Due to our culture’s propensity to separate expectant moms from sexuality, there is little literature on sex during pregnancy and even less regarding sex during IVF. During the treatment, sex becomes uncomfortable, but there is also a persistent fear that something might go wrong, depriving the woman of pleasure.
Patients frequently wonder whether or not having orgasm while undergoing IVF is safe because, while nothing may be said expressly against it, doctors may occasionally advise abstinence.
If you have concerns or questions about IVF treatment or fertility in general, the experts at Aastha Fertility can offer guidance and support.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you start or expand your family.
Effects of Orgasm During Early Pregnancy
Let’s explore the impacts of sexual orgasm during early pregnancy:
Physical Effects On The Body
Your body releases various substances during orgasm, including significant amounts of oxytocin (the love hormone) and endorphins. It fosters connection and eases discomfort. A hormone that makes you feel good, endorphins also lessen pain.
After sex, orgasms can occasionally produce minor cramping; later in pregnancy, they can start Braxton Hicks contractions. However, unless you are explicitly at risk for preterm labour, those post-orgasm contractions do not cause early labour or miscarriage.
Impact On Fertility Treatments
For five to seven days following the transfer, certain clinics, like Shady Grove, forbid sexual activity in what they call “pelvic rest.” According to them, “most IVF patients can go back to normal sexual activity a week or two after their embryo transfer,” as this rest offers the embryo the best chance to implant into the uterine wall.
Additionally, Dr Natalie Crawford’s observational study of 125 IVF patients found that women who had sex just once during the implantation window had a 1.59-times risk of miscarriage. In contrast, those who had sex twice or more had a 2.38 times risk.
Although patients who had sex before and after the transfer had a similar pregnancy rate as those who did not, they did have more excellent ongoing pregnancy rates, according to contradictory research of 478 IVF cycles. The researchers concluded that “semen exposure around embryo transfer increases the probability of successful embryo implantation and development.”
NCI research on Impact of Sexual intercourse revealed that having intercourse the night before an embryo transfer may be advantageous. Patients in this study who had sex the night before a transfer had pregnancy rates of 51.72% and implantation rates of 38.31%, as opposed to those who did not have sex having pregnancy rates of 37.07% and implantation rates of 24.77%.
What A Pregnancy Orgasm Feels Like, By Trimester?
First Trimester
It’s possible for first-trimester sex to be fantastic or to experience numerous “false starts”: The next moment, a wave of nausea strikes you while you’re in a good mood.
Your body is already becoming more sensitive. For instance, your breasts may be more responsive to touch. Additionally, your libido can rise. These items could lead to quicker and more pleasant orgasms and increased natural lubrication below.
Or perhaps all you need to do is wait for the uncomfortable first-trimester symptoms to go away. And the libido of some women declines.
Second Trimester
The second trimester may be the most pleasurable for sex and orgasm because morning sickness is typically over, and the difficulties of the third trimester are still to come. More engorgement in your uterus and vaginal region may increase sensitivity.
Additionally, post-orgasm contractions of the uterus or cramping may be experienced. It could feel substantial in your stomach. The more you orgasm, the more you’ll release. And that usually feels fantastic.
Third Trimester
During the third trimester, having sex may be more challenging because of your gorgeous baby bump, which may feel like a hindrance. However, you could find it harder to get to the big O. The muscles might not fully contract to reach the climax since the baby takes up so much space in your uterus.
Risks And Safety Concerns During Early Pregnancy IVF
Potential Risks Associated with Orgasm During Early Pregnancy
Early in pregnancy, there aren’t many hazards linked with orgasm, and most women can safely engage in sexual activity without endangering their growing foetus. Orgasms during the first trimester of pregnancy can pose risks such as uterine contractions, bleeding, and infection.
Women should be careful to practise excellent hygiene and use protection during sexual activity to lower the risk of infection. Light bleeding or spotting is usually nothing to worry about, but severe bleeding could indicate a more serious problem, like an ectopic pregnancy or a miscarriage.
Concerns about Uterine Contractions
The body releases a hormone called oxytocin after orgasm, triggering uterine contractions. Even if you have never had post-sex cramps, they are generally considered normal at all pregnancy stages. These contractions can be painful. In a small percentage of cases during early pregnancy, when cramping occurs with heavy bleeding, backache, and pelvic pressure, it may be a sign of miscarriage. The majority of uterine contractions brought on by orgasm, however, are not severe enough to harm the growing foetus.
Risks of Miscarriage and Complications
Unless your doctor has specifically instructed you to avoid it, having intercourse or having orgasms while pregnant is completely safe. Orgasms won’t harm the unborn child in low-risk pregnancies, raise the possibility of miscarriage, or cause preterm labour.
Mild uterine contractions brought on by orgasms are possible, but these are often innocuous and do not raise the risk of miscarriage or other issues. However, there are specific situations when your doctor could advise abstaining from orgasm or sex entirely for all or a portion of your pregnancy. Therefore, it is best to talk to your doctor before having sex.
Does Orgasm Bring On Labour?
If you’re in your second or third trimester, you may already know that having intercourse causes your uterus to stiffen. This is due to the possibility that your post-orgasmic contractions could trigger Braxton-Hicks or “false” labour contractions.
Braxton-Hicks are not the genuine deal because they frequently go away with rest, water, or a change in position. However, as the due date approaches, you might want to pay special attention because, eventually, these tightenings could develop into actual labour.
Can Orgasms Harm the Fetus?
Pregnancy-related orgasms are not harmful to the foetus. In fact, your baby might even perceive an orgasm during pregnancy as a little massage. Only if your doctor has instructed complete pelvic rest for you during orgasm during pregnancy might it be harmful; in rare instances, orgasms can cause early contractions.
Is Sex During IVF A Good Idea?
Infertility treatments have a negative impact on relationships, according to an American study on IVF and sex. Researchers polled IVF couples, medical professionals, and mental health professionals. Women who underwent IVF expressed less desire for sex than women who did not get reproductive treatment. Vaginal sensitivity and dryness were more common than orgasms.
According to a renowned Czech IVF expert, individuals should engage in sexual activity while undergoing treatment if it feels natural and appropriate for their mental health. She notes the absence of any conclusive medical proof that sex affects the embryo.
It partly contradicts a 2014 study on Intercourse after embryo that revealed having intercourse after embryo transfer decreased the likelihood of having a live birth and raised the risk of miscarriage. After embryo transfer, the little study advised abstention for at least one week, as do many medical professionals and clinics.
Conclusion
Every pregnancy is different, and there is no specific answer to whether it is safe to have an orgasm during early pregnancy IVF. You will have to ask your doctor whether you could have an orgasm or not. Depending on your condition, they will advise you. Aastha Fertility Care is one of the most prestigious fertility clinics. Contact us to schedule a consultation if you are thinking or prepared to begin IVF fertility treatment. Our doctors can assess your fertility levels and guide you to increase the likelihood of successful IVF.
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