Sore Breasts After Embryo Transfer

Breast tenderness after embryo transfer is common and not usually a cause for concern.  

Understanding the reasons behind it and what’s normal can help you feel more at east throughout your surrogacy journey.

In this article, we’ll explore the causes and what you can do for the discomfort.

Being a surrogate is a beautiful and unique experience, and you deserve support as you help a family fulfill their dreams. If you have any questions, you can  get more support from a surrogacy professional here.

Sore Breasts After Embryo Transfer

Sore breasts after embryo transfer are often caused by hormone fluctuations. These hormone fluctuations can be due to the embryo transfer preparation process, which involves hormone therapy for many women, or it can be caused by early pregnancy or embryo implantation hormones.

If you have sore breasts, it doesn’t necessarily mean you are pregnant or that you will be pregnant, but it can be a positive sign of pregnancy, especially if the soreness is sustained well after transfer.

The only way to truly know if you are pregnant is to take a pregnancy test 10-14 days after embryo transfer or at your doctor’s direction.

When Do Breasts Get Sore After Embryo Transfer?

You may experience sore breasts 2 days after transfer to a week after transfer, typically caused by progesterone hormones used during IVF. Especially soon after the transfer, it is more likely that breast tenderness is due to the hormone medications that were used for the transfer itself and not an indication of pregnancy. If pregnancy does occur, breast tenderness can continue into pregnancy.

 

What to Do About Sore Breasts After Embryo Transfer

1. Wear a Supportive Bra

Choose a well-fitted, supportive bra: A soft, comfortable bra with good support can help reduce breast movement and relieve tenderness. Sports bras or maternity bras can provide extra comfort as they often have a gentle, non-restrictive fit.

2. Apply Warm or Cold Compresses

Warm compress: A warm, damp towel or heating pad (on a low setting) applied gently to the breasts can help soothe soreness.

Cold compress: If your breasts are particularly swollen or painful, applying a cold compress can help reduce inflammation and ease discomfort.

3. Pain Relief Medication

If the soreness is significant, you might consider taking over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol). However, avoid using NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) without consulting your doctor, as they might interfere with implantation.

4. Avoid Tight Clothing

Wearing tight clothing or bras can exacerbate the discomfort. Opt for looser-fitting tops and bras to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on your chest.

5. Gentle Massage

Gently massaging the breasts can improve circulation and may help alleviate some soreness. However, be gentle and avoid applying too much pressure, as your breasts may be sensitive.

6. Stay Hydrated and Rest

Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine, which can contribute to breast tenderness in some women.

Rest: Take breaks throughout the day and ensure you’re getting enough sleep, as fatigue can sometimes make symptoms feel worse.

7. Monitor and Talk to Your Doctor

If the soreness is severe or accompanied by other unusual symptoms (such as extreme swelling, red or painful lumps, or significant bleeding), contact your fertility clinic or doctor. While breast tenderness is common, other signs could indicate a need for medical attention.

Medications adjustments: Sometimes, adjusting the dosage or type of medication used in IVF can help alleviate side effects. Your doctor may recommend switching to different forms of hormone therapy if necessary.

Call Your Doctor If

If you experience any of the following symptoms in addition to breast soreness, you should reach out to your fertility clinic:

Other Common Symptoms After Embryo Transfer

In addition to breast tenderness after embryo transfer, you may experience: cramping, spotting, upset stomach, and mood changes as your body adjusts to hormone levels and the embryo attaches to the uterine lining. Read more about symptoms here.

What if  I have no breast soreness after embryo transfer?

If you have no sore breasts after embryo transfer, or if you had breast tenderness and your breasts are no longer sore after embryo transfer, that isn’t necessarily a bad sign. In some cases women may not have breast soreness even if they are pregnant, and if your sore breasts are gone after embryo transfer, it may mean that your body has adjusted to the hormone fluctuation.

No one symptom can predict whether you are pregnant or not. The only reliable way to predict pregnancy is to take a pregnancy test 10-14 days after transfer as directed by your doctor.

Wondering what comes next after embryo transfer? Contact a surrogacy professional to learn about your next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

People who are interested in breast tenderness after embryo transfer also commonly ask these questions:

How soon after embryo transfer do breasts get sore?

Breast tenderness can occur as early as a few days to a week after embryo transfer. This is typically caused by the progesterone hormones used during IVF, which mimic the natural changes in hormone levels that occur during early pregnancy. Progesterone can cause breast swelling, tenderness, and sensitivity, even if the embryo transfer was not successful.

How soon do breasts hurt after implantation?

Breast soreness is often associated with implantation, which occurs around 6-10 days post-ovulation. Some women may start feeling soreness around this time as the embryo attaches to the uterine wall and pregnancy hormones begin to rise. However, it is important to note that this is not an early sign of pregnancy for everyone, as it could also be attributed to the progesterone medications used in IVF.

What are the symptoms of successful embryo transfer?

Symptoms indicating a successful embryo transfer (implantation and pregnancy) can be subtle and vary widely between individuals. They can include:

• Breast tenderness and swelling due to hormonal changes.
• Fatigue and tiredness.
• Mild cramping or pelvic discomfort, similar to menstruation.
• Spotting or light bleeding (implantation bleeding).
• Nausea or mild morning sickness, although this is more common in later weeks.
• Mood swings or emotional changes.
• Frequent urination due to hormonal changes.

What are the symptoms of the 2-week wait after IVF?

During the 2-week wait, the most common symptoms include:

• Hormonal side effects from IVF medications, such as breast tenderness, bloating, and mood swings.
• Fatigue from the progesterone and estrogen used in IVF.
• Light spotting or bleeding (implantation bleeding).
• Cramping due to the embryo implanting or from the IVF medications.
• Increased cervical mucus or changes in vaginal discharge.

Nausea or a metallic taste (though these are more common later in pregnancy).