Couples having IVF do not need to abstain from sex

Couples undergoing IVF should be encouraged to continue having sex during treatment, according to a fertility specialist.

Many doctors advise women to refrain from intimacy during treatment, claiming that it can prevent them falling pregnant or harm the embryo. 

Typically, many IVF clinics recommend ‘pelvic rest’, that is no intercourse after an embryo transfer from 48 hours up to the entire two-week wait. 

It is thought that the introduction of infection and uterine contractions caused by having an orgasm may have a negative impact.

But according to Dr Hana Visnova, there is no scientific evidence to prove this is true.

And, she says, it’s vital for relationships to maintain intimacy when a couple are going through such a stressful procedure. 

The expert is now speaking out to bust the myths she hears from her patients at the IVF Cube clinic in Prague, Czech Republic, many of which have travelled from the UK for cheaper fertility treatment.

Having sex during IVF does not harm the embryo, according to fertility expert Dr Hana Visnova (stock image)

Dr Hana Visnova, medical director at IVF Cube clinic says not enjoying intimacy can harm relationships

Dr Hana Visnova, medical director at IVF Cube clinic says not enjoying intimacy can harm relationships

Dr Visnova said: ‘There’s still so much taboo when it comes to IVF and sex.

‘It’s not hard to find online fertility forums devoted to the subject, and often filled with conflicting advice, which only serves to add to the confusion.

‘While there is much hearsay about the dangers of sex when it comes to IVF, there’s no conclusive scientific evidence. 

‘Providing you’re sensible, your embryo will not be harmed and sex will not adversely affect the chances of implantation being successful. 

‘I feel it’s important that couples aren’t dissuaded from maintaining that vital intimacy when they’re going through such a potentially stressful procedure.’

What does the research tell us?  

A study of 390 women, published in the International Journal of Fertility and Sterility in 2009, found no statistically significant difference between those who had intercourse within 12 hours of IVF embryo transfer and those who did not.

And earlier research found sex at or around the time an IVF embryo is implanted actually increased the chance of becoming pregnant. 

The study, reported in New Scientist magazine, was carried out by Adelaide University, followed the progress of more than 1,000 embryo transfers.

Half the women were asked to have sex in the days around the transfer, and half were told to avoid it.  

Lead researcher Kelton Tremellen found a 50 per cent improvement in the number of embryos that successfully implanted in the women who had sex.

However, most of these involved extra multiple pregnancies, such as twins and triplets, rather than more singleton pregnancies.

The researchers suggest that semen may have the effect of affecting the immune system so that it does not reject the new embryo.

Abstain if you’re sore 

Some patients do not want to have vaginal sex after egg retrieval due to fears of soreness.

And some clinics say those being treated with injectable medication for intrauterine insemination (IUI) or IVF who may experience enlarged ovaries should also abstain for fear of complications. 

‘There may be some circumstances where women who are using their own eggs during IVF might be best to avoid sexual activity immediately after egg collection, as they may have some discomfort,’ she said.

NEGATIVE IMPACT OF IVF ON SEX LIVES 

Dr Visnova and her colleagues carried out a survey last year which laid bare not just the fear of sex couples having IVF have, but also how the treatment can have a huge negative impact on a couple’s love life.

The majority of women – 69 per cent – said they’d refused to have sex after embryo transfer,.

And two thirds – 66 per cent – worried it could negatively affect the outcome of treatment. 

The findings were from a survey of 450 patients from Czech Republic, Italy, Germany, Ireland and UK. 

Around half of the couples quizzed – 46 per cent – reported having less sex after fertility treatment compared with before, and one fifth – 20 per cent -– said they had a lower sex drive. 

Others reported abstaining from sex as they feared miscarriage, and said they felt tired, pain in the lower abdomen and vaginal dryness. 

But says it should be the personal decision of the couple’s, and there should be no ‘blanket ban’.

‘What we do know is that some doctors and midwives speak with patients and they completely prohibit them from having intercourse during the entire treatment,’ she said.

‘But in my opinion, this is crazy. Sexual activity can not harm the embryo. There’s no scientific evidence at all that warrants a blanket ban during IVF treatment.’

Rare to get pregnant ‘twice’  

Provided there is no medical reason – such as blocked fallopian tubes – there is always a small chance of naturally created embryos implanting alongside those produced with IVF, explained Dr Visnova.

However, while there is still a theoretical chance, she said that it is highly unlikely.

‘It’s also extremely rare for an IVF patient to get pregnant ‘twice’ at the same time, one naturally and one through IVF.

‘If multiple births are a concern, barrier protection can used during sex.’ 

 

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