Be Patient, Resist The Urge To Take A Pregnancy Test After IVF Embryo Transfer

IVF Illustration (Photo: Shutterstock)

JAKARTA - Curiosity sometimes arises and makes the temptation to immediately take a pregnancy test by examining urine after the patient undergoes embryo transfer (one of the processes in the IVF program) and this temptation should be resisted.

Obstetrics and gynecology specialist consultant fertility, endocrinology, and reproduction from the Indonesian Obstetrics and Gynecology Association (POGI) dr. Aida Riyanti, Sp.OG-KFER, M.RepSc said it can take up to several weeks from the day of transfer until the placental cells start to produce enough of a hormone known as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to be detectable with a blood test.

"Reduce doing things that make you and your husband think that's not right, especially things that are uncertain," said the doctor who practices at Pondok Indah IVF Center Hospital.

Aida advised patients not to panic after the embryo transfer. According to him, you should try to stay relaxed. Whether or not the embryo attaches depends on the quality of the embryo and how receptive the womb of the future mother is.

Therefore, according to him, there is nothing fundamental to be done that will affect the results.

"This is important to remember, because when a cycle fails, it's very easy to blame yourself for doing or not doing something after the embryo transfer. In fact, it could be something else. So remind yourself to always think positive and stay calm, okay? ," suggested Aida as quoted from ANTARA, Saturday, January 1.

On the other hand, the patient may wish to keep an eye on certain symptoms that may occur in the days following embryo transfer. Women who take fertility drugs may develop a condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

This condition can occur when the body responds dramatically to the injected hormones used as part of the IVF process.

OHSS can cause symptoms such as: abdominal pain, flatulence, nausea, vomiting. These symptoms can be mild, but can also worsen very quickly if the mother-to-be has a serious case of the syndrome.

"So, if you suddenly feel severe pain in your stomach, don't wait too long. Immediately contact your doctor, maternity counselor, or clinic and explain the symptoms you are experiencing," Aida said.