Is IVF Egg Transfer Advisable While On Stool Softeners?

Posted on Tue, 30 Jun 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 30 Jun 2015 Answered on

Thu, 23 Jul 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I have just had an ivf egg transfer but prior to ivf I had chronic constipation and was on lactolose aswell as senna XXXXXXX tea, will it be safe to continue using them or will the embroyo I had transfered be effected?

Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (1 hour later)

Brief answer....lactulose won't harm you.
Detailed answer...
Hello,
Thanks for the query.
I have read your query and understand your concern.
Since lactulose is just a stool softener and not a stimulant laxative,there is no harm in using it for your constipation,however one has to avoid stimulant laxative so that they don't cause cramps in abdomen.In my opinion you must avoid senna XXXXXXX tea,as it can cause abdominal cramps and may cause expulsion of embryo by vigorous contractions of intestines.
You can safely take lactulose but avoid senna XXXXXXX tea,however you must take the opinion of your treating specialist.
I hope it helps,however you may revert to me for any further query.
Best of luck
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (4 minutes later)

thank u doctor, I also have nulax is that ok to use or should I just stick to prune juice and lactalose?

Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (3 hours later)

Hello,
You can either use NULAX ( DOCUSATE ) or LACTULOSE as both are stool softeners in addition to prune juice.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (11 minutes later)

thank you for your reply doctor, so there is no chance the embryo could fall while taking the lactalose? I just want to be sure.

Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (15 minutes later)

Hello,
LACTULOSE is the agent of choice in such situations and hence you need not worry about it.
You can even doubly cross check with your treating IVF specialist as nothing should be done without bringing into notice of your treating doctor.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar