Dr. Fulvia Mancini, medical director of Cataluña at Eva Fertility Clinics answers some common questions about fertility treatments.
Is it mandatory doing the HCG test in IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)?
No, it isn’t mandatory but recommendable. The HCG test is used to find out the tubes’ condition in order to check they are not blocked so the sperm can reach the egg.
What are the common side effects of the medication?
Fluid retention and mood swings.
Is it allowed having sex during the treatment?
It is not contraindicated having sex before the puncture but after the transfer.
Is the puncture a painful procedure?
No. The puncture phase consists of retrieving the eggs under anesthesia so you will not have any discomfort.
Can I drink alcohol while I’m under medication?
When you start trying to get pregnant, you should lead a healthy lifestyle and quit bad habits such as drinking or smoking.
How do I inject the medication?
The most common way to administering the medication is via subcutaneous injection which is normally performed in the abdominal area. The nurse of Eva will show the patient how to do it. For any doubt, the patient can contact the clinic.
Is it normal feeling bloated because of the medication?
Yes, it is completely normal.
Can I work out (for example spinning) while I’m under the treatment and after the puncture?
At the beginning of the stimulation process, you can normally keep doing sport. After the first follicles check-up, we do not recommend intense physical activities.
Do I need to rest after the embryo transfer?
Yes, you need to rest approximately 30 minutes after the procedure at the clinic.
Can I come back to work on the same day?
No, you can’t, on the transfer day you should keep relative rest. The following day you can return to your normal life.
What medication can I take after the transfer?
You can take paracetamol. If you need to take other drugs, you should contact your physician first.
Can I bath after the transfer?
No, you can’t. From the transfer until the pregnancy test, you must avoid having baths in swimming pool, bathtub or beach.
Why were new studies by the doctor only after obtaining a negative result from the treatment?
Some specific screenings are required only when there are doubts that certain diseases might exist.
What are symptoms that should I note between the transfer and the pregnancy test?
You shouldn’t notice any symptoms but you could experience colic, tiredness, chest swelling, fluid retention, nausea and even vomiting and mild bleeding.
What happens if I have any bleeding after the transfer?
You don’t have to worry if you observe a light bleeding because it is one of the most common symptoms after the transfer.
How long do I have to continue with the medication after the transfer?
Generally, you have to keep following the hormone therapy until the day of the pregnancy test. If it is positive, you should continue the administration up until the gynaecologist advises you to stop taking the medication after performing an ultrasound scan.
When will I know if I’m pregnant?
Approximately two weeks after the embryo transfer, the pregnancy test is performed.
If the pregnancy test is negative, how long do I have to wait until the frozen embryo transfer?
About 45 days after starting the menstrual period following the negative pregnancy test.
Once I’m pregnant, what are the next steps? Until when will I visit Eva in case of a successful pregnancy?
After the first ultrasound scan where the baby heartbeat is listened, you are generally referred to your usual gynaecologist.
You can find more common questions about fertility treatments on the previous post.
