In vitro fertilization, or IVF for short, is a form of assisted reproductive technology (ART) which aids in improving the chances of successful pregnancy. Over the past few years, the popularity of IVF is growing at a rapid pace. But despite its growing popularity, it is still relatively new in many places, including Nepal. Therefore, there are bound to be many questions regarding this infertility treatment. One such question is what one should do after IVF implantation. So, what to do after IVF implantation? But although this question is associated with IVF, what even is IVF implantation? Well, we shall explore various aspects of IVF implantation, including what it is and what to do after it.
Along with this, we shall also provide you with information on factors affecting implantation success rate along with tips for a healthy IVF journey. So, keeping this in mind, let's get started!
As you may guess from its name, IVF implantation is a process within the IVF treatment. In this stage of IVF treatment, the fertilized embryo is transferred back into the uterus, where it attaches itself to the uterus. It is an important step for a successful pregnancy, and this process can be divided into various phases. The key phases of IVF implantation include:
This phase begins once the embryos reach the right stage of development, which occurs around the 3rd or 5th day after fertilization. Once the eggs reach the required stage, the expert then carefully places them into the uterus using a thin catheter through the guidance of ultrasound. While on paper, it may sound as if the process is highly surgical in nature, it is a minimally invasive procedure and is relatively painless.
Once the embryo is placed into the uterus, it begins to interact with the uterine lining. Here, the embryo must come out from its protective outer shell, known as zona pellucida, in a process known as hatching. Following the hatching, the embryo must embed itself into the endometrial lining. The embryo attachment and implantation phase often occurs a few days after the transfer. Now do note that although the embryo implantation phase is typically successful, there is a small risk of this process failing.
If the implantation process is successful, the embryo starts producing the hormone known as hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). This hormone is the basis for detecting pregnancy in blood or urine tests.
These are the phases of IVF implantation or Embryo implantation process within the IVF. As you can see, it is an essential process that can determine the success and failure rates of the IVF process.
While knowing what IVF implantation is important, you should also know about its success rate as well. However, there is a small catch: the success rate is not specific, as there are many factors that determine the success rate of the IVF implantation process. So, what are these factors? Some of the key factors that affect the success rate of the IVF implantation process include:
One of the key factors that dictate the overall success rate of IVF implantation is embryo-related factors, as the quality of the embryo plays an important role in implantation success. High-quality embryos with normal shape and proper development stages are more likely to implant successfully, while those with chromosomal abnormalities are less likely to result in failure. Along with this, the stage of development also affects the success rate of IVF implantation, as those embryos that are implanted on the fifth day have higher success rates than the ones implanted on the third day.
Another key factor that affects the success rate is factors associated with the uterus. The health and condition of the uterus are essential for successful implantation. For instance, a uterus with 7 to 14 mm thick endometrium is more likely to result in success than the ones exceeding or not reaching this thickness. Furthermore, uterine abnormalities such as fibroids, polyps, and septate uterus can also create barriers to implantations.
Alongside uterine factors, your hormones also play an important role in the success of IVF implantation. If you do not have adequate levels of hormones, such as progesterone levels, it can lead to the failure of the process. Additionally, imbalances in the thyroid through conditions such as insulin resistance or PCOS can disrupt the hormonal environment, resulting in IVF implantation process failure.
While the factors we mentioned so far are somewhat beyond your control, you can control your lifestyle and health. First of all, you should maintain your weight, as being both underweight and overweight can drastically decrease the success rate. Furthermore, excess consumption of substances such as alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine through smoking can also affect embryo quality. As we already established prior, lower-quality embryos decrease the success rate of IVF implantation.
Now, you can control your health, but you have limited to no control over your immune and blood-related issues. Autoimmune conditions such as antiphospholipid syndrome can result in your immune system attacking the embryo, and blood clotting disorders can restrict blood flow to the endometrial lining. Both of these are conditions that you cannot control for the most part but can still result in failure of IVF implantation.
These are just five of the most common factors which can affect IVF success rates. But they are not the only factors as besides the ones we mentioned here, there are many factors affecting the success rates. Regardless, we hope you understood the general gist of it all and found this helpful.
Want to Know How IVF Works? : How IVF Works: A Step-by-Step Guide to In Vitro Fertilization
Now that we have discussed what IVF implantation is and some of the key factors behind the success of this process let's get to the core of this topic- what to do after IVF implantation. Well, there are many things you should do and avoid once you complete this process. Some of the key things include the following:
One of the key things you should check on the list of what to do after IVF implantation is to take bed rest. Experts recommend that you should take complete bed rest while at the clinic after the procedure. The process typically takes place between one and five days after the cell reaches the blastocyst transfer process. If you are someone who went through the 3-day transfer, the window of implantation is between the 6th and 10th day after the egg retrieval. Now during this entire process, the experts recommend you to take bed rest. They also advise you to take a week off from your work to ensure that your body gets the rest it deserves. Now do note that although you can resume your daily activity once the process is over, it is still not recommended to do strenuous activities.
As mentioned prior, you should avoid strenuous activities during and after the IVF implantation process. Experts such as the ones from Hardik IVF and Fertility Center recommend you avoid activities such as aerobics, running, jogging, or cycling on inclined roads. Rather, you can participate in activities such as walking, driving, and cooking, all of which are considered moderate physical activities. You can also return to work, given that your work does not require heavy lifting or tough physical activities.
Another checklist on what to do after IVF implantation is to take a diet assuming as if you are already pregnant. What this essentially means is that you should avoid processed foods, limit your sugar intake and focus on healthy carbohydrates. Additionally, you should also take in oily fish twice a week and ensure that you are taking in enough proteins and daily multivitamins, including folic acid.
