Are there any side effects of IVF?

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is relatively a safe procedure and is a widely accepted treatment technique in recent times. However, all treatment procedures do carry an element of risks and side effects. IVF side-effects are mainly due to hormonal interventions especially during induction of ovaries. Some of the side effects of IVF are listed below.

 

●       Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): Typically, the stimulation of ovaries is accompanied by hormonal medications that are required to stimulate the ovaries to develop more follicles. OHSS is an ovarian stimulation side-effect that causes swelling of ovaries and becomes painful sometimes. Generally, mild OHSS symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea. Severe OHSS symptoms are excessive abdominal swelling, severe abdominal pain, decrease in urination, breathing difficulties.

 

●       Egg retrieval side-effects: The egg retrieval stage involves a minimally invasive procedure performed under sedation where the eggs are carefully retrieved from the follicles. Some of the rarely occurring side-effects of egg retrieval are:

○        Abdominal pain

○        Pelvic infections (a very uncommon side-effect)

○        Injury to organs/blood vessels near the ovaries

 

●       Risks during Embryo transfer: At times, women may experience slight discomfort/cramping during or after the transfer of embryos done with the help of a catheter. Vaginal bleeding is another side-effect of embryo transfer. 

 

●       IVF medication side effects: Hormonal medications are a part of the IVF treatment procedure.

○        Estrogen/Estrace side-effects in IVF: Estrogen is required to maintain the endometrial lining for optimal implantation and some of the uncommon side-effects of estrogen are bloating, vomiting, weight gain, tenderness of the breasts.

○        Progesterone side effects in IVF: Lesser known side-effects of progesterone are nausea, abdominal cramps, mood swings, swelling due to progesterone injections. Vaginal itching/burning is observed in the case of vaginal progesterone capsules.

 

●       Early loss of pregnancy: Early loss of pregnancy is a rare event after successful implantation. However, studies suggest that miscarriages can be because of an implantation dysfunction (improper uterine receptivity) or due to chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo.

 

●       Ectopic Pregnancy: Studies suggest that the probability of an ectopic pregnancy (implantation of the embryo outside the uterus) after IVF is around 2-5%. However, though ectopic pregnancy is rare, it can cause serious complications.

 

●       Conceiving Multiples: Conceiving multiple babies is one of the common side-effects of IVF that is possible due to the transfer of more than one embryo.

 

●       IVF side-effects on the baby: Though premature birth is rare in IVF pregnancy, IVF babies can have lower weight at birth that needs to be managed.

 

Assisted Reproductive Techniques (IVF) has brought a ray of hope for many couples aspiring to have babies. ART has formulated solutions for various side-effects of IVF that can be treated and managed to accomplish a successful IVF baby. 

 

For couples undergoing IVF; it can become emotionally and physically stressful. It is advised to rest, avoid strenuous activities, de-stress with our experts at IVF Junction.

 

Connect with our specialists at our network of fertility centers in Delhi NCR and Gurgaon to get treatment solutions for IVF side effects. Our experts will guide you with various activities that will take you through a successful IVF and in turn a fruitful pregnancy.

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Types of #Sankoch : Are we discussing reproductive health ?

Sankoch  (  संकोच)   may be a term you may or may not have come across – But the feeling it denotes is something millions of young people face in India. Literally Translated, Sankoch means hesitation. This feeling prevents young people in India from accessing reproductive healthcare – the hesitation and shyness that comes with treating topics as natural as Reproductive health a taboo.  For those who aren’t living this reality of experiencing hesitation, shyness, apprehension and reluctance to seek reproductive healthcare, let us explain to you what it means to grow up in a society where it’s taboo to discuss periods, menstrual hygiene, sexual health, and infertility.  We might have progressed leaps and bounds, with wireless internet connection reaching every region of the country, where we haven’t progressed much is discussions about Reproductive health. It is considered a major taboo to discuss any reproductive or sexual concern or question with anybody, an...
Read more

What Is The Fertilisation Rate In IVF?

IVF or In Vitro Fertilization is a great option for couples who have infertility issues and can not have a baby by the natural method. During an IVF procedure, the eggs taken from the female and the sperms taken from the male partner are made to fuse together in a petri dish in a laboratory. This process of forming a zygote is essential for the success of IVF. After the zygote is formed, it is allowed to grow up to an 8-celled embryo. This embryo is then implanted in the woman's womb. That is where the final growth of the embryo takes place. Fertilisation medicine is a complex procedure and several factors affect this procedure. Thus, fertilization rate IVF also depends on all these factors. The various factors that determine the fertilization rate in IVF, include the following: ●      Quality of the gametes : Chromosomal problems in the gametes can lead to the formation of a defective embryo which will not be able to grow further.   ●   ...
Read more