Embryo transfer is the last phase of the IVF (In vitro fertilization) treatment, wherein the embryo developed in the lab is transferred into the woman’s uterus.
Congratulations if you have stayed strong up to this phase! And the best of wishes to stay stronger for the time following embryo transfer.
The period following the transfer of the embryo may be one of the most arduous points of time in the whole IVF procedure for some. You would have to wait for a minimum of fourteen days to know if the embryo transferred had implanted successfully in the uterine wall.
As you wait, you may also be looking for signs that indicate that the embryo transfer has been successful. Some signs indicate that the embryo transfer has been positive. However, it is to be noted that not all signs are one hundred percent an indicator of embryo transfer success.
Positive Signs After Embryo Transfer
Signs that indicate that the embryo transfer has been a success include:
- Breast tenderness
- Spotting
- Bloating
- Cramping
- Nausea
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Fatigue
Breast Tenderness
Breast tenderness means the changes in the texture or feel of your breasts. You may feel soreness or enlargement of your breasts. It is due to the change in hormone levels after the implantation of the embryo.
Breast tenderness may also arise due to hormone supplements taken during IVF treatment. So do not take this sign as a sure indicator of positive embryo transfer.
Spotting
One of the main reasons for spotting or light bleeding to happen is because of the implantation process. When implantation occurs, the tiny vessels on the uterine wall rupture and may result in light bleeding or spotting. It may also happen due to vaginal or cervical irritation or subchorionic hemorrhage.
Light bleeding is a positive indicator of embryo transfer. However, heavy bleeding can be a cause of concern, suggesting possible miscarriage. So, if you feel worried about bleeding, lightly or heavily, after embryo transfer, consult your fertility doctor.
Bloating
If the level of progesterone increases after embryo implantation, you may feel bloating and pain in the abdominal region. Though it is a positive sign of pregnancy, it may also be due to the injectable hormones taken during IVF treatment.
Cramping
If pregnancy has become positive, progesterone may cause loosening of the body’s ligaments and muscles to help the body make space for the growing embryo. This can result in cramping. Once again, the play of progesterone may also be due to IVF hormone supplements.
Nausea
Nausea is another positive indicator of successful embryo transfer. You may encounter nausea and vomiting because of the hormonal changes your body undergoes due to the IVF treatment.
Increased Vaginal Discharge
If you find a clean, white, and thin discharge from your vagina with a mild smell, it is a positive indicator of embryo transfer. It means that the transfer has been a success, and your body is producing these vaginal discharges to prevent any infection in your uterus. Yet consult your doctor if you find the discharge to be unusual and discomforting.
Fatigue
The rise in progesterone can also induce fatigue. The tiredness may also be due to the IVF treatment your body underwent. So, you cannot take fatigue as a guarantee of a successful embryo transfer.
Is It Normal To Have No Symptoms After An Embryo Transfer?
It is normal to experience no symptoms after embryo transfer. The above-listed symptoms may or may not occur for every individual.
Some people may experience only one symptom of successful embryo transfer. Some may experience a combination of many symptoms. While some others may not experience any symptoms at all.
Experiencing no symptoms is normal. You may encounter the symptoms after weeks of embryo transfer, too.
When To Take A Pregnancy Test
It is advised to take a pregnancy test at least two weeks after embryo transfer to avoid false results.
The level of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) hormones in the blood or urine is responsible for indicating the success of embryo implantation. With IVF cycles, the level of hCG could be higher in the initial days following embryo transfer if the transfer had been done a few days after the trigger shot given for ovulation. Testing too early after the IVF embryo transfer thus can lead to false positive pregnancy results.
A false result can truly be heartbreaking. So, it is best to go for medically authenticated pregnancy tests at the appropriate time to derive correct results.
Why Choose Us For Your IVF Treatments
IVF is a complex procedure, and you need to visit a fertility hospital to conduct the procedure successfully without any complications. At Hive Fertility Hospital, we have experienced fertility doctors and advanced technology equipment that can give you the best chance of having a healthy baby.
Conclusion
Any of the symptoms encountered after the embryo transfer are not standalone indicators of pregnancy. These symptoms, similar to early pregnancy symptoms, may or may not be an indicator of positive embryo transfer.
A missed period also does not confirm pregnancy, as IVF medications could postpone the period and make it sound like a positive sign of embryo transfer. Thus, the positive signs after embryo transfer may also be a result of IVF medications.
The only best way to confirm the embryo transfer to be positive is to take a proper pregnancy test as guided by a certified medical practitioner.
Wait patiently during the period of waiting before taking the pregnancy test. Expect early pregnancy symptoms and face them based on medical education. But do not take them as sole guarantors of a positive embryo transfer.
To know more about the symptoms possible to occur after embryo transfer and how to be sure of pregnancy through pregnancy tests, consult a fertility doctor.
Heavy blood discharge after embryo transfer is a sign of failure of IVF. Apart from the embryo not implanting on the uterine wall, other reasons, such as polyps or ectopic pregnancy, can result in heavy bleeding and, thus, miscarriage.
If the embryo is successfully implanted, you may get the urge to urinate frequently. This is due to the rise in levels of hCG and progesterone hormones in the blood. If you encounter any discomfort while peeing, check for UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) for a safer pregnancy.
Yes, you can try for a natural pregnancy after a failed IVF. Ovarian stimulation and other hormonal treatments taken during IVF treatment are found to help in conceiving naturally after a failed IVF cycle.
