Menstruation in the frame of IVF treatment: what you should know and what to prepare for
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Menstruation in the frame of IVF treatment: what you should know and what to prepare for

The menstrual cycle plays a key role not only in natural fertility but also in IVF treatment. Understanding how the cycle works and how hormonal stimulation can affect it is essential for successful preparation and treatment. In this article we will look at the role of the menstrual cycle in fertility, preparing for IVF from a cycle perspective as well as what to expect during treatment and what changes may occur after embryo transfer.

The menstrual cycle and its role in fertility

A regular menstrual cycle lasts approximately 28 days, with possible variations of three days on each side. It can be divided into four phases:

  • the follicular phase
  • ovulation
  • the luteal phase
  • menstruation

The follicular phase

The follicular phase begins on the first day of menstruation and lasts until ovulation. During this phase, the follicles in the ovaries mature under the influence of the hormone FSH (follicle stimulating hormone). The endometrium, or the lining of the uterus, begins to renew itself in preparation for a possible pregnancy. 

Ovulation

Ovulation, which occurs on approximately the fourteenth day of the cycle, is the point at which the mature egg is released from the ovary and begins its journey through the fallopian tube into the uterus. This is the key moment for the possibility of fertilization.

The luteal phase

Ovulation is followed by the luteal phase, which lasts until the start of the next menstrual bleeding. During this phase, the uterine lining prepares to receive a possible fertilized egg. Progesterone and estrogen levels increase. However, if fertilization does not occur, they drop again, causing the uterine lining to separate and subsequent menstrual bleeding.

Menstruation

Menstruation is the final phase of the cycle, when the uterine lining is expelled along with the unfertilized egg, and the cycle begins again.

It is therefore more than obvious that the menstrual cycle has a profound effect on a woman’s fertility. Its regularity and course fundamentally affect the ability to conceive. Each woman may have a different cycle length, bleeding intensity or painfulness, but the principle of the cycle and its effect on fertility is universal.

Preparing for IVF in terms of the menstrual cycle

Preparing for IVF treatment involves several steps that are usually synchronized with a woman’s menstrual cycle. However, at Repromeda we also use so-called random or accidental starts, i.e. starting stimulation independently of the woman’s menstrual cycle, for example in the case of urgent cancer treatment. You can read about how they work and in which cases they can be used here. In most cases, however, hormonal stimulation of the ovaries starts with the woman’s cycle.

Menstruation during IVF treatment

The IVF treatment itself begins with hormonal stimulation, which usually starts on the second day of menstruation and lasts 10 to 12 days. In simple terms, this involves the regular application of stimulants to mature an optimal number of eggs. At Repromeda, we mainly use Gonal F for hormonal stimulation, which is applied in the form of a pen. It is a high quality recombinant preparation produced in the laboratory. During stimulation, we regularly monitor our clients with ultrasound to make sure that everything is going as it should. Once the follicles have reached the desired size, egg retrieval comes next. This is usually scheduled for days 12 to 14 of the cycle.

Hormonal stimulation can affect the length and intensity of the following menstrual cycle. These may be longer or shorter than usual, or menstrual bleeding may be heavier or weaker. Some women may also experience irregular bleeding.

Embryotransfer

Embryotransfer usually takes place only in subsequent cycles that are not burdened by hormonal stimulation. The reason for this is the higher success rate of the treatment due to the better readiness of the uterine mucosa to receive the embryo, but above all because of the possibility of using preimplantation genetic testing of embryos. In order for the embryos to be properly tested in the laboratory, postponing the transfer is the only option.

Menstruation after embryo transfer and IVF treatment

If pregnancy does not occur, menstruation usually begins 10 to 14 days after embryo transfer. However, light bleeding may occur before it starts. There is nothing to worry about, this is a normal reaction of the body to hormonal changes. However, this light bleeding can also be a sign of a successful embryo nesting. It is therefore better not to attach any great importance to it. This will avoid unnecessary stress and possible disappointment.

IVF treatment and the menstrual cycle are closely linked, and understanding this relationship can help women better prepare for the process. At Repromeda, we are here for you at our clinics in Brno and Ostrava to help you on your journey to your desired baby.

Schedule a non-binding consultation with us

And take the first step on your baby journey. The doctor will discuss with you everything you are interested in and suggest the next steps.

