Why does the temperature rise after IVF?
After embryo transfer, an increase in temperature is an absolutely normal phenomenon - the body’s reaction to the introduction of an element foreign to it. Basal temperature increases compared to the previous phase of the cycle.
An increased temperature of the whole body is provoked by the intensive production of the hormone progesterone, which prevents menstruation, helping the embryo to consolidate and develop, but also has a side effect - hyperthermia.
It is not recommended to lower a moderate (subfebrile) temperature after IVF, as it may mean successful implantation of the embryo into the uterus - that is, the onset of pregnancy. In this case, this is an indicator of the beginning of adaptation of the mother’s body to its new position, instability of the immune system, which is also characteristic of the beginning of pregnancy.
What to do when the temperature rises
If the temperature rises, consult a doctor immediately. This applies to both BTT and regular temperature. It is important to immediately establish the cause and neutralize it, without waiting for irreparable complications. To do this, you need to carry out a set of examinations, including tests and ultrasound examinations.
Folk recipes
Remember, self-medication is dangerous for the life of the unborn child and your health. Traditional recipes are not always suitable for normalizing well-being and can even be harmful. No one knows how the body will react to the substances contained in the miracle remedy from grandma’s arsenal. During pregnancy, and especially at its beginning, a huge number of herbs and other remedies from the category of “folk recipes” are strictly contraindicated.
What the patient really needs after a transfer when the temperature rises is to drink plenty of fluids. Even the slightest dehydration of the body should not be allowed. With a lack of fluid in the body, an even greater increase in temperature occurs. But don’t get carried away with water and try to force yourself to drink. A lot of water, more than 3 liters per day, can lead to edema, which is also dangerous. In everything you need to know when to stop.
Fruit drinks and compotes
In addition to water, you need to drink compotes and fruit drinks from berries. For example, cranberries or red currants are great for this. A slightly sour drink stimulates the immune system well, which will help you better resist colds after embryo transfer. One of the beneficial properties of these berries is a slight decrease in temperature.
Bed rest
If the temperature rises, the patient is prescribed strict bed rest. In general, a gentle attitude towards your body is necessary not only when the temperature rises. After the transfer, this is simply a must. This is discussed in detail in our separate article here.
Do not panic
Calm, just calm. There is no need to give up pregnancy if the temperature rises. Perhaps, on the contrary, this reaction of the body is caused by successful implantation. There is even a common sign among women who have undergone IVF: if the temperature rises after the transfer, pregnancy has most likely occurred. However, it is impossible to determine with accuracy on your own what is happening. This can only be done after 14 days, you need to understand this and wait calmly. The main thing is not to panic or get nervous.
When a person is nervous, panics, cries, worries or is under stress, the hormone cortisol is produced in his body. This hormone “tells” the body that everything is bad, everything is lost. Organs begin to work abnormally. Hormonal imbalance occurs and progesterone is suppressed, which is very dangerous during implantation.
It is important to understand that progesterone is the most important hormone for pregnant women; its deficiency is a very serious problem. Therefore, it is very important not to aggravate the situation with your suffering, perhaps even in vain. And the accuracy of temperature measurements in the morning will drop. Stress increases it, which introduces an error into the diary schedule.
The body likes it when everything is good, as nature intended. Smile at life and it will smile back at you!
Write in the comments what your temperature is, what your doctor does to bring it down, what tests are prescribed? When did it start to rise, or vice versa, decrease? Tell us about how you are feeling. This will help you and others during this crucial period of IVF. Thanks for visiting. We wish everyone that the implantation is successful and without serious symptoms!
Possible temperature deviations after embryo transfer
Before sounding the alarm and with trembling hands typing the query “embryo transfer temperature” into the search bar of an Internet browser, a woman should make sure that no errors were made when measuring the temperature that would affect the correctness of the result.
Such errors may include:
- Result of incorrect temperature determination.
- Changing the thermometer.
- Changing the method of measuring temperature (for example, if a woman takes a rectal measurement, it cannot then be changed to a measurement in the oral cavity).
- Violation of the measurement mode (temperature must be measured daily at the same time).
- Sudden changes in a woman's daily routine.
If errors when measuring temperature after IVF are excluded, then the woman should be alerted to two deviations from the norm:
- Decrease in basal temperature
- Increase in basal temperature
A decrease in temperature during three morning measurements after embryo transfer is a serious symptom, and if noticed, the patient should immediately contact her doctor.
At an appointment with a fertility specialist, it is necessary to exclude risk factors such as hormonal deficiency and the threat of spontaneous abortion. To do this, the doctor performs an examination and an ultrasound examination, which helps to detect possible exfoliation of the endometrium, which is the beginning of menstruation. If you consult a doctor in a timely manner and take emergency measures, maintaining pregnancy in such a case is quite possible.
