Back pain is one of the common side effects of embryo transfer when undergoing IVF treatment. Back pain is caused due to numerous factors at each stage, and the intensity varies according to the conditions.
Most of them misunderstand it with pregnancy signs, but there are numerous reasons behind the pain. This blog will explore back pain after embryo transfer, and the associated causes and effective management tips.
What Causes Lower Back Pain Post-Embryo Transfer?
Hormonal Changes
During the IVF treatment, hormonal medications, such as progesterone and estrogen injections are administered to induce the ovaries. These medications help in producing more matured eggs, rupture the follicles, and balance the fertility hormones. These medications can cause changes in the hormone level, causing muscle cramps, bloating, discomfort and pain in the lower back and legs.
Ovarian Stimulation
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) is a serious condition, where the ovaries overreact to the fertility medications taken during the IVF treatment. It will exert an overpressure in the ovaries, affecting the other organs, and leading to lower back pain.
Embryo Implantation
Physical Discomfort
Post-embryo transfer, your body needs to be at rest and should avoid lifting heavy weights and strenuous physical activities. Involving yourself in strenuous exercises or work-related heavy lifting can cause discomfort in your lower back. Sometimes, prolonged standing or resting can also cause back pain.
Pre-existing Medical Conditions
Medical conditions such as endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease, could be triggered by the hormonal changes post-embryo transfer. This could cause increased pain in the lower back through muscle tension.
Mental Stress
Undergoing IVF treatment is dealing with physical and emotional hormones, which often tend to mood swings and mental stress. You may often feel discouraged, confused, and mentally tired during the treatment. Too much mental stress can translate into physical pains, especially in the legs or back.
Lower Back Pain Days Post-Embryo Transfer
2 Days After Embryo Transfer
After two days, your body experiences changes in hormone levels due to hormonal treatments such as progesterone and estrogen injections. This causes bloating, cramping and a sense of discomfort in the lower back. Most of them misunderstand the pain during this stage, with signs of pregnancy, but it is due to the hormonal shifts.
5 Days After Embryo Transfer
After five days, the pain in the lower part of the body, especially in the abdomen and back, indicates the early signs of implantation. At this stage, the pain is caused when the embryo attaches to the uterine lining. The pain experienced on the fifth day can be deep and achy, similar to the period cramps.
7 Days After Embryo Transfer
After seven days, the embryo implantation might be completed by successfully attaching to the uterine wall. During this phase, progesterone used in IVF to support pregnancy can also cause bloating, constipation, and back pain due to its effect on muscles and ligaments.
13 Days After Embryo Transfer
After thirteen days, in the case of successful implantation, your body will experience early pregnancy symptoms week by week. The lower back during this stage is a part of the pregnancy sign, that occurs due to the stretch and growth of the uterus, and changes caused due to the pregnancy-related hormonal changes.
Managing and Relieving Back Pain
Rest
After embryo transfer, your fertility doctor will suggest you take a complete rest for a few days, to avoid causing strain, as it could affect your treatment process. It is not mandatory to be in complete bed rest, as lying for a prolonged period in bed could cause back pain. Routine activities or mild exercises can be done to enhance blood circulation and keep yourself active.
Heat and Cold Therapy
Using heating pads in the lower back, and abdomen can help relax your muscles and get relief from the pain. In the case of inflammation, cold pack therapy can be done to reduce swelling and pain.
Gently Exercise
Doing gentle exercises and slow walking can be done to keep yourself active, and regulate the blood circulation in the body. Doing heavy exercises, or workouts should be avoided, as it could interfere with hormonal activities, and have a chance of failure in embryo implantation.
Staying Hydrated
It is important to stay hydrated throughout the treatment, to relieve pain and cramps. Drinking plenty of water, for at least 8 glasses per day can help in supporting overall health and maintaining the body temperature.
Good Posture
It is crucial to maintain a proper posture to prevent any sort of back pain. Sitting straight, balancing the feet flat on the floor, changing positions, and keeping shoulders relaxed, can help maintain the posture, without causing any pain or discomfort.
Pain Relief Medications
In the case of severe pain, consult a doctor for pain relief medications. Avoid taking painkillers and opt for natural pain relief treatments. This could help in relieving pain, and ensure that it does not cause any side effects in future.
Stress Management
IVF involves emotional and mental fluctuations, that could cause more stress. Practising yoga, meditation and breathing exercises can help you relax. Other stress management techniques like listening to music, watching relaxing natural scenery, and doing your favourite activities, can help manage stress and other discomforts.
Conclusion
Back pain post-embryo transfer is inseparable and it occurs due to hormonal imbalance, physical changes and discomfort in the early stages of pregnancy.
The pain is temporary and manageable in most conditions, in a natural way. If the pain becomes severe and accompanied by other symptoms such as heavy bleeding or sharp pain, it is advisable to consult a fertility specialist, to manage symptoms effectively.
FAQs
Back pain can be a symptom of early pregnancy due to the hormonal changes and the uterus adapting to support pregnancy. However, it is not an exclusive symptom of pregnancy.
Painkillers of appropriate dosage with the consultation of your doctor can be taken in case of severe pain. However, natural pain relieving techniques are highly encouraged for mild to moderate pain.
