For married couples aspiring to have children, various methods are pursued. From attempting natural conception to assisted reproductive techniques such as insemination or in vitro fertilization (IVF).
IVF, also known as in vitro fertilization, is a process of fertilizing an egg cell with sperm outside the uterus, precisely in a laboratory. The fertilized egg will develop into an embryo. Eventually, this embryo will be implanted back into the woman’s uterus.
Indications for the IVF Program
IVF is one of the assisted reproductive technologies. Typically, the IVF procedure becomes an option to address infertility issues. Here are some indications for undergoing the IVF program:
Women with bilateral fallopian tube blockage that cannot be corrected
Male sperm factors that cannot be corrected with medication or surgical intervention
Women who haven’t conceived after 3-4 intrauterine insemination (IUI) attempts
Women who have undergone fallopian tube correction for 6 months but haven’t achieved pregnancy Couples facing idiopathic infertility and haven’t achieved pregnancy for 3 years
Experiencing genetic abnormalities within the family
Experiencing recurrent idiopathic miscarriages
Can You Have Intercourse During the IVF Program?
The IVF (in vitro fertilization) program is a complex series of steps in the journey to pregnancy. The process and stages involved are quite lengthy. It’s not surprising that there are many concerns and questions from couples undergoing the IVF program. One of the concerns for couples going through the IVF program is related to sexual intercourse during the course of the IVF treatment.
In essence, there is no definite prohibition regarding this matter. However, many doctors do not recommend couples to engage in sexual intercourse before, during, or even after the IVF program. This is because it could potentially lead to a higher chance of a twin pregnancy. Nevertheless, in general, there usually isn’t an issue with having intercourse during the IVF program. One condition to be noted is that doctors do advise against sexual intercourse after the embryo transfer (ET) procedure or frozen embryo transfer (FET) procedure. Embryo transfer is one of the key stages in the IVF program.
Tanya Ferly tentang Promil?
Usually, it takes about 2 weeks to determine whether the embryo has successfully implanted on the uterine lining or not. During these 2 weeks, couples are usually advised to abstain from sexual intercourse. This is because the embryo requires optimal time to develop within the uterine lining.
According to Dr. Cynthia Agnes Susanto, BMedSc, Sp.OG, a specialist in gynecology and obstetrics at the Indonesian Child Fertility Center, having sexual intercourse after embryo transfer (ET) or frozen embryo transfer (FET) is thought to potentially affect the prepared condition of the uterus for embryo implantation. “It’s better not to engage in intercourse. Because the embryo has already formed, if it is disturbed later, there could be disruptions and various issues. So, it’s better not to do it because there’s a concern that it might alter the uterus itself that is preparing for the embryo’s development,” says Dr. Cynthia Agnes Susanto, BMedSc, Sp.OG.
What If You Want to Have Intercourse During the IVF Program?
Engaging in sexual activity can indeed enhance the quality of a relationship between partners. However, if you and your partner want to have sexual intercourse during the IVF program, it is recommended to do so when the pregnancy has reached a safe stage. Furthermore, it’s advisable to use condoms to avoid affecting the pregnancy condition.
This recommendation also applies to women who are pregnant without undergoing the IVF program, you know. Nevertheless, if you’re uncertain, you can consult with a specialist obstetrician beforehand. Because the advice may vary based on the specific circumstances of each couple. So, that’s the explanation regarding having sexual intercourse during the IVF program. There is no definite prohibition, but it’s not advised to engage in intercourse after undergoing embryo transfer or frozen embryo transfer, dear!
Source:
Hou, J.W, et al. (2023). Impact of sexual intercourse on frozen-thawed embryo transfer outcomes: a randomized controlled trial. Contracept Reprod Med. 2023; 8: 19.
Tremellen, K.P., et al. (2000). The effect of intercourse on pregnancy rates during assisted human reproduction. Human Reproduction, Volume 15, Issue 12, 1 December 2000, Pages 2653–2658.
Sun, Z.G., et al. (2020). Can the act of sexual intercourse before embryo transfer improve IVF treatment outcome? A Randomized Clinical Trial.
