Did You Know About These Risks Involved In IVF?

Fertility experts have made remarkable progress in infertility procedures such as In Vitro Fertilization. And, every year, a substantial number of women undergo various types of fertility procedures of which IVF is one of the most popular with a success rate of 40%. However, the procedure like any other medical procedure carries a set of associated risks leading to health complications.

Here are some of the risks and complications involved in the in-vitro fertilization process that you must know about if you are considering it.

1. Side effects of medications: The drugs administered for stimulating the ovary may result in minor side effects such as soreness and mild bruising at the site of the injection in some women. Another side effect is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, which happens when the ovaries have generated numerous follicles and fluid may start leaking from the blood vessels into the lungs and the abdominal cavity. In most cases, these complications are mild and can be resolved easily. But sometimes, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome may result in extreme enlargement of the ovaries, dehydration, and infusion of fluids in the lungs and the abdomen which would need considerable medical attention.
2. Complications during retrieval of eggs: As the eggs start to mature, the willing-to-be mother has to come to the fertility center for retrieval of the eggs. The woman may have to undergo mild sedation so that she can feel no pain while remaining conscious or she may be completely unconscious. At times, there may be excessive bleeding from the ovaries along with injuries to the organs in close vicinity. If the injury is too severe, surgery or blood infusions may also be required to repair the damage. It may also involve pelvic infection, and the women who have had a prior history of pelvic infection are more likely to suffer from this kind of complication.
3. Damage during transfer of embryo: When the embryos are needed to be replaced, the gynecologist may place a speculum in the vagina while the embryos are placed into the uterus with the catheter. Some women report that it causes cramping while the catheter is inserted through the cervix.
4. Multiple births: IVF surges the risk of multiple births when more than one embryo is implanted in the uterus. A pregnancy with many fetuses invariably brings along risks of early labor as well as low birth weight compared to pregnancy with a single fetus does. Also, research suggests that IVF slightly surges that the newborn will be of low birth weight, which is yet another risk of the IVF process.

It is important to understand that the complications and risks of IVF are very rare, and an expert health care provider will be able to monitor you closely to fend off all kinds of unwanted consequences.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!