IVF: Contradictions

[rachel_va]

During my 3 day bedrest after my ET I've been doing some IVF research and found that the IVF professional community seems split on a number of things and this is just a few that I've come across.

1. Number of embryo's to transfer-this can range from 1 to 5+, depending on a number of variables. High transfer rates do not necessarily translate into HOM (high order multiples)

2. 3 day vs 5 day transfer-you will find RE's and embryologists have published very persuasive articles and papers on this topic--on the advantages and disadvantages of both. There are some practices which will only do 3d, others that lean heavily toward 5d. some that have a mix and a number which report similar pregnancy rates.

3. Bedrest after transfer-none (take it "easy" the day of transfer) to 3+ days.

4. Sex after transfer-RE's seem to be pretty passionate (so to speak) about this. Most say abstain the day of transfer, some do not restrict sexual activity at all, some restrict for a few days, some for the entire 2 week wait. There have been some interesting studies done.

RE's have protocols in place for many things, especially regarding the first two, some are age, history and/or embryo quality dependant.

There is a lot of contradictory advice on this site and everywhere else on the net. I guess that is par for the course in a rapidly evolving and new technology.

I would check with your RE's office if you have any questions, they know you and your treatment protocol best!