Impact of physical activity on frozen embryo transfer outcomes

In everyday practice, women have commonly questions about the best approach to adopt after embryo transfer. The aim of this study was to determine whether overall activity, including physical, professional, and sexual activities, following embryo transfer influences the success of embryo implantation.

This monocentric cohort study included 212 infertile women undergoing single frozen embryo transfer. Patients were asked to record their professional, physical, and sexual activities from the day of the transfer up to three days afterward. Data were compared between hCG-positive and hCG-negative groups.

The number of women engaging in professional, physical and sexual activity on the day of embryo transfer and the following three days was similar between the hCG-positive and hCG-negative groups. Only 5% of women reported sport activity and 2% sexual activity on the day of transfer. The hCG results were not affected by professional activity (aOR 1.13, 95%CI 0.52-2.46, p = 0.753 on the day of the transfer and aOR 0.76, 95%CI 0.40-1.43, p = 0.396 at day 3 of the transfer). The number of women reporting sexual activity was too small to conclude.

In women undergoing single frozen blastocyst transfer, physical and professional activity on the day of frozen embryo transfer and in the three following days did not impact clinical outcomes. Recommendation to avoid activity after frozen embryo transfer does not seem justified.