Alongside diet, you should also be careful about having sex during this period. Similar to how you should diet as if you are already pregnant, you should also have sex as if you are already pregnant. In other words, do not have sex after the IVF implantation. This is because having sex after IVF implantation can cause uterine contractions, which can hamper the implantation of embryos within the uterine lining.
Now, another key thing to note besides sex after this period is the list of meds you need to take. The entire process is a medical procedure, so it should not be a surprise to anyone that you need to take meds after the IVF implantation process. The doctors shall provide you with medications and specific instructions on how to take the meds. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully. But while taking medications, you should be wary to avoid baths so that the water does not go inside the uterus.
Before you make a surprised face, know that we do not mean to avoid baths completely. What you should avoid are baths such as tub baths and swimming. You can engage in regular showers and body washes. As long as it is a form of bath that does not require submerging your vagina into a pool of water, it is fine. The key point here is to not let the water outside enter your uterus. We recommend you take short, warm showers.
Another list of what to avoid after IVF implantation is - dehydration. Since your body is now supporting more than one life, it needs more than regular amounts of water. Therefore, you should drink plenty of water or other forms of liquid. Staying hydrated is vital as fluids help maintain cell hydration, which is crucial for the proper functioning of cells, including those in the endometrium.
Following dehydration, you should also add this entry to your checklist of what to do after IVF implantation - reduce stress. Stress, in general, messes up your hormones, and it is not a good idea during the post-phases of IVF implantation, as a small change in hormonal balance can result in drastic changes to the overall IVF procedure. Rather, you might want to explore various relaxation methods, including yoga, meditation, or Tai Chi, as these practices can be beneficial in managing and alleviating stress levels effectively.
Besides reducing stress, you should also take progesterone. For those unaware, Progesterone is an essential hormone that plays an important role in the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and overall reproductive health and is formed in the corpus luteum, which is a temporary structure that forms in the ovary after ovulation. Its layer forms the placenta during pregnancy, and inadequate levels of these hormones can result in pregnancy failures. Progesterone is important as it prepares your uterine lining for a potential pregnancy. It creates an optimal environment for the successful implantation of the embryos.
Pregnancy tests, rather than things you should do, are more like an element of what to avoid after IVF implantation. By this, we don’t even mean to avoid taking pregnancy tests but rather to avoid taking pregnancy tests at home as they can show false results, increasing your stress. It is best to wait about two weeks post-transfer before taking your first hCG test. Your fertility doctor will arrange a date for your official pregnancy tests.
With this, we have covered the general gist of what to do after IVF implantation. While there are still other things you should be wary of, the list we provided does cover the general gist of them all.
Also Read: How Long Is the IVF Process? Key Stages Explained
So, after knowing what the IVF implantation process is and what to do after this process, let's discuss some of the IVF tips for successful implantation. So, what are the tips we can use for a healthy IVF journey? Well, there are many, and the specific tips you can use depend on your circumstances. Regardless, keeping this in mind, some of the key tips we have for you include:
By following these tips, you can enhance the success rate of the IVF implantation process.
Last but not least, let’s cover why you choose Hardik IVF and Fertility Clinic for the best IVF implantation. Well, there are many reasons to choose Hardik IVF and Fertility Clinic for IVF Implantation, among which the key reasons include:
Hardik IVF provides all services related to the implantation of IVF through a team of highly experienced gynecologists, embryologists, and genetic counselors.
Our center offers a variety of modern reproductive technologies that can optimize the results of implantation: IVF, ICSI, and PGT. These newest techniques can increase the chances of implantation and subsequent pregnancy, even in very problematic cases.
We provide holistic care that addresses your physical and emotional needs during fertility treatment. For this, our integrated mental health counseling will offer all the support and confidence you need to navigate this journey with positivity and strength.
Transparency is at the center of our process, which helps in cultivating trust and confidence in your treatment. Our friendly and warm environment makes you feel taken care of and helps you through the process of IVF implantation.
At Hardik IVF, we are committed to combining high-quality care with affordability to make advanced IVF implantation services within reach of a wide range of individuals.
IVF is a form of assisted reproductive technology (ART) which is growing at a rapid pace. Because of this, people are getting more and more curious regarding various aspects of IVF such as IVF implantation. Among many questions, one of the most asked is what to do after IVF implantation. Well, there are many things to do, some of which include taking bed rest, taking adequate medications, avoiding strenuous activities, and avoiding sex.
In this blog, we provide you with information regarding what to do after IVF implantation, along with its various other aspects. We hope you found this helpful. If you seek further insights into the various other aspects of IVF, do check out some of our other blogs. And if you want the best IVF implantation service in Nepal, look no further than Hardik IVF and Fertility Center - the best IVF center in Nepal. Thank you for reading till the end.
After an embryo transfer during in vitro fertilization (IVF), it's generally recommended to avoid strict bed rest. Research indicates that prolonged bed rest (more than 20 minutes) immediately after the procedure may actually reduce the chances of clinical pregnancy. Therefore, it's advisable to resume normal daily activities, including light exercise, as soon as you feel comfortable.
Some other strategies that further increase the chances of implantation and early pregnancy after embryo transfer are outlined below.
Success with IVF after embryo transfer can be ensured in various ways. Some of the main ways are as follows:
Medical Advice: Continue your medications as prescribed. Continue with follow-up care from your fertility specialist.
After implantation, it’s important to support your pregnancy by taking the following measures: