When Will I Get Period After Failed IVF Cycle?
Be it the initial excitement, the immense hopefulness, or the extreme disappointment after a failed cycle – every step of a woman’s IVF journey is emotionally taxing. While testing negative even after following all the steps is painful, not getting your period can increase your frustration levels. It is natural to wonder: When will I get my period after failed IVF? Also, should you be worried if your period is delayed? In this article, I will tell you everything about menstruation after IVF failure.
Being a fertility specialist with years of experience, I understand how concerning and confusing irregular periods can be for patients after unsuccessful IVF. So, I will try my best to discuss the major reasons behind a delay in periods after a failed attempt at getting pregnant through IVF. I will also tell you how to get rid of period problems and have a regular menstrual cycle again. So, when will I get my period after IVF failure? Let’s find out!
If IVF Fails when will the Period Come?
When the embryo is unable to implant, most women see that their menstruation usually begins within 3-14 days from the day of embryo replanting. The exact timing cannot be stated as it depends on hormonal levels and other factors. However, if there is no sign of your period even after 15 days, it is better to opt for a medical consultation at the IVF center where you received treatment earlier. As they are already aware of your health history, they can guide you better.
As far as irregular periods are concerned, many women experience longer or shorter cycles and this shouldn’t make you anxious. Lighter or heavier bleeding are some temporary irregularities, and they will disappear after a few cycles.
Why is there a delay in your period after a failed IVF cycle?
Are you guessing ‘When will I get my period after failed IVF?’ even after two weeks of the failed IVF cycle? Then have a look at the common reasons behind the delay:
1. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
A person may experience a missed period after an unsuccessful IVF cycle because of OHSS (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome). If ovaries are overly stimulated, too many eggs are produced. This puts too much pressure on the ovaries, and they become enlarged. Sometimes, fluid may get accumulate in the abdominal cavity. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome can also delay the arrival of a period.
Through rest and hydration, OHSS generally gets resolved without medical intervention. In rare cases, the patient might require medication. So, after the IVF cycle, watch out for symptoms like discomfort in the abdomen, difficulty breathing, bloating, etc. as these are side effects of OHSS.
2. Hormonal imbalances
Hormonal imbalances could be a major reason why you aren’t getting your period after IVF failure. During the IVF fertility treatment, several medications are given to stimulate a woman’s ovaries and balance the hormone levels in her body. This is crucial to facilitate the production of multiple mature eggs and make implantation more probable.
However, at times, hormones may impact the natural balance of the body and lead to absent or delayed periods. Note that each individual’s response to the medications used can differ and this is linked to the severity of the hormonal imbalance.
So, if you have dealt with hormone-related problems or irregular periods previously, it is best to consult your doctor before the IVF cycle commences. Then they will keep monitoring the hormone levels and make adjustments in the dosages (if necessary).
3. Stress
A missed or delayed period can also be because of stress due to a failed IVF. Several studies have proved that stress can disrupt a person’s hormone levels and end up interfering with the normal menstrual cycle of the body.
So, you must reduce stress if you plan on resuming the IVF treatment plan as stress also affects an individual’s fertility levels. Meditation, spending quality time with your spouse, and exercising are ways of keeping stress at bay and increasing the success rate of IVF in the future.
Tips to get regular periods after IVF failure
If there aren’t any underlying issues, these are some tried-and-trusted ways of regulating your menstrual cycle:
- Do yoga for 30 minutes daily to get regular periods and get relief from period cramps.
- Eat a nutrient-rich diet and maintain a healthy body weight.
Parting Thoughts
Dealing with the frustration of an unsuccessful IVF cycle and then a missed period can be upsetting, and it can take a toll on your emotional health. So, it is necessary to seek support from your friends and family. Remind yourself that you are not the only woman going through this and your husband must be equally heartbroken.
You should also get in touch with your IVF specialist who will provide clear answers to questions like ‘When will I get my period after failed embryo transfer?’. Your doctor will suggest coping mechanisms to make it less challenging for you to move on from the disappointment. Only then will you be able to resume the IVF treatment with renewed enthusiasm?
Dr. Ritu Agarwal is an appreciated IVF expert in Jaipur for IVF therapy, owing to her more than ten years of experience in this field. She is the top IVF specialist in Jaipur who makes every attempt to provide correct counseling and emotional support to patients in order to help them find the ideal solution for becoming parents.