Couples with trouble conceiving undergo fertility treatments that start with IUI (intrauterine insemination), where sperm is placed into the uterus directly using a speculum to allow fertilisation and embryo implantation to happen naturally. If that does not work or due to certain medical conditions, the doctor may recommend IVF, where eggs are surgically removed and are fertilised with sperm outside the body. The embryo is transferred into the uterus for implantation.
After either of these procedures, spotting is common; however, women may often confuse this spotting with the start of their period, at which point they feel disappointed. However, in both IUI and IVF treatment, this could be a sign of implantation or early pregnancy. Read to learn how to differentiate spotting from the onset of periods after treatment.
Spotting, also referred to as light bleeding, typically appears as light brown or pink vaginal bleeding that occurs on toilet paper or your underwear. This unexpected vaginal bleeding is a common worry that women often have after a fertility treatment. Most of the time, it is nothing serious and could be a regular occurrence of spotting. Below are some common reasons for spotting during your fertility treatment.
● Implantation bleeding: A few women may experience light bleeding after the embryo is implanted into the uterine wall; it is actually an indicator of a very early pregnancy and is not necessarily a concern.
● Hormonal changes: It is common for women to have light bleeding between their periods due to a fluctuation in progesterone and estrogen hormones. In fertility treatments, it is even more likely due to the medications you receive.
● Cervical irritation: This is a common cause for spotting, which is due to trauma to the cervix following the procedure. Plus, the hormonal medications before treatment make the cervix sensitive and prone to light, temporary bleeding.
● Side effects of medication: Hormonal medications may alter the uterine lining, leading to spotting. Vaginal medications and internal ultrasounds can also cause light bleeding.
IUI is a non-invasive fertility treatment, and spotting is common afterwards. However, not all women have bleeding, and if they do, it is light and stops in a few days of treatment. Here are some possible causes of spotting:
Some women have spotting after IUI, which is an early sign of pregnancy. The fertilised egg takes 6 to 12 days to implant itself in the uterus. When that happens, implantation bleeding (spotting) may happen 6-12 days after the IUI treatment. What women should note is that this spotting occurs around the same time as their monthly period would have begun. So it can be depressing for women who want to conceive to see spotting, but they should not get confused between implantation bleeding and menstruation. Implantation bleeding is light with no cramping and lasts for a few hours, but menstrual bleeding starts light and gets heavy.
The semen is inserted into the vagina through an IUI catheter, which can irritate the cervix. This causes minor bleeding for a few hours and is not a cause for concern unless it is accompanied by pain.
Spotting after an embryo transfer process is common and does not mean a negative pregnancy result. Many factors can cause spotting after embryo transfer.
● Implantation bleeding: When the embryo attaches to the uterine lining, it can cause spotting after 6-12 days post-embryo transfer. This light bleeding may last for a few hours to a few days. For most women, this is the first sign of pregnancy.
● Cervical sensitivity: Some spotting may occur in the days after treatment or embryo transfer due to cervical sensitivity.
● Hormonal changes: Progesterone levels vary due to the hormonal medication, making the uterine lining sensitive and may lead to spotting.
Bleeding can occur after embryo transfer, as the uterus prepares for implantation. If the spotting turns bright red and/or gets heavier, or continues with abdominal cramping, it can often mean the embryo is not implanting or represents an early pregnancy termination.
Spotting becomes confusing after fertility treatment, as it could be either early period bleeding or bleeding from implantation. Here are some tips to help you distinguish between spotting vs periods.
● Timing: Spotting typically occurs 6 to 12 days after treatment, around the time you expect your next period. If you have a regular cycle to start with, and light spotting occurs in the first 2 weeks after your treatment, it could be a sign of implantation bleeding.
● Flow and colour: Implantation bleeding will be light pink or brown, not red. You may experience a few drops of blood and/or light bleeding for 1 to 2 days. Periods, on the other hand, have a heavy flow, bright red in colour and last 4 to 7 days.
● Clotting and consistency: Implantation bleeding is typically watery/light, while period blood is usually heavy and may contain tissue and clots.
● Other symptoms: Spotting is accompanied by symptoms of breast tenderness, mild cramps and nausea; symptoms similar to early pregnancy. Menstrual symptoms usually occur with menstrual cramps, fatigue, bloating and mood swings.
Light bleeding is common after fertility treatment; there are some situations when you should call your doctor:
● Heavy bleeding: If you are bleeding like a normal period.
● Cramps: If you have pain or cramps that are severe (with or without bleeding).
● Fever: Unusual discharge, fever or pain along with bleeding
● Clots: Passing large blood clots needs immediate attention
Light spotting or bleeding after IUI or IVF treatment is common and is due to hormonal changes, cervical sensitivity or implantation. Typically, it stops within a few hours or a few days. If the bleeding becomes persistent or heavy, call your doctor. While it can be stressful to find that you are spotting, it does not mean the treatment is a failure, and it can be an early pregnancy sign. Wait for 16 days after the procedure to take the pregnancy test.
Spotting lasts for a few hours to 1 to 2 days after IVF or IUI.
When spotting persists for a few days and becomes heavy and bright red, it is a cause for concern.
Yes. Light bleeding is common after embryo transfer.
No. Spotting after embryo transfer is common and is not a sign of failure.
