Spa, baths and swimming during IVF

[louisajane80]

I’m stimming at the moment (my first cycle) and fancy an afternoon at the spa to unwind. Is this ok or should heat be avoided for me and my husband?

I’ve been advised no steam rooms or saunas after egg collection but swimming should be ok. What advise have you been given?

Finally, what about baths and hot water bottles. Are these generally ok or should they be avoided at specific stages of IVF.

Thanks in advance.

[Suzy86]

I asked this at my clinic and I was told during stims all that is fine. I’ve been having massages and hot baths with no problems at all. I am aware though that each clinic seems to offer different advice so it may be worth contacting them to check. As for your husband I would get him to avoid jacuzzis and saunas and steam rooms as heat is bad for sperm health. Xx

[louisajane80 in reply to Suzy86]

Thanks Suzy. Like you say I think each clinic has it’s own advice but I agree no extreme heat for hubby. Still unsure about swimming for myself though but I’ll check again at the clinic. Thanks again.

[Suzy86 in reply to louisajane80]

Good luck with everything. I’m stimming at the moment too. Hope is all going well for you!

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi louisajane. I've always advised against anything that involves immersing you in water, due to the risk of infection. I would say wait awhile. You can use a wrapped up hot water bottle. Diane

[louisajane80 in reply to DianeArnold]

Thanks Diane for the advice.

[Lozzagriffiths]

I was advised swimming is fine if it is in your own pool as you know the chemicals in the pool. You are not allowed to have spas or saunas as your blastocyst doesn't like heat. This is across the board on why they also advise do not exercise for 4-5 days as the sweat aswell can kill your blastocyst. If you want a bath you can have a warm bath but not hot, if you start getting sweaty this is not good.

After transfer of all 3 of mine i was advised to stay cool, try not to get sweaty and if you do get hot try to cool down as quickly as possible. Stay away from hot water bottles.