In vitro fertilization (IVF) is usually considered a safe procedure. It involves oral medications, hormone injections, and no surgical procedures. At times some women may show some symptoms or side-effects due to the IVF treeatment which are typically addressed as early as possible.
This article guides you through the risks involved in the IVF process and ways to overcome them.
Risks Associated with the IVF Treatment
The risks associated with IVF treatment can be categorized into mild risks, severe risks, and risks to the developing baby. These risks can be encountered at any point during the five stages of the IVF treatment.
All the Best for your IVF Journey !
Mild Side Effects Associated with the IVF Treatment
The mild risks associated with IVF treatment include the following:
- Abdominal cramps
- Bloating
- Implantation spotting or light bleeding
- Breast tenderness
- Constipation
- Headaches
- Hot flashes
- Mood swings
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
These mild side effects indicate positive pregnancy most of the time. They may also be due to hormone injections and medications administered during teh IVF treatment. These are therefore not to be bothered much with. You can consult with your doctor if you are unable to bear any of these mild symptoms and get an appropriate treatment
Severe Side Effects of the IVF Treatment
- IVF may lead to mild side effects and serious risks like OHSS, blood clots, ectopic pregnancy, and psychological stress.
The severe risks associated with IVF treatment include the following:
- Ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome (OHSS)
- Severe abdominal pain
- Weight-gain
- Decreased urinary output
- Heavy bleeding
- Infection
- Damage to bowel or bladder
- Kidney failure
- Blood clots
- Miscarriage
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Psychological stress
- Multiple pregnancies and associated risks
- Premature labor
OHSS: Ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome is one of the biggest risks associated with IVF treatments. When the ovaries are stimulated to produce more than one egg in a menstrual cycle using Follicle follicle-stimulating hormones (FSH), there is a possibility for the ovaries to get enlarged and contain more fluid-filled follicles. OHSS is often accompanied by severe abdominal pain, faintness, shortness of breath, weight gain, and decreased urinary output. In case you experience the mentioned symptoms, visit your fertility doctor as soon as possible.
Kidney Failure: Kidney failure during IVF is extremely rare. Electrolyte imbalance and dehydration during IVF are reasoned to be the cause of kidney failure.
Blood Clots: Blood clots are found to be more common in women undergoing IVF than in natural pregnancies. Hormonal changes, immobility after embryo transfer, or other underlying medical conditions can contribute to the formation of blood clots in women undergoing IVF.
Ectopic Pregnancy: There is a 2 to 4% chance of ectopic pregnancies with IVF treatments. Ectopic pregnancies can result in heavy bleeding and severe abdominal pain. Since ectopic pregnancies can turn out to be life-threatening, it is important to approach your fertility specialist as soon as possible upon experiencing such symptoms. You can decrease the chance of ectopic pregnancy by quitting smoking. So, avoid smoking during IVF treatment.
Miscarriages in IVF: Miscarriages with IVF treatments are similar to the rate of occurrence in natural pregnancies. You have to stay careful of pregnancy-threatening agents like strenuous activities, improper diet, or psychological stress to prevent miscarriages.
Multiple Pregnancies: IVF poses the risk of multiple pregnancies when more than one embryo is transferred during the treatment. More than one embryo is transferred to increase the success rate of the treatment. In case when more than one transferred embryo successfully implants and leads to multiple pregnancies, it can be a bit challenging for the pregnancy journey with respect to the health of the mother and the baby.
Premature Labour: IVF pregnancies are found to have a 4 to 5 times greater risk of premature birth than natural pregnancies. Multiple pregnancies or maternal health can lead to premature labor in women undergoing IVF.
Psychological Stress: Some women can undergo significant psychological stress during the course of their IVF journey due to increased anxiety, fear, and other reasons. There is also a possibility for many to undergo depression in case the IVF treatment fails.
Conclusion
IVF journey sure is a crucial journey to many couples. The hope of having a baby at the end of the journey makes them risk all the odds facing the journey. Facing the treatment with good hope and a bit of courage can help you get a long way.
There sure are some risks associated with the IVF treatment. But they can be alleviated with the help of modern fertility treatments available extensively today.
In case you are worried about the risks associated with the IVF journey contact me at my office! Will be very happy to guide you through.
Wishing you a successful and safe IVF pregnancy!
FAQs
Multiple pregnancies can turn dangerous in IVF as maternal and fetal health can be challenged because the possibility of premature birth exists.
Nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, dizziness, mood swings, and other mild side effects after the embryo transfer process can be due to successful implantation or the hormonal medications taken during the treatment.
Yes, ectopic pregnancies can turn life-threatening when left untreated due to hemorrhage. Contact your gynecologist as soon as possible when you encounter any ectopic pregnancy-related symptoms.