Impact of Sexual Intercourse on Frozen-thawed Embryo Transfer Outcomes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Exposure of the female reproductive tract to either seminal plasma or fluid component of the ejaculate is beneficial to achieving successful embryo implantation and normal embryo development. But whether the "physical" component of sexual intercourse during the peri-transfer period have any influence on frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) pregnancy outcomes is not clear. Methods: We conducted a randomized trial that included 223 patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment at a university-affiliated reproductive center from 19 July 2018 to 24 February 2019. Enrolled patients undergoing IVF treatment were randomized either to engage sexual intercourse using the barrier contraception (Group A, n=116) or to abstain (Group B, n=107) one night before FET. The primary outcome was clinical pregnancy rate. Results: Patients having intercourse had higher clinical pregnancy rate (51.72% vs. 37.07%, P=0.045) and implantation rate (38.31% vs. 24.77%, P=0.005) compared to those did not engage intercourse. However, there was no significant difference of the spontaneous abortion rate between two groups (11.67% 33 vs. 14.63%, P=0.662). Conclusions: Sexual intercourse before embryo transfer may improve the clinical pregnancy and implantation rates during FET cycles. However, it should be noted that patients choose only one time for sexual intercourse, that is, the night before embryo transfer. Trial registration: The present study was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (http://www.chictr.org.cn/, ChiCTR1800017209).

Dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy after preimplantation genetic testing and single blastocyst transfer

“…The effect of intercourse during the peri‐transfer period of an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle remains controversial (Aflatoonian et al, 2009; Hou et al, 2023; Tremellen et al, 2000). However, the potential risks are inevitable.…”

Understanding seminal plasma in male infertility: emerging markers and their implications

“…Thus, the ability of gametes to fertilize an egg without prior exposure to seminal fluid once again raises questions about the necessity of these components for successful fertilisation. However, the notion of seminal plasma being a passive medium is currently being challenged by the findings which suggest an active and influential role for its components in the fertilisation process 75–78 …”