IVF involves controlled ovarian stimulation using fertility medications to encourage the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Following this stimulation, an egg retrieval procedure collects these mature eggs for fertilization. Whether sexual activity is permitted during this time is a common question. The answer requires careful consideration due to the physical changes in the patient’s body and the need for precise timing in the medical procedure.
Physical Safety Risks During Ovarian Stimulation
Fertility medications administered during ovarian stimulation cause the ovaries to significantly enlarge as multiple fluid-filled sacs, called follicles, develop. Normally about the size of a walnut, the ovaries can become several times larger and heavier. This substantial increase creates heightened physical risks, particularly concerning any activity that jostles the pelvic region.
The most serious concern is the risk of ovarian torsion, a rare but severe medical emergency where the ovary twists around its ligaments, cutting off the blood supply. This causes sudden, intense pelvic pain requiring immediate surgical intervention to save the ovary. Sexual activity, especially if vigorous, can increase the chance of this complication due to movement and pressure on the enlarged organs.
Enlarged ovaries can press against surrounding structures, making penetrative intercourse uncomfortable or even painful for the patient. Specialists advise against sexual activity during the later stages of stimulation to prioritize comfort and reduce the risk of internal injury, such as a cyst rupture. Avoiding intercourse in the final days before retrieval also helps maintain a sterile environment, which is important because the procedure involves passing a needle through the vaginal wall.
Abstinence Timing After the Trigger Injection
A few days before the scheduled egg retrieval, the patient receives a precise dose of medication known as the “trigger shot,” which is often a form of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This injection mimics the body’s natural luteinizing hormone surge, initiating the final maturation of the eggs. The timing of this shot is crucial, as the egg retrieval must occur approximately 34 to 36 hours later, just before the eggs would naturally ovulate.
Sexual intercourse after the trigger shot is strictly forbidden because the patient is at the peak of fertility. The mature eggs are hours away from retrieval, and unprotected intercourse carries a high risk of natural conception. This accidental pregnancy could be complicated by the high number of eggs present, potentially leading to a multiple gestation.
An accidental pregnancy would also compromise the intended IVF cycle, forcing the immediate cancellation of the egg retrieval procedure. To prevent premature or accidental ovulation, which would result in a failed retrieval, all sexual activity must cease within the final 24 to 48 hours leading up to the procedure. Adhering to the exact timeline given by the clinic is necessary for the successful collection of mature eggs.
Understanding Clinic Protocols and Male Partner Sample Requirements
Fertility clinics provide specific guidelines for abstinence that must be followed precisely to ensure the patient’s safety and the success of the IVF cycle. While the female partner’s restrictions focus on physical safety and procedural timing, the male partner’s abstinence period is dictated by the need for a high-quality sperm sample.
The male partner is typically required to provide a semen sample on the same day as the egg retrieval. To optimize sample quality, clinics usually request an abstinence period of two to five days prior to collection. Abstaining for less than two days may result in a lower volume or sperm count, while abstaining for more than five days can reduce sperm motility and morphology.
This required window for sperm collection often determines the couple’s overall restrictions regarding sexual activity immediately preceding the egg retrieval. Although clinic protocols may vary slightly, communication with the medical team is encouraged to clarify any concerns about physical activity or intimacy. Following these personalized guidelines is necessary for the successful timing and outcome of the fertilization process.