Experiencing lower back and leg pain is common for many individuals nowadays. Women may face many issues after the embryo transfer due to the intake of hormonal injections. This is temporary, and you can manage this with proper medications, exercise, and food habits.
In this blog, you will know the various reasons for the pain after embryo transfer and what are the possibilities to overcome it.
Possible causes of lower back pain and leg pain
There are certain possible causes related to lower back pain and leg pain after embryo transfer.
Hormonal fluctuations
The medications taken during IVF treatment, particularly progesterone hormone injection can cause changes in the hormone levels. This leads to muscle cramps, bloating, and overall discomfort and pain in your lower back and legs.
OHSS(Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndorme)
This is a serious condition where the ovaries overreact to the fertility medications and then it will put overpressure towards the ovaries, which can affect the other organs also.
Implantation process
During this process, the embryo implants itself in the uterine lining. At this time, some women may feel mild cramping, which could also be the reason for the back pain and leg pain.
Stress
You may undergo emotional pain during fertility treatment. This will cause muscle tension and it leads to back pain and leg pain.
Medications
Before the embryo transfer process, you will undergo various hormonal medications, especially progesterone which reacts in your body and causes leg pain and back pain.
Other causes
The other factors that lead to back pain and leg pain are
- Sleeping position
- Sitting for a long time in one place
- Work-related to weightlifting
- Standing for a long period
Ways to get relief from the pain
Several tips that you should follow to overcome the pain after your treatment are as follows:
Time for rest
You should take a complete rest for a few days so that your body will not get any strain and will not affect your treatment. You can do mild exercise that helps blood circulation and keep yourself active.
Remember, you should not always lie in bed which will also lead to back pain. Be conscious of your sleeping position.
Heat and cold therapy
You can use a heating pad in the place where you feel the pain, and that will help you relax your muscles and get relief from the pain.
If you face any inflammation, you can use cold pack therapy to reduce the swelling and pain.
Exercise your body
Doing mild exercise and slow walking will keep you active for the whole day. It helps for good blood circulation. Avoid doing heavy exercise, or workouts which would affect your body and have a chance of failure in treatment.
Be hydrated
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Drinking more water can help relieve pain and cramps. Set a goal everyday to drink 8 glasses of water.
Good posture
Maintaining a proper posture will prevent you from getting additional pain in your back. Several ways to maintain a good posture are
- Sit straight
- Balance your feet flat on the floor
- Adjust your chair
- Take breaks while having the same position
- Keep your shoulders relaxed
Massage your body
Doing a light massage in the lower back and your leg keeps you relaxed and gets relief from pain. You can consult a professional massage therapist to get some tips and ask your partner to give a light massage to the place where you feel the pain.
Pain relief medications
If you are feeling severe pain, you can take pain relief medications if needed. But before taking it consult your fertility doctor. Avoid taking painkiller medicines and choose the natural way of pain relief treatments which will make you feel better and not cause any side effects in future.
Stress management
Pain will lead you to get more stress. Doing yoga and meditation helps you relieve pain. Doing 3 to 6 minutes of breathing exercises helps you relax. To avoid stress you can listen to music, watch natural scenery, go to your favorite spots and be in a positive environment.
When to see the doctor
After the embryo transfer procedure, if you are facing critical pain in your body, you have to meet your doctor. Several issues may occur, in that case ,you should consult the doctor immediately.
Severe pain
If you are facing severe pain in your lower back, and legs, or any cramping ,you must visit your doctor to prevent higher risks.
Persistent pain
If your pain doesn’t get reduced in a short period, and if it continues for more than days without any improvement, you must seek your doctor to avoid risks in future.
Other symptoms
Some other symptoms that you should be aware of
- Swelling redness: When you find swelling, redness or warmth in your body then you must consult your doctor.
- Fever: If your temperature level gets increased above normal, you should see your doctor immediately and get medications according to it.
- Bleeding: If there is unusual or severe bleeding from your vaginal discharge, it is critical and you should meet the doctor.
- Difficulty in walking and breathing: If you are facing troubles in walking or breathing, you should meet your doctor and follow the medications according to them.
- Body weakness: If you face any problem in your nerves that will affect your leg and cause pain, see your doctor.
Conclusion
Women getting lower back pain and leg pain after the embryo transfer is quite common. You don’t need to worry as it is a temporary pain. You can follow the instructions given by your healthcare provider which will help you to get rid of this problem.
You can also start taking the steps in natural ways to get relief from the pain.
The pain will occur after a few days of the treatment. Some may experience it after a week or two and it varies from person to person according to their health condition.
- Wear a comfortable clothing.
- Take a warm bath
- Rest and relax
- Do slow stretching and go for walking
