Behaviour myths, checked against the evidence
4 behaviourbeliefs, checked against the evidence — each with a calm verdict and what's actually true instead.
“Stay on bed rest after the transfer so the embryo sticks.”
Studies show no benefit — and possibly worse outcomes. Resume gentle normal activity.
What the evidence says
The evidence points the other way. A systematic review and meta-analysis found bed rest after transfer does not improve outcomes and may be associated with worse outcomes, and Cochrane found insufficient evidence to recommend it. Immediate mobilisation does not lower success rates. The embryo does not fall out when you stand up.
What's true instead
“Just relax and it'll happen — stress is why you can't conceive.”
No fertility body lists stress as a cause. Infertility causes stress, not the reverse.
What the evidence says
Well-designed research, including a BMJ review of 14 studies, found emotional distress was not related to the chance of conceiving, and no fertility society lists stress as a cause of infertility. The relationship largely runs the other way: infertility causes stress. The 'just relax' line also adds guilt and blame.
What's true instead
“You must avoid sex completely during IVF stimulation and the two-week wait.”
Mostly a timing caveat, not a ban — follow your clinic's advice around retrieval and transfer.
What the evidence says
Sex during stimulation is generally safe; the practical caveat is that enlarged ovaries can make it uncomfortable, and clinics often advise avoiding intercourse for a short window around retrieval (an ovarian torsion and OHSS caution) and per their own transfer protocol. It is a 'follow your clinic's specific advice' situation, not a blanket ban.
What's true instead
“You can't exercise, climb stairs, or lift anything after a transfer.”
Light activity is fine and encouraged; only high-intensity exercise and heavy lifting need care.
What the evidence says
Light activity such as walking and gentle yoga is safe and encouraged. The genuine caution is against high-intensity exercise and heavy lifting during stimulation and shortly after retrieval, because enlarged ovaries carry a small torsion risk. Normal stairs and daily movement are fine. This is the flip side of the bed-rest myth.
What's true instead
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