rest after embryo transfer. According to a 1997 study, resting for twenty hours following an embryo transfer was no more beneficial than resting for twenty minutes. According to recent research, prolonged bed rest may be harmful, particularly when donor eggs are involved.
High oestrogen levels bed rest and inactivity can raise the risk of blood clots and insulin resistance, which can impair foetal development by altering blood flow. Conversely, light exercise promotes better blood flow, lowers stress, and reduces inflammation.
Conclusion
The embryo cannot fall out of the uterus, so bed rest after an embryo transfer is unnecessary. In fact, staying confined can cause physical discomfort and emotional stress without any real benefit. If an IVF cycle fails, not taking bed rest is not the reason.
Spotting or mild cramping during or after IVF is usually nothing to worry about, as it may simply mean the embryo is implanting in the uterine lining. Patients should focus on understanding the process and staying positive about the potential joy ahead, rather than stressing over minor issues.
FAQs
No, passing urine cannot cause the embryo to fall out of your body.
You can resume your normal daily activities after finishing your embryo transfer. But doctors may advise you to avoid strenuous activities except mild walking or other daily routines.
You can share your discomforts with IVF treatment with your healthcare provider at any time to avoid further issues.
