What are the risks of IVF Treatment?
Side-effects
Some women who start the IVF program may develop mildly unpleasant symptoms which are a side effect of their body's reaction to the "Fertility drugs" stimulating the ovaries. However, these symptoms are frequently experienced but do not last long and are no cause for concern.
The patient may experience hot flushes, depression, headaches and insomnia.
Ovarian Hyper-stimulation Syndrome
There is one condition that requires close medical attention that occurs when the ovaries have been over stimulated. The severity of the condition will be evaluated by your Fertility Specialist and the treatment cycle may be cancelled.
About 1%-2% of all Hyperstimulation cases are serious enough to warrant immediate hospitalization. The ovaries swell and the symptoms include sickness, nausiousness, indigestion, weakness, fainting water retention and abdominal pain and swelling. Difficulty breathing and tiredness may also be experienced.
Cervical Bleeding
During the oocyte retrieval a needle is inserted tranvaginally to puncture the follicles of the ovaries.
Temporary bleeding of the vagina may occur as a result of this.
Multiple Pregnancy
With IVF it is common for more than one gestational sac to implant leading to twins, triplets and rarely quadruplets. In these cases the pregnancy is monitored very closely because of the risk of miscarriage or premature labour.
