Side Effects of IVF

In-vitro fertilization or IVF is a great way to have a child for those couple who are otherwise unable to conceive. IVF involves a significant level of physical, emotional, financial, and time commitment. It is often a stressful process.

IVF treatment involves frequent blood tests and almost daily injections or nasal sprays of hormonal drugs. The first stage of the treatment aims to suppress your own natural menstrual cycle, so that artificial ovulation can be done at a later stage. Basically, the initial treatment puts you into an artificial and temporary state of menopause. Owing to this, a woman may experience some side effects while going through IVF treatments.

• Injection Site Side Effects- Some IVF drugs are given by injection and may cause side effects such as bruising at the site, the site of injection becoming sore and possibly allergic reactions, which may include itching and redness.
• Ovarian Problems- In some cases fertility drugs may cause ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome (OHSS). This causes fluid formation in the abdomen and chest. The symptoms include pain in the pelvic area, vomiting, nausea, rapid weight gain, decreased urination, abdominal pain and breathing problems. In severe cases it can lead to rupture or twisting of ovaries after they become enlarged. OHSS can cause inflamed veins, blood clots and even a stroke.
• Multiple Births- Having a multiple birth (twins, triplets or more) is one of the greatest health risk associated with fertility treatment. Multiple births pose many risks to the health of the mother and the unborn babies. The babies are more likely to be premature and have a below-normal birth weight. Chances of developing cerebral palsy are higher in multiple births than single birth.
• Ectopic Pregnancy- When an embryo develops in the fallopian tube rather than a woman's womb, it is called ectopic pregnancy. Chances of developing ectopic pregnancy are very high in IVF. Ectopic pregnancy can cause vaginal bleeding, low pregnancy hormone levels, severe nausea and vomiting, fainting, dizziness and miscarriage.
• Miscarriage- Although the risk of a miscarriage after IVF is not very high but there is a  chances all the same.
• Side Effects during Retrieval  - Retrieval of eggs from the ovaries can cause side effects such as reactions to anesthesia, bleeding, infection and damage to structures surrounding the ovaries, including the bowel and bladder.

The above side effects can be overcome by proper care and medication. Generally most babies conceived through IVF are healthy but at the same time it is a very costly process. Though it is performed with much medical care, there is no guarantee of achieving a successful pregnancy every time.

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