Going through IVF takes a physical and emotional toll, and when it doesn’t work, it can feel absolutely earth shattering. When you’re trying to conceive, getting your period month after month feels heavy — a reminder of what could have been, but wasn’t. The first period after IVF can feel no different, if not harder sometimes. We’re here to help with a guide to what to expect if your treatment doesn’t work, plus what that first period might look like. 

When will you get your first period after IVF? 

The timing of your first period after an unsuccessful IVF cycle varies. For some people, they may get their period before their official test day, signifying that an embryo didn’t implant. For others, it may take several weeks after weaning off the medication for your period to arrive. The results can even differ wildly for the same person: during one cycle, one Gaia employee started her period two days afterward; during another cycle, it took several weeks. 

What is the first period after IVF like?

Your first period after IVF won’t necessarily be like your normal cycles. The medication during stimulation often enlarges the ovaries and thickens your uterine lining, both of which can contribute to heavier bleeding and more intense cramping than usual. 

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Your hormones have also been disrupted with medication, egg retrievals and a transfer, so it’s not unusual to experience more bloating, soreness and irregularities with your period. 

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Some people experience lighter periods, and sometimes, your cycle can vary for the first couple of periods after your IVF cycle — meaning there’s no across-the-board answer to how your period might look and feel. If something doesn’t feel right and you’re concerned, contact your doctor. 

‍What about the emotional impact of the first period after IVF?

It’s hard to navigate. Some people find themselves waiting for their period to arrive so that they can close the book on their cycle and focus on their next steps. For others, it might feel emotionally taxing, and you may feel heavy feelings of sadness, disappointment and grief. 

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No matter how you find yourself processing it, it’s totally normal to feel this way — your hormones will be working to get back to their regular state, and you’ve been through a lot. Give yourself some grace, and allow some time to heal. 

Wrapping up and next steps

IVF is an emotional roller coaster, and it can be hard to process when it doesn’t work. Spend some time practicing self care and take time to process how you feel. You may feel like you want to get straight back into another cycle, you might want to take a break, or you might even decide not to try again. Our advice: Make sure that you maintain open communication with your clinic, your partner if you have one, and your family and friends. Your loved ones only want the best for you, and you don’t have to go through it alone.

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With our personalized Plans, we help you navigate every step of your treatment, and support you with therapy sessions and a dedicated advocate. Find out more and request your own customizable Gaia Plan.

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