IVF Side Effects: What to Expect and How to Cope

IVF treatment is a process that has been around for more than three decades now. 

IVF procedures have been used for decades to help millions of couples when other infertility treatments have failed. In-Vitro Fertilization is a procedure where a man’s sperm and a woman’s eggs are combined outside of the body in a laboratory dish to form an embryo by fertilization. One or more embryos are then transferred into the woman’s uterus using a plastic catheter (tube). 

IVF is a unique process that has brought a lot of joy to many families worldwide. However, the treatment should not be taken lightly. Like with any medical procedure, there are some side effects, both long and short-term, involved in the treatment. In addition to the risk of multiples, there are many other associated risks to in vitro fertilization. 

What to Expect When You’re Having IVF Treatments?

1. Body Changes

Women sometimes gain weight throughout IVF treatments, and hormone injections impact weight and appetite. Based on how many eggs grow or if you have modest ovarian hyperstimulation, your stomach may feel bloated and your clothes tight.

If you experience weight gain during IVF treatments, it may be helpful to discuss this with your doctor. They can advise on managing these changes and ensure your treatment is still effective. It is important to communicate any concerns or changes in your body with your healthcare provider to receive the best possible care.

2. Increased Hunger

Some individuals may experience increased hunger. Some drugs may boost appetite, but it’s usually emotionally driven.

Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is crucial to cope with increased hunger during IVF treatments. Regardless of the cravings experienced, it is essential to eat healthily to support the body during treatment and promote overall health.

3. Gastrointestinal Changes

Constipation and loose stools are frequent IVF complaints.

To address constipation and loose stools during IVF treatments, increase water intake and consume fibre-rich foods for better digestive health.

4. A journey full of surprises

IVF procedures vary from patient to patient. Don’t be astonished if your appetite increases throughout treatment; do not be shocked if you require more sleep each night.

IVF treatments can have varied effects on different patients and can be unpredictable. Patients may experience changes such as increased appetite or the need for more sleep. It is important to know that these experiences are normal and a part of the process.

In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Side Effects at Each Stage

Stage 1: Suppression (Pause and Prepare) 

The first phase involves calming the ovaries using Oral contraceptives. Regular menstrual cycles have follicles mature at varying rates. And some are slower, and others are faster. Their size coincides with their maturation; eventually, one dominant follicle will win out. Yet, this shouldn’t happen with IVF. The main aim is to mature all eggs at once to increase egg output during retrieval. Hence, OCs are used.

Side effects are minor if detectable. Examples:

• Breast pain
• Nausea
• Mood changes
• Spotting

Stage 2: Stimulation 

The next phase involves injection since oral medication alone isn’t enough. In IVF, the more mature eggs you produce, the better. Injections are given for 8-14 days to stimulate egg production, and Slow-maturing follicles prolong the stimulation period.

There are some IVF injection side effects that some women may experience.

IVF injections side Effects include:

• Headaches
• Meltdowns
• Injection-site bruising
• Nausea
• Bloating
• Bruising

Stage 3: The Egg Retrieval 

Egg retrieval (done under anesthesia) is the third stage where egg removal is done from the follicles. 

Side effects include:

Egg retrieval involves surgery. Therefore, you’ll need anesthesