Very bad 2nd period after failed IVF cycle, is this normal?

My Ivf cycle failed in Feb and I got my first AF on the 20 th feb, and it was not too bad. My next period is not due until at least next Tuesday, 28 days later . But for the last few days I am in agony with period cramps keeping me awake at night. I can't sleep with the pain and the period has not arrived yet. Is this normal after an IVF cycle?

We were due to start our next round of IVF when this period came, but I am having doubts now and maybe I should wait for the next one?

Any advice would be grateful.

Thanks x

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi fitzmsa. So sorry to hear that you have been suffering so with tummy cramps. I seem to remember that you did originally have a very low hCG reading from two embryo transfers last cycle of IVF. It might be a long shot, and I don’t want to worry you, but although you had an apparent “normal” period following this, I wonder if there might be a teeny bit of something left that is trying to remove itself? It might be an idea to request a scan just to check you out. I’m sure it will all settle down, but you may have to wait an extra month before commencing your next cycle. Hope you’re soon sorted and I am completely wrong, so that you can start again soon. Kind regards Diane

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Thanks Diane. I have made up my mind now to wait until the next period to start the next IVF cycle. I feel there is something wrong alright and I just emailed my consultant for her opinion.

The pain is too severe to just be a normal period. Thanks so much for getting back to me. What you said does make sense!

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi fitzmsa. So pleased you have emailed your consultant. Always best to be sure of what’s going on. Thinking of you. Diane

[paeroking in reply to DianeArnold]

Hiya, I am halfway through my second round of Ivf/icsi. The first round in 2008 failed, I remember feeling extremely unwell and my period which happened about 7 days after stopping cyclogest was extremely extremely painful and full of clots. This time round we only have one embryo which they had to freeze as I didn't stop bleeding from egg collection. I have to have 2 periods before starting treatment again for embryo transfer (that is if embryo survives being defrost). I was in pain from the egg collection. I had to stop cyclogest on 4th march and was in a lot of pain until having extremely heavy painful clot period last Sunday which lasted longer than normal. Everybody is different. Some people are unfortunate and suffer more than others. I hope it all works out for you. Best pain killers if Ivf has failed and you are in pain before losing everything is paracetamol and brufen.

[Hidden]

Hi Diane. The consultant emailed back and like you said , she suggested that I book in for a scan if the pain becomes unbearable. I will see how I am tomorrow. I am not too bad now today , the pain has got worse all week at night time, when I am asleep. I also emailed the Consultant back to say I am going to delay My next IVF cycle by a month. Thanks for your help x.

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi Fitzmsa. That's good to know. Let's hope this wretched pain is soon sorted. Kind regards Diane.

[rose_and_family]

Hi!!!! All the best! I'm still trying and this community gives me hope. Thank you for sharing!!!

[anne67907]

Hey! as a person who has been through three rounds of unsuccessful ivf cycles, i can tell you that it is totally okay to wait till the next cycle because that entire experience is pretty demanding emotionally, and if you arent feeling well, it is a way better thing for you to get the rest that you need and have a day to treat yourself and relax and let your body get through it. ivf can be really successful, and i have seen a lot of people i knew at the clinic conceive after quite a few months of trying. so dont try to put yourself on a really tough schedule. take care of yourself, and schedule your ivf according to how you feel. i hope this helps, take care!

[Cinderella5 in reply to anne67907]

anne67907 Do you realise that you're replying a post thats 5 years old??

[claire679071]

Hey, that's very unfortunate to hear that youre experiencing these pains. I have had IVFs fail on me as well and it was a horrible experience during and afterward. When i went into hormone therapy, I was in a really bad situation physically. It was a really difficult time. The therapy always left me an irritable mess and it was taking a toll on me and my relationship with my husband. When i went to get another round of the therapy, one of my final ones of that, I met this woman who was well into her IVF treatment. When I told her about the discomfort from the hormone therapy, she told me how she had gotten that as well and that it was nothing compared to the IVFs she was going through at the time. I was shocked and afraid, because i knew that I was going to have to go through that, since the hormone therapy has not proved to be viable. She was right. IVFs are one of the worst pains I have ever felt and it made me physically uncomfortable throughout the days. What's worst was the pain that came after I decided to give IVFs up for surrogacy, after 3 failed cycles. According to the doctors, it was normal to feel that way but I felt like the life was draining out from me. I had very bad experiences with that procedure. I would go for a check up just to be sure if it isnt anything out of the ordinary. Anyway, good luck!

[tiger-cub]

Oh dear I had a failed cycle in Dec and d bleed after was horrendous that I had to b put in blood thickner to stop bleeding . And I was dizzy and very poorly uptil 2 weeks after . So I think it's a good idea to wait and recover . However I did go back for a scan on day8 of period just to be sure there was nothing cooking . But after a month I still had cramps so went for a scan again to find a 4 cm cyst on one ovary . So now have been put on pill so that everything gets test from all d ivf havoc . And the nurse here is fab . So I'll also take her advise .

[Kari55]

Hi Fitzmsa, I had a similar experience after chemical pregnancy - 2nd period after IVF was painful and very heavy ( I normally have light ones). My doctor warned me of this so I was a little prepared. I hope you feel better soon. X

[fay2399]

Maybe is normal! Think of all the injection you had ... we mess up with body 🥺 give your body a bit of break.. if your age is not issue wait more and be healthy xxx