Can you have intercourse with an arrested embryo development?

Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
Updated on September 22, 2024
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It is not recommended to have sexual intercourse when embryo arrest occurs. Embryo arrest, also known as missed miscarriage, refers to the abnormal development of the gestational sac during early pregnancy, and no fetal heartbeat is detected on an ultrasound by the ninth week of pregnancy. Once embryo arrest is diagnosed in clinical practice, a dilation and curettage surgery should be performed as soon as possible to minimize the impact on the fetus. However, during embryo arrest, since the gestational sac itself is not developing normally and is unstable, it is not advisable to have sexual activity. Sexual activity could stimulate the uterus to contract, leading to bleeding, which is not conducive to managing the embryo arrest. Moreover, sexual activity can easily lead to gynecological inflammation. If sexual activity causes gynecological inflammation, it is necessary to treat the inflammation before proceeding with the abortion, which can delay the process. Therefore, it is not recommended to have sexual intercourse during embryo arrest.

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Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
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What are the causes of embryonic arrest?

If an embryonic arrest is discovered, there are many specific reasons for the arrest. Firstly, the main reason for embryonic arrest is due to congenital abnormalities in the formation and development of the fertilized egg, which is a relatively common situation. Moreover, embryonic arrest usually occurs early when there are developmental abnormalities. In some cases, it may be caused by maternal factors, such as abnormal diseases in the mother or abnormalities in chromosomes, which can lead to poor embryonic development and subsequently cause embryonic arrest. Occasionally, issues related to the viability of the male sperm, or the presence of abnormal sperm, may also lead to embryonic arrest. Because there are many reasons for embryonic arrest, it is generally not possible to systematically investigate the specific causes.

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Written by Liu Wei Jie
Obstetrics
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What are the reasons for two instances of embryonic arrest?

According to current medical viewpoints, there are various reasons for embryonic arrest, but in 50% of cases, the cause is unknown. Identified causes can generally be divided into several categories such as chromosomal issues, maternal metabolic issues including thyroid disorders, diabetes, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Additionally, immune factors such as lupus erythematosus or Sjögren's syndrome, along with abnormal antibodies, are also reasons. Furthermore, abnormal maternal anatomical structures, like abnormal uterine development, can lead to embryonic arrest. Paternal factors, such as abnormal sperm, can also result in embryonic arrest. Upon encountering embryonic arrest, if it occurs once, it can be observed initially. However, if there are two or more instances, comprehensive examinations for both partners are necessary, including chromosomal tests.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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What should I do if the embryo stops developing?

After the diagnosis of embryonic arrest, it is necessary to terminate the pregnancy promptly. One can choose to undergo a uterine curettage or opt for medical abortion. Depending on the gestational age and the size of the fetus, an appropriate method of pregnancy termination should be selected. If the embryonic arrest is not expelled promptly, it could lead to a myomatous miscarriage, which easily causes gynecological infections and severe bleeding, and may even lead to hemorrhagic shock. This poses a significant risk to life safety. After embryonic arrest, it is advisable to promptly visit a hospital for consultation and examination. After undergoing an abortion surgery, it is important to rest, enhance nutrition, and avoid overexertion.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Do you need to be hospitalized for a miscarriage due to embryonic arrest?

In cases where there is an embryo arrest, an abortion generally does not require hospitalization. However, if the embryo arrest occurs after three months, then hospitalization is necessary for treatment. For pregnancies of shorter duration, within 50 days, it is usually possible to induce abortion with medication. But if it exceeds 50 days and is within 70 days, a painless surgical abortion can be performed to manage the condition. This scenario generally does not require hospitalization and can be handled in an outpatient gynecological clinic. However, for longer-term pregnancies, there may be complications during the abortion process, and it is advisable to be hospitalized for treatment.

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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Does a missed miscarriage have any symptoms?

Embryo arrest, also known as missed abortion, refers to the influence of various factors on the growth and development of the gestational sac in early pregnancy, resulting in the absence of a fetal heartbeat. In the early stages, embryo arrest is imperceptible, as it often shows no signs. It is incorrect for some women to judge embryo arrest based on the presence of abdominal pain or changes in pregnancy reactions. Reactions to embryo arrest only appear after a certain period. When the embryo has been arrested for a longer period, the body may treat the gestational sac as a foreign object and attempt to expel it. This situation may present symptoms of threatened miscarriage, such as abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. Under these circumstances, one can visit the hospital for an ultrasound to assess the condition of the fetal heartbeat. The absence of a fetal heartbeat confirms the presence of embryo arrest.