
What Causes Frequent Bowel Movements While On Embryo Transfer?

Question: Hi Dr., I am in 3rd day after embryo transfer. I am on progesterone dosage both orally and vaginallyrics but instead of being constipated I am having frequent bowel movements 3 times a day. No loose motions. I had very light cramps today for few minutes only. What's happening? Please help me understand.
Brief Answer:
Cramps are related to effects of progesterone.
Detailed Answer:
Hello, Madam.
I understand your concern.
The cramps aren't too serious, but they are definitely very different from period cramps.
They're sometimes deeper and stronger. They are mainly related to the effects of progesterone and partly to implantation of the embryo.
As of you need not worry about it.
Post your further queries if any.
Thank you.
Cramps are related to effects of progesterone.
Detailed Answer:
Hello, Madam.
I understand your concern.
The cramps aren't too serious, but they are definitely very different from period cramps.
They're sometimes deeper and stronger. They are mainly related to the effects of progesterone and partly to implantation of the embryo.
As of you need not worry about it.
Post your further queries if any.
Thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar


I understand that cramps could be due to implantation/progesterone but why no constipation even after having progesterone?
Brief Answer:
Progesterone can cause both constipation and diarrhoea.
Detailed Answer:
Hello, Madam.
I can understand your concern.
Progesterone will not always cause constipation.
Oral and Vaginal tablets are more likely to cause diarrhoea in 8% and constipation in 3% individuals.
Whereas progesterone gels are more likely to cause constipation in 27% individuals and Diarrhoea in 8%.
Hence, these effects are variable and largely individualised.
Some progesterone side effects may not need any medical attention. As your body gets used to the medicine these side effects may disappear. Your health care professional may be able to help you prevent or reduce these side effects, but do check with them if any of the following side effects continue, or if you are concerned about them.
Thank you.
Progesterone can cause both constipation and diarrhoea.
Detailed Answer:
Hello, Madam.
I can understand your concern.
Progesterone will not always cause constipation.
Oral and Vaginal tablets are more likely to cause diarrhoea in 8% and constipation in 3% individuals.
Whereas progesterone gels are more likely to cause constipation in 27% individuals and Diarrhoea in 8%.
Hence, these effects are variable and largely individualised.
Some progesterone side effects may not need any medical attention. As your body gets used to the medicine these side effects may disappear. Your health care professional may be able to help you prevent or reduce these side effects, but do check with them if any of the following side effects continue, or if you are concerned about them.
Thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar


Thanks for your reply Dr. Today is my 4th day after embryo transfer and I have no pms like symptoms yet, when can I expect seeing pregnancy symtoms? This two week wait is quite difficult to understand how is our body responds. When can I actually start seeing pregnancy symptoms?
what precautions should I take for healthy pregnancy?
what precautions should I take for healthy pregnancy?
Brief Answer:
Pregnancy symptoms will be experiened from the 2nd week of ET.
Detailed Answer:
Hello, Madam.
I can understand your concern.
I apologize for the delayed response.
You will start to experience the full symptoms of pregnancy from the 2nd-3rd week onwards. You need not worry about it.
Certain precautions need to taken during this period. They include
Avoid vigorous activities which involves forceful bodily movement
Avoid heavy workout and exercises
Keep away from smoking
Try to avoid the caffeine as much as possible
Avoid indulging yourself in a sexual intercourse
Avoid lifting heavy weights
Avoid involving your self in the activities like aerobics
Avoid consuming alcohol or alcoholic products and drinks
Do not take sunbaths and avoid swimming
Stay away from tough household work
Avoid consuming unnecessary drugs without doctor's recommendation.
Post your further queries if any.
Thank you.
Pregnancy symptoms will be experiened from the 2nd week of ET.
Detailed Answer:
Hello, Madam.
I can understand your concern.
I apologize for the delayed response.
You will start to experience the full symptoms of pregnancy from the 2nd-3rd week onwards. You need not worry about it.
Certain precautions need to taken during this period. They include
Avoid vigorous activities which involves forceful bodily movement
Avoid heavy workout and exercises
Keep away from smoking
Try to avoid the caffeine as much as possible
Avoid indulging yourself in a sexual intercourse
Avoid lifting heavy weights
Avoid involving your self in the activities like aerobics
Avoid consuming alcohol or alcoholic products and drinks
Do not take sunbaths and avoid swimming
Stay away from tough household work
Avoid consuming unnecessary drugs without doctor's recommendation.
Post your further queries if any.
Thank you.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

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