Blog

Menstruation in the frame of IVF treatment: what you should know and what to prepare for

The menstrual cycle plays a key role not only in natural fertility but also in IVF treatment. Understanding how the cycle works and how hormonal stimulation can affect it is essential for successful preparation and treatment. In this article we will look at the role of the menstrual cycle in fertility, preparing for IVF from a cycle perspective as well as what to expect during treatment and what changes may occur after embryo transfer.

The menstrual cycle and its role in fertility

A regular menstrual cycle lasts approximately 28 days, with possible variations of three days on each side. It can be divided into four phases:

  • the follicular phase
  • ovulation
  • the luteal phase
  • menstruation

The follicular phase

The follicular phase begins on the first day of menstruation and lasts until ovulation. During this phase, the follicles in the ovaries mature under the influence of the hormone FSH (follicle stimulating hormone). The endometrium, or the lining of the uterus, begins to renew itself in preparation for a possible pregnancy. 

Ovulation

Ovulation, which occurs on approximately the fourteenth day of the cycle, is the point at which the mature egg is released from the ovary and begins its journey through the fallopian tube into the uterus. This is the key moment for the possibility of fertilization.

The luteal phase

Ovulation is followed by the luteal phase, which lasts until the start of the next menstrual bleeding. During this phase, the uterine lining prepares to receive a possible fertilized egg. Progesterone and estrogen levels increase. However, if fertilization does not occur, they drop again, causing the uterine lining to separate and subsequent menstrual bleeding.

Menstruation

Menstruation is the final phase of the cycle, when the uterine lining is expelled along with the unfertilized egg, and the cycle begins again.

It is therefore more than obvious that the menstrual cycle has a profound effect on a woman’s fertility. Its regularity and course fundamentally affect the ability to conceive. Each woman may have a different cycle length, bleeding intensity or painfulness, but the principle of the cycle and its effect on fertility is universal.

Preparing for IVF in terms of the menstrual cycle

Preparing for IVF treatment involves several steps that are usually synchronized with a woman’s menstrual cycle. However, at Repromeda we also use so-called random or accidental starts, i.e. starting stimulation independently of the woman’s menstrual cycle, for example in the case of urgent cancer treatment. You can read about how they work and in which cases they can be used here. In most cases, however, hormonal stimulation of the ovaries starts with the woman’s cycle.

Menstruation during IVF treatment

The IVF treatment itself begins with hormonal stimulation, which usually starts on the second day of menstruation and lasts 10 to 12 days. In simple terms, this involves the regular application of stimulants to mature an optimal number of eggs. At Repromeda, we mainly use Gonal F for hormonal stimulation, which is applied in the form of a pen. It is a high quality recombinant preparation produced in the laboratory. During stimulation, we regularly monitor our clients with ultrasound to make sure that everything is going as it should. Once the follicles have reached the desired size, egg retrieval comes next. This is usually scheduled for days 12 to 14 of the cycle.

Hormonal stimulation can affect the length and intensity of the following menstrual cycle. These may be longer or shorter than usual, or menstrual bleeding may be heavier or weaker. Some women may also experience irregular bleeding.

Embryotransfer

Embryotransfer usually takes place only in subsequent cycles that are not burdened by hormonal stimulation. The reason for this is the higher success rate of the treatment due to the better readiness of the uterine mucosa to receive the embryo, but above all because of the possibility of using preimplantation genetic testing of embryos. In order for the embryos to be properly tested in the laboratory, postponing the transfer is the only option.

Menstruation after embryo transfer and IVF treatment

If pregnancy does not occur, menstruation usually begins 10 to 14 days after embryo transfer. However, light bleeding may occur before it starts. There is nothing to worry about, this is a normal reaction of the body to hormonal changes. However, this light bleeding can also be a sign of a successful embryo nesting. It is therefore better not to attach any great importance to it. This will avoid unnecessary stress and possible disappointment.

IVF treatment and the menstrual cycle are closely linked, and understanding this relationship can help women better prepare for the process. At Repromeda, we are here for you at our clinics in Brno and Ostrava to help you on your journey to your desired baby.

Schedule a non-binding consultation with us

And take the first step on your baby journey. The doctor will discuss with you everything you are interested in and suggest the next steps.

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Brno, Studentská 812/6, Czech Republic

Your questions will be answered Mon-Fri, 7am-6pm.

Emergency +420 602 592 842

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Ostrava, Dr. Slabihoudka 6232/11, Czech Republic

Your questions will be answered Mon-Fri, 7am-3pm.

Emergency +420 606 029 983

View on map

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