Risks of IVF

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Assisted conception brings several risks.

The diagnostic and treatment procedures can involve discomfort, particularly for the woman undergoing IVF, who may experience side effects from fertility drugs involved and may find the egg retrieval uncomfortable.

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a rare but known side effect of IVF. It occurs when the fertility drugs given to stimulate egg production in the woman are so successful that the ovaries cannot cope with the increased number of eggs. A mild incidence can cause pain and bloating. If the overstimulation is severe, blood clots, kidney damage and twisting of the ovaries may occur, and monitoring in hospital will be required. OHSS can jeopardise the progress of the treatment cycle.

Some assisted conception techniques carry an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy, where the fertilised egg implants in the fallopian tubes instead of the uterus. There is a greater risk of multiple gestation, e.g. twins or triplets, as the chances of IVF success are maximised by more than one embryo being put back into the womb. This has associated dangers, such as a higher chance of stillbirth, miscarriage & premature delivery.