Pregnancy Test After IVF
Thanks to in vitro fertilization (IVF), countless people in the greater Los Angeles, CA area have been able to build families and experience the joys of parenthood. Dr. Marc Kalan and Dr. Nurit Winkler are always happy to make people’s dreams come true, and the latest assisted reproduction procedures are quite helpful in overcoming male and female infertility.
Many patients ask us when they will find out if their IVF cycle was successful. Let’s take a moment to consider pregnancy tests issued during IVF. We’ll note the timing of the tests and what you can expect at the end of an IVF cycle.
When Will I Know If IVF Was Successful?
Patients will return to our practice two weeks after embryo transfer has been performed in order to take an official pregnancy test. Only then will patients and the fertility doctors know for sure if the IVF cycle was successful or not.
Most pregnancy tests will be scheduled about 12 to 14 days after embryo transfer. By that time, the embryo will either implant along the uterine lining or will become no longer viable.
How an Official IVF Pregnancy Test Is Performed
The official IVF pregnancy test will involve taking a blood sample from the patient. We’ll measure the amount of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the bloodstream. hCG is considered the pregnancy hormone. Higher than normal levels of hCG in a woman’s blood will confirm that they are pregnant.
Should I Use an Over-the-Counter Pregnancy Test After IVF?
No.
The fertility doctors at the Los Angeles Reproductive Center advise against this. All IVF patients should wait for the official blood test to confirm a pregnancy rather than using at-home kits you can purchase at the local pharmacy.
Why You Shouldn’t Take an At-Home Pregnancy Test After IVF
While home pregnancy tests can be somewhat accurate, they could lead to false positives. Measuring your urine is much different than measuring hormones in your bloodstream. The use of fertility drugs during an IVF cycle will throw off pregnancy test readings as well.
If the at-home test results differ from the official pregnancy test, patients could put themselves through an inordinate amount of disappointment. Rather than stress and fret over pregnancy test results, it’s best to wait until the official in-office confirmation.
What to Do Between Embryo Transfer and the Pregnancy Test
For the two weeks between embryo transfer and the pregnancy test, patients are advised to relax whenever possible. Eat healthy and avoid caffeine and alcohol. Engage in light exercise, and be sure to stay hydrated.
While the anticipation may be high, it’s best to de-stress and to remain as calm and composed as possible.
What If the IVF Pregnancy Test Comes Up Negative?
If the pregnancy test comes up negative, patients have a number of options to consider. We can proceed with another IVF cycle in the hope the subsequent cycle will result in success, or alternatives may be discussed.
Our team is here to help you make the best possible decision based on your situation and means.
Speak with Our Fertility Doctors
For more information about pregnancy, infertility, and what to do during an IVF cycle, be sure to contact our skilled team of fertility specialists. You can reach the Los Angeles Reproductive Center in LA and Encino at (818) 208-5481, in Thousand Oaks at (805) 427-2959, and in Bakersfield at (661) 889-5173.
