Question about things to do before ET

MelleTX

Ok... this is more of a funny than a question. And you may have to double-check my siggy to get why this is so funny to me.

I obsessively read over my IVF protocol sheet and calendar. I read it everyday. I don't want to miss anything. Today, I was reading over the instructions for before embryo transfer.

Under Day Prior to Embryo Transfer is says "Couple will have intercourse in the evening"

Um... is this is a requirement? Is it medically necessary? Can I do it solo? I mean I could probably call in a favor but that's a little awkward. 

My RE loves to joke with me so I can't wait to ask him about this on Friday. I just got the biggest giggle out of this tonight.  

 

Roxie5739

LOL!!! Hmmmmmmm

kmc84

Lol! You were right! I guess all I can say is a girl's got to do what a girl has to do;-)

adoruhbul

HAHA!  There is an actual medical reason for it, however it's really really unproven and very few RE's actually believe it... However, in case you're interested... This would not be something you can do on your own unfortunately.  The proteins in semen supposedly aid in implantation, however out of 300 pregnancies in the study it was done with it only showed a 2% improvement, however, it actually showed a significant decrease in early 6-8week miscarriages (12% more).

Orgasms in women actually can hinder the process completely, and not enough RE's really get into this.  Orgasms in women can cause uterine contractions in some women up to 48 hours later.  For women who are multi-orgasmic, it's been heard of even considerably longer.  Orgasms cause the uterus to constantly expand and contract making it a hostile environment and difficult for apposition to take place properly.

Apposition, or the first step in the implantation process, is when the first binding starts, and it is VERY easy at this point for something to go wrong.  A uterine contraction can actually pull the embryo away from the lining causing either a major or minor tear.  A major tear would cause apposition to cease and the embryo to die and lose blood supply, a minor tear is speculated to cause SCH's.  Orgasms aren't the only cause of uterine contractions (there are even some foods and smells--simply being extremely turned on can do it).

Many women who have sex daily have gone on to have perfectly find pregnancies.  But with infertility, it is recommended that most people do not orgasm between the day of the IUI or ER and a confirmed heart beat, especially in women with unexplained infertility.  Infertility alone makes women more prone to miscarriages and implantation failure, so it's best to avoid if it at all possible.

If you are going to call in a favor, just make sure you grab some lube and don't get too excited HaHa  

angela2004

We were told not to have s$x on Lupon. I laughed. 

4legsRbest

OMG!! That is the LAST thing I wanted to do night before ET. You got a free ticket on this one

hootie123

I've never been told to have sex before ET - and believe me I had no desire for it either.  My ovaries were so huge at ET - my RE checked my ute for fluid and the u/s wand hurt more than its ever hurt before - I would never had made it though sex.  

joules12

LOL!!!  I love that you're going to ask your RE about this (I'm all in favor of adding humor to any step of this process that we can!).

SweetDahlia

I've never heard that. We have to before 2 days before ER, but I was total no sex until beta then if you get a BFP none till first u/s.

I was in so much pain after ER there is no way we could have done it.

lisagab26

Thank you for the laugh!! 

lynn0926

I am LMAO right now! FWIW- my protocol didnt say that (not that I have ever even made it to transfer). So, I dont think it is a make or break situation. But, hey, if you fancy pull out the black book.

kaf7

Hahahaha. My book says to have intercourse every 2 days on stims but not in the 2d prior to ER (I assumed, perhaps incorrectly based on above posts that this was for DH's SA purposes). It then says no sex if you get any signs of OHSS. I didn't see anything about pre-ET! You have me going back to read the book - it only talks about morning of ET onward... nothing about exercising the night before! Post-ET it does say no sex until you have had beta.

MelleTX

Yeah, I think I am going to be skipping this step. Although I will be sure to let you know what my RE says. He will get a kick out of my curiosity. 

I'm all for the taking one for the team if required. I mean, it could be a while if this is successful. Gosh - you know it's bad when you tell yourself you aren't in the mood. : ) 

BeckyP005

Oh Melle...thanks for the chuckle...I needed it!

winofairy

*giggles*  I need that today!!

kaf7

I'm still laughing about this! Made my day.

MelleTX

I saw my RE this morning and I officially have his permission to skip this step. Although the nurses got a kick out of it and told me to let them know if I change my mind and call in a favor.