During a treatment cycle, the waiting period before the result of the pregnancy test can be difficult to handle emotionally. You can be reassured that, unless your doctor gave you another specific indication, there is nothing particular to do apart from continuing to take the medication she or he prescribed (Utrogestan, folic acid, etc.)

After an intrauterine insemination or an embryo transfer:

You can go back to your usual activities or to your work right away, there is no reason to stop moving
There may be a small vaginal discharge, brown or light in colour, and sometimes even with a few drops of blood coming mainly from the cervix, which is normal
Physical exercise, saunas, hot baths or spas should be done with caution during the two weeks following the embryo transfer. A sharp increase in body temperature (>39°C) has shown to lead to damaging effects for the embryo in early pregnancy. To maintain this temperature below the limit, precise instructions have been laid out in a recent study (Ravanelli N et al. 2018) as follows:
- exercise for 35 minutes below 90% of the maximum heart rate (e.g. 160 beats per minute if you are 35 years old) in an environment where the temperature is 25°C and relative humidity is at 45%
- immersion and exercise in water at temperatures below 33.4°C for up to 45 minutes
- immersion in a hot bath or a hot and dry sauna (70°C and 15% relative humidity) for up to 20 minutes
A scientific study (Tremellen KP et al. 2000) investigated a possible effect on the pregnancy rate in women who had sexual intercourse two days before or two days after embryo transfer. The results did not show a negative effect, and they even observed a slightly positive effect on the chances of pregnancy
Good food hygiene is recommended, just like during a pregnancy. Therefore, wash fruits and vegetables well, avoid raw meat and fish, seafood, raw milk and make sure you are optimally hydrated (one and a half litres of water per day)
Complete cessation of smoking and alcohol is strongly recommended
Travelling is possible, but some destinations are to be avoided (Zika area, malaria, etc.), it is therefore advisable to discuss it with your doctor
This period can be accompanied by anxiety and emotions that are sometimes difficult to manage, so do not hesitate to ask for an appointment with our counselling team

After an oocyte pick-up:

In addition to the above, it is worth noting that during ovarian stimulation and after an oocyte pick-up, the ovaries are bigger in size. In this context, it is recommended not to carry out intense physical activity in order to avoid pain and the risk of ovarian torsion. Sexual intercourse, although possible, can be experienced as painful.

Announcement of results following an intrauterine insemination

After insemination, you will have 14 days to wait before taking a urinary pregnancy test at home. If this test is positive, you can call the CPMA for an appointment to carry out a blood test within 1-2 days. You must continue to take the medication prescribed by your doctor.

If the blood test result is positive, the medical assistant will arrange an appointment with your doctor for a pregnancy ultrasound about 7 weeks after the date of the last menstruation. If the progress is favourable, the pregnancy follow-up will then be taken care of by your attending gynecologist.

If the blood test result is unfortunately negative, menstruation will occur and, according to your doctor's instructions, you will be able to start a new cycle or request an appointment to discuss the next steps with him/her.

Remember, our counselling team is available for support, you may request an an appointment at any time.

Announcement of results following IVF or IVF-ICSI

After an embryo transfer, an appointment will be scheduled after about 10 days to take a blood test which will determine if a pregnancy has started.

The result of this test will be available in the afternoon at the CPMA, so that you can call at a time that is convenient for you. The medical assistant will inform you of the result.

If the pregnancy hormone (HCG) is detected, it indicates the beginning of a pregnancy. Another blood test will be done a week later to monitor the level of this hormone. During this time, you must continue taking the medication prescribed by your doctor. If the result indicates an ongoing pregnancy, a vaginal ultrasound will be scheduled again one to two weeks later to visualise the location of the gestational sac and the embryo. If all goes well, the pregnancy follow-up will be handled by your attending gynecologist.

If the test is unfortunately negative, you can stop the medication. Menstruation will come and a waiting period of at least one menstrual cycle will be necessary before undertaking a new thawing cycle (when applicable). The medical assistant will propose, if you wish, an appointment with your doctor and/or with a counselling specialist, depending on the questions you may have.

Waiting period and delivery of treatment results