What are the side effects of IVF?
For many couples experiencing infertility, in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments offer their best chance at conception, yet it is not without some considerations. IVF requires a commitment of time, money, emotion, and some physical risks. Before beginning the IVF process, it is important research the risks, as well as the benefits of the process with the reproductive specialists at your fertility treatment center.

Expected Side Effects
The in vitro fertilization process involves suppressing the normal menstrual cycle so the reproductive endocrinologist can induce ovulation when it is optimum to harvest the eggs. The treatment includes frequent blood tests and nasal spray or injection of hormonal drugs, and some bruising can be expected.  Since the menstrual cycle is suspended for a short time, a patient may experience some menopausal symptoms that include:

• Hot flashes
• Mood Swings
• Nausea
• Headaches

Most women experience only mild side effects but any severe headaches or vision disturbances should be discussed with your physician.

Side Effects of Stimulation
Most fertility treatment center protocols require the patient continue to take the suppression drugs while on the stimulation drugs, to prevent premature ovulation. The symptoms women experience from the stimulation drugs vary, and most experience them only minimally.

• Abdominal Bloating
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Weight gain
• Nausea

It is important to discuss any concerns with your physician at the fertility treatment center.

Ovarian Hyper Stimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
OHSS is a potential complication from any fertility drug and is a condition in which the ovaries produce many follicles which become larger than usual. Most commonly, the condition is mild and improves without intervention. However, severe cases can lead to blood clots and kidney failure. Symptoms include:

• Bloating
• Abdominal pain
• Rapid weight gain (As much as 10 pounds within 3-5 days)
• Decreased urination
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Shortness of breath

Severe OHSS has only been reported in 3-8% of IVF cycles. Fertility treatment centers closely monitor each patient for OHSS, and encourage patients to discuss any concerns with their physician. Fertility treatment centers also reduce the risk of severe OHSS by:

• Reducing the dosage of fertility drugs
• Withholding the human chorionic gonadotrpin (hCG)
• Proceed with egg retrieval but freeze embryos for a later cycle

Egg Retrieval and Embryo Transfer
During the process of egg retrieval, the physician uses a vaginal ultrasound to guide the insertion of a needle through the vagina into the ovary to retrieve eggs. The procedure is performed under sedation or anesthesia. The risks are minimal, but do include:

• Discomfort during or after the procedure
• Possible injury to organs near the ovaries such as the bladder, blood vessels and bowel.
• Bleeding from ovary or pelvic vessels
• Pelvic infection

During Embryo transfer, a patient may experience cramping, bleeding or spotting during the procedure. Infrequently, infections develop. Though the problems many be minimal, it is important to report them to your fertility treatment center and physician.

Is Ovarian Cancer a Risk?
Despite early reports of a possible connection between fertility treatments and ovarian cancer, recent studies fail to provide convincing evidence of any connection. However, fertility treatment centers understand the concern and encourage the patient to discuss their concerns.