If after IVF the basal temperature rises to 38 degrees or even higher, there are no less reasons for concern.
An increase in temperature can be caused by:
- Inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs
- Infectious diseases
- Ectopic implantation of the fertilized egg (ectopic pregnancy)
Often, all of the above factors are accompanied by other symptoms that will help the doctor quickly determine the cause of the ailment. Naturally, the sooner the patient consults a doctor, the higher the chances of maintaining health and pregnancy.
The safest thing for the health of a woman and her unborn child is to turn to experienced, licensed specialists with many years of successful experience in reproductive medicine. "ECO Center". Volgograd has been dealing with reproduction issues for more than one year and has high rates of pregnancy retention after the IVF procedure.
How to measure temperature correctly to obtain correct readings
- Every day at the same time (preferably in the morning, within a few hours after waking up). The permissible deviation in the planned daily measurement is half an hour, but a note about it must be made in the measurement schedule.
- In this case, you cannot get out of bed (the thermometer should be placed next to the bed in the evening so that it can be reached without unnecessary movements).
- The measurement location cannot be changed. If a woman has chosen the rectal measurement method, it is forbidden to change the location, otherwise it will affect the results. The rectal method is considered preferable (inserting a thermometer 2-3 centimeters into the rectum), but measurements in the vagina or oral cavity are also acceptable.
- During the measurement period, you cannot change the thermometer - the same thermometer is used during all cycles.
- The measurement time should also be the same for each measurement. It takes 7-10 minutes.
- It is recommended to record the data in a graph immediately after measurement, postponing all other matters for a minute.
- Factors that influence basal temperature readings should be avoided (unclear sleep patterns, stressful situations, climate change during travel, illnesses and medications, alcohol intake and sexual intercourse - if we are talking about measuring temperature after IVF).
- Any changes in routine or unusual health conditions should be noted on the chart.
How to independently maintain a chart based on the “embryo transfer temperature” type:
- A double sheet of a squared notebook is convenient for drawing up a schedule. The doctor may also suggest a standard sheet.
- The X and Y axes are plotted on the sheet (like in school math lessons). The first axis is responsible for temperature indicators, the second corresponds to the day of the cycle.
- At the level of 37 degrees, you can draw a thick line - then it will be easy to see the slightest deviations from the norm.
- Using the completed graph, it will be easy to draw a curve and calculate the average temperature.
- Below the graph is a table that notes: medication intake, day of embryo transfer, changes in well-being, sexual intercourse, etc.
Basal temperature
Holding a thermometer under your arm will not be enough for an accurate diagnosis. The classic method of measuring temperature has a large error. The deviation from the actual value is approximately 1 degree C°.
Measuring BBT allows you to measure the temperature of internal organs, so this method is the most accurate. For example, with the help of regular measurements, expectant mothers determine the most suitable day for conception. The so-called BTT diary helps them with this to track the onset of ovulation.
The temperature of the internal organs is the first to rise when there is an infection in the body, acute respiratory infections, or OHSS. Measurements in the usual way will often begin to show an increase a few days after the increase in BBT.
How to measure BTT after transfer
To measure basal temperature, several conditions must be met. It is best to measure it in the morning, before you get out of bed and go to the toilet. The bladder should ideally be full. In the morning, after sleep (at least 3 hours), body temperature will be as reliable as possible. It is important to measure it before performing even the slightest physical activity.
BBT should be measured in the rectum. Unpleasant, but accurate.
There are several points at which BBT is measured (mouth, vagina, rectum). However, the most accurate data can be obtained if measurements are taken in the rectum. After transfer, it is better to keep a temperature chart. Therefore, do not forget to record all daily indicators. This way you can control the functioning of the body and the process of embryo implantation.
If the thermometer is mercury, then you need to measure the temperature for at least 5 minutes.
After embryo transfer, the basal temperature should not normally exceed 38C°. In this case, the body temperature should not be higher than 37.5C °. If there is any deviation from the norm, you should immediately inform the doctor at the IVF clinic.
An increase in temperature with its accompanying symptoms can be especially dangerous:
- chills;
- nausea;
- dizziness and headaches;
- weakness, malaise;
- poor sleep (insomnia);
- strong discharge.
It is important to immediately report these symptoms to your doctor , even if the temperature does not rise!
Is elevated temperature after IVF a sign of pregnancy?
It is worth noting that not in all cases, elevated temperature serves as an indicator of pregnancy.
An increase in temperature provokes an increased level of progesterone in a woman’s body, but its level is not always associated with implantation. Often, similar indicators are obtained by taking hormonal drugs based on progesterone (Duphaston, Utrozhestan), which are prescribed after embryo transfer for its successful consolidation. In this case, a temperature of 37-37.5 degrees cannot be considered a reliable sign of successful implantation of the embryo, but serves as confirmation of successful maintenance therapy.
