Investigating the impact of sexual intercourse on embryo transfer outcomes
Does Sexual Intercourse Affect the Outcomes of Frozen-thawed Embryo Transfer? Randomized Controlled Trial
This study is testing if having sex the night after a frozen embryo transfer helps improve the chances of pregnancy for women undergoing this procedure.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 656 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 41 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Sheba Medical Center Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Ramat Gan) |
| Trial ID | NCT06134609 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to determine whether sexual intercourse the night after a frozen embryo transfer influences the implantation rates of thawed embryos. Women aged 18-41 undergoing their first four frozen embryo transfers with good quality embryos will be randomly assigned to either have intercourse or abstain for 48 hours post-transfer. Participants will complete an electronic questionnaire to confirm their sexual activity, and pregnancy outcomes will be assessed through serum tests and ultrasounds. The study seeks to clarify the effects of coitus on pregnancy success rates following embryo transfer.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are women aged 18-41 with a BMI of 18-35 kg/m² undergoing their first four frozen embryo transfers with good quality embryos.
Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit from this study include those over 42 years old, those with moderate or poor-quality embryos, and individuals unable or uninterested in having vaginal intercourse.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide valuable insights into optimizing embryo transfer protocols to enhance pregnancy rates.
How similar studies have performed: While the impact of sexual intercourse on embryo transfer outcomes has not been extensively studied, this approach is novel and could provide new insights into fertility practices.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Women age 18-41yrs. 2. BMI (body mass index) of 18-35 kg/m². 3. Patients undergoing one of their first four frozen embryo transfers. 4. Patients transferring a good quality embryo, either a cleavage stage embryo or a day 5 blastocyst. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Patients age above 42. 2. Moderate or poor-quality embryos. 3. Patients with hydrosalpinx or uterus malformations. 4. Patients who are not able or are not interested in having vaginal intercourse (same sex couples for example). 5. Couples undergoing preimplantation genetic diagnosis when natural cycle frozen embryo transfer is planned (as they are instructed to avoid intercourse).
Where this trial is running
Ramat Gan
- Sheba Medical Center — Ramat Gan, Israel (Recruiting)
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.