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Embryo
Transfer
We know that every embryo does
not become a baby. Here are some of the things you can do to maximise chances
of success.
So you've had an embryo transplant,
but still do not conceive. It is normal to blame yourself for something
you may or may not have done during this time. Therefore, try not to do
anything for which you will blame yourself if you do not get pregnant.
In general practice the following guidelines:
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No tub baths or swimming for 48 hours
after embryo transfer.
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No douching or wearing tampons.
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No intercourse or orgasms until the
fetal heartbeat is seen on ultrasound, or the pregnancy test is negative.
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No excessive physical activity such
as jogging, aerobics, or tennis.
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No non-prescription medications or other
prescribed medications without the approval of your doctor.
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No heavy lifting.
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You may return to "work" after 24 hours
of bed rest (getting up for bathroom and meals only) and one to two days
of light activity.
Doctors used to advise "strict
bed rest" after an embryo transfer. However, remember that physical activity
does not affect your chances of getting pregnant. Resting when you are
well can be very emotionally taxing, and we encourage patients to lead
as normal a life as possible.
After a transplant, there are numerous
stages which must be reached and completed before conception.
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More than one egg should develop.
-
Eggs should mature.
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Ovulation should not occur before the
eggs can be collected.
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Eggs must be retrieved during the "pick-up".
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Sperm must fertilize at least one egg
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Fertilized eggs must divide and grow
healthily.
The embryos might get implanted in the
uterus.
Think of it as a series of hurdles,
all of which have to be cleared, in order to win the race!
Maximizing Chances
for Success
Women:
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Avoid all medications. If you are taking
other prescription medications check with your doctor prior to beginning
your treatment cycle.
-
No smoking or alcohol use. Studies show
both can result in lower pregnancy rates and a greater risk of miscarriage.
Why put yourself through this if you are not doing everything YOU can to
insure your success.
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No more than two caffeinated beverages
per day.
-
Avoid change in diet or weight loss
or fad diets during IVF cycle. A healthy well balanced diet works best.
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Refrain from intercourse three to four
days prior to egg retrieval and following embryo replacement until the
pregnancy test has been done.
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Normal exercise may continue unless
enlargement of your ovaries produces discomfort.
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Avoid hot tubs or saunas.
Men:
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Fever greater than 100.4o one to two
months prior to IVF treatment may adversely affect sperm quality. Be sure
to let your doctor know. If you are sick, please take your temperature
and report any febrile illnesses.
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Sitting in hot tubs and saunas is not
recommended. Even a single episode in a hot tub can adversely affect sperm
function. Please refrain from this for at least three months prior to treatment.
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Drugs, alcohol, and cigarette smoking
should be avoided for three months prior to treatment and at all times
during the ongoing IVF treatment cycle to get the best results.
Abstain from intercourse for at least
three days, but not more than seven days prior to collection of semen for
egg collection and during treatment.
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