

Simply put, cramps after sex are not a common or normal thing, says Dr. But if it hurts, it indicates that something is preventing your uterus from completely relaxing again after it contracts, says Adeeti Gupta, MD, a board-certified ob-gyn, a sexual health expert, and the CEO and founder of Walk In GYN Care. Afterwards, your blood vessels and pelvic floor muscles relax–which is supposed to feel like a wave of pure ecstasy. When you orgasm, your uterus and pelvic muscles contract. You can feel it anywhere in your vagina or lower abdomen or back. The cramping, which can resemble period cramps, usually happens right away and can cause pain for a few hours after sex, says Christine Greves, MD, a board-certified ob-gyn at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies. Sometimes that can happen after you orgasm. Yet many women experience cramps after sex. We look forward to helping you start a family.You’ve probably felt, seen, or experienced something uncomfortable down there that prompts a panicked, W ait, is this normal? Women tolerate a lot of pain (from periods, childbirth), but if there’s one thing that should not be painful, it’s sex. If you interested in learning more about IVF and the other fertility treatments we provide, contact Houston Infertility Center today online or by calling (713) 862-6181 to schedule your consultation. This could be the sign of something more severe that needs immediate medical attention. If at any point your side effects seem abnormal, or you notice increased cramping followed by excess bleeding (more than just light spotting), please contact your doctor right away. A trusted friend will also know the right ways to encourage you and keep your mind occupied, especially during the waiting period between embryo transplantation and the pregnancy test. Knowing ahead of time what to expect will help you manage your expectations and keep your mind from jumping to worst-case scenarios when side effects occur. Joining a support group or confiding in a friend who has undergone IVF can also help you gain a better understanding of what to expect going into IVF, especially if your friend has had a positive outcome. Before taking anything, including herbal supplements, please contact your medical professional. However, you will need to avoid medications containing ibuprofen, such as Advil and Aleve. Regular or extra strength Tylenol are allowed before, during, and after the IVF cycle. When cramping is preventing you from focusing on your regular daily activities, you can also take certain medications to help reduce side effects. We also recommend avoiding artificial sweeteners, salt, and starches, as well as eating a diet high in fiber to aid your digestive system.


Drinking plenty of water will not only help keep your body hydrated, it will prevent your body from retaining excess fluid, often the cause for increased bloating. In addition to cramping, excess bloating is another uncomfortable symptom often experienced when taking hormone-inducing medications and after undergoing egg retrieval.

Because the success rate of your IVF is dependent on multiple steps all working together at the same time, we recommend speaking to your doctor in advance before trying anything new. If you are experiencing mild to moderate cramping in your lower abdomen and back, you may find that applying a heating pad or hot water bottle to the area in 20-minute intervals will help reduce side effects. Taking a daily walk outside can also help boost your vitamin D, while alleviating depression, anxiety, and other symptoms that can occur after taking the hormone medications required for IVF. Trying both will help you decipher what is best for you, especially if you plan on undergoing additional IVF procedures in the future. While some may find resting will help alleviate cramping (similar to menstrual cramps) in their lower back and abdomen, others may find daily walks and stretching beneficial in reducing their symptoms. Discover the Right Balance of Rest and ActivityĮach patient is different. Below are five ways to minimize cramping, bloating, and other uncomfortable symptoms often associated with IVF. One common question we regularly address is related to IVF and cramps. Kristiansen will meet with you to discuss the overall treatment process to help answer any questions and provide peace of mind. But when you combine infertility with complex fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI), patients can experience further stress.Īt Houston Infertility Center in Houston, TX, Dr. Infertility comes with its own set of struggles and anxieties, especially if you have battled it for years.
