Embryo transfer is a fertility treatment procedure typically done to achieve pregnancy, for couples struggling to have a baby. A lot of people achieved their dream parenthood through this method, making it an effective procedure. However, this procedure is often accompanied by certain temporary side effects.
White discharge or vaginal discharge is one of those common symptoms, which occurs immediately or two to three days after the procedure. This blog will explore this side effect in detail.
Causes of White Discharge Following Embryo Transfer
White Discharge 2 Days After Embryo Transfer: What Does It Mean?
- Hormonal changes – Changes in the hormonal levels are due to the progesterone and estrogen injections administered to support pregnancy. It helps thicken the uterine lining and facilitate implantation. This can influence the cervical and vaginal mucus, leading to thicker and creamier vaginal discharge.
- Procedure-Related Issues – The process itself could cause mild irritation or inflammation in the pelvic area, resulting in temporary discharge, right after the procedure.
- Signs of Implantation – In some cases, the discharge may be a sign that the fertilized egg is attached to the uterus lining, indicating successful implantation.
- Body’s protective mechanism – The white discharge could be the natural defence mechanism of the body to maintain a healthy and protective environment around the uterus and reproductive tract in the early stages of pregnancy.
Vaginal Discharge After Embryo Transfer: Normal or Concerning?
Yes, white discharge two days after the transferring procedure is one of the commonly related symptoms. However, to debate between the normal discharge and something concerning, we need to examine its characteristics.
- The colour and consistency of the normal discharge should be white, creamy or milky.
- The discharge rates might increase during the first few days after the transfer.
- The discharge should not produce any strong odour / foul smell.
- It should be free from itching or burning sensations.
- The vaginal discharge should not be accompanied by sharp cramps or fever.
White Discharge After Embryo Transfer: Is it a Sign of Pregnancy?
White discharge after the transferring procedure can sometimes be a sign of pregnancy, but it is not a guaranteed sign.
The discharge can be considered a sign of pregnancy if other early pregnancy symptoms, such as breast tenderness, fatigue, or mild cramping accompany it. However, these signs can overlap with the side effects of IVF treatment; hence, a pregnancy test can be done to confirm pregnancy.
Role of Hormones in White Discharge Post-Embryo Transfer
- Progesterone plays an important role in fertility treatment, it thickens the cervical mucus to support the uterine lining and reproductive tract, leading to the production of increased white discharge.
- Estrogen levels play a critical role in enhancing the uterine lining to support implantation and cause an increase in cervical mucus. This contributes to a watery or thick white discharge.
- HCG supports progesterone production after implantation, thereby increasing the production of cervical mucus and increasing the discharge rate.
When Should You Be Concerned About White Discharge After Embryo Transfer?
- When the white discharge is accompanied by a foul smell, indicating a bacterial or yeast infection.
- When the colour of the discharge is yellow, green or grey, it could be a sign of potential infection.
- Instead of white discharge, heavy bleeding occurs, which is a sign of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
- Severe itching and burning in the pelvic region, caused due to an allergic infection, due to the body’s response to the treatment procedure.
- If there is a sudden increase in discharge, and accompanied by fever, nausea, or sharp pain in the abdomen, signalling infection.
How to Monitor Vaginal Discharge After Embryo Transfer?
Have a closer look at any changes in your discharge pattern such as colour, consistency, amount, and accompanying symptoms.
- The consistency of the discharge should be creamy, and thick, but, if the discharge is unusually watery or sticky, it may signal an issue.
- The colour of the discharge should be white. But, if it changes to yellow, green, or grey, and is accompanied by other symptoms, it signals infection.
- The amount of discharge should be normal, but an excessive increase in discharge volume indicates potential infection or irritation.
- Check for accompanying symptoms such as itching, burning, foul odour, or discomfort in the pelvic region.
- Check if the bleeding is mistaken for a discharge, that signals miscarriage.
- Monitor the change in the timing of discharge patterns. If the changes are more significant, medical attention is essential. Keeping track of 7 Days After Embryo Transfer Symptoms and other day-by-day changes ensures timely and effective medical care.
Can White Discharge Affect Implantation?
Generally, normal white discharge after transfer does not usually affect the implantation and a slight improvement in the volume can be due to the effects of hormonal medications.
However, if there is an abnormal discharge accompanied by unusual colour, strong odour, itching, burning or heavy bleeding, they are signs of underlying infection, which potentially can interfere with implantation. In case of any abnormal symptoms, reach out to a fertility doctor for medical advice.
Conclusion
In summary, white discharge after an embryo transfer is a common side effect, that primarily occurs due to hormonal changes, caused by hormonal medications. The discharge is usually harmless, and lasts for an initial few weeks, without any accompanying symptoms.
However, when accompanied by other discomfort or symptoms, it may be due to infection. At this stage, medical attention becomes mandatory, to avoid complications and have a smooth and healthy journey towards pregnancy.
FAQs
No, it is not normal to experience itching or irritation along with white discharge. This could be a sign of bacterial vaginosis or yeast infection.
White discharge after embryo transfer typically lasts for a few days to a week, depending on the body’s response to the hormonal changes.
Yes, the increased discharge volume can sometimes indicate that the implantation process is taking place, but it is not a guaranteed sign.
