Sex During IVF: What You Need to Know 

By CNY Fertility Published on January 1, 2026 — Medically Reviewed and Certified by Mia Valentino, FNP-C

When starting in vitro fertilization (IVF), many people wonder: “Can you have sex during IVF?” 

It’s a natural question. And the answer isn’t a simple yes or no. Sexual activity during IVF is generally safe at certain points in the cycle, but it may be discouraged at others depending on where you are in treatment and your individual risk factors. 

Let’s explore when sex is safe and when it’s best to avoid throughout your IVF journey. 

Can You Have Sex During IVF? 

The short answer is yes, but with caution and not at all times. 

Sexual activity is often permitted during parts of an IVF cycle, but fertility specialists may recommend abstaining at specific times to protect your health and optimize treatment outcomes.

Recommendations are individualized and typically depend on ovarian response, the risk of complications such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), and the stage of treatment.

Always check with your care team for individualized information and instructions. 

Sex Before IVF Stimulation 

Having sex before stimulation medications begin is generally safe and does not affect IVF success. 

Intimacy before treatment may also help reduce stress and support emotional connection before what can be a physically and emotionally demanding process.

Sex During Ovarian Stimulation 

During ovarian stimulation, injectable fertility medications are used to encourage multiple follicles to mature. 

Sexual intercourse is generally safe during this phase unless the ovaries become significantly enlarged. Severe OHSS is rare, though milder forms are more common and usually self-limited.

As the ovaries enlarge, they become more vulnerable. In very rare cases, vigorous intercourse may slightly increase the risk of ovarian torsion or rupture.

Rising estrogen levels can also cause bloating or pelvic discomfort, making sex physically uncomfortable for some patients. 

Sex Around Egg Retrieval 

Most fertility specialists recommend avoiding sex for several days before and after egg retrieval for several reasons: 

• Bleeding or infection risk: After retrieval, the ovaries remain enlarged and the procedure leaves small puncture sites where eggs were aspirated.
• OHSS considerations: Sexual activity may worsen abdominal discomfort or fluid-related symptoms in patients at risk for OHSS.
• Semen sample timing: Male partners are typically advised to abstain from ejaculation for 2–5 days before retrieval to optimize sperm concentration and motility.

Sex Between Egg Retrieval and Embryo Transfer 

Guidance during the two-week window between egg retrieval and embryo transfer varies by clinic. Some recommend abstinence, while others may allow intercourse if there is no pain, bleeding, or elevated risk. 

The primary concern during this phase is minimizing irritation or infection while the uterine lining is being prepared for implantation. Because the reproductive tract may be more vulnerable following recent procedures, many clinics take a cautious approach and advise avoiding intercourse until transfer or pregnancy testing.

Sex Before a Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) 

Generally, it is best to avoid intercourse before a frozen embryo transfer as there is a risk of uterine contractions that may interfere with implantation.

There is a lack of sufficient evidence to support the benefit of intercourse prior to embryo transfer. Seminal fluid also contains prostaglandins that contribute to uterine contractions, which may complicate an FET. 

There is some evidence specific to frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles suggesting that a single episode of sexual intercourse the night before transfer may be beneficial. But the data is not strong enough to support a general recommendation.

This finding applies only to one episode of intercourse immediately before FET and should not be interpreted to support repeated intercourse, unprotected ejaculation, or use during fresh transfer cycles. 

Sex After Embryo Transfer (The Two-Week Wait) 

It is best to avoid intercourse for at least 24 hours after embryo transfer. Sex can increase uterine contractions, which may interfere with implantation.

Seminal fluid also contains prostaglandins, which further contribute to uterine contractions. Sex during this time can also increase the risk of infection and of a tubal pregnancy.

That said, available evidence shows that sexual intercourse during the two-week wait does not reduce implantation or pregnancy rates.

Despite this, many clinics recommend pelvic rest for several days or until pregnancy testing. This guidance is largely precautionary and intended to reduce patient anxiety along with the small risks of complications. 

Potential Risks of Sex During IVF 

Although uncommon, risks may be higher in certain situations: 

• Ovarian torsion: Enlarged ovaries are more prone to twisting.

• Bleeding or infection after retrieval: Ovarian tissue is temporarily more fragile following egg aspiration.

• Exacerbation of OHSS symptoms: Activity may worsen discomfort in susceptible patients.

• Rare multiple conception risk: Unprotected intercourse combined with embryo transfer could very rarely result in simultaneous spontaneous and IVF pregnancies.

Abstinence Guidelines for Men During IVF 

A period of 2–5 days of abstinence is typically recommended before a semen analysis or before a collection for IVF fertilization.

Research shows prolonged abstinence may increase oxidative stress, which can negatively affect sperm DNA integrity and fertilization capacity.

The Psychological Importance of Intimacy 

Infertility and IVF are emotionally demanding. Psychological distress is common, and emotional closeness and intimacy can help reduce stress and support relationship well-being, even when intercourse itself is temporarily restricted.

Sex During IVF: The Bottom Line 

So, can you have sex during IVF? Yes, but not always. 

Sex is typically safe early in treatment, but is often discouraged around egg retrieval and sometimes after embryo transfer. These recommendations aim to reduce rare complications, minimize infection risk, and support the best possible chance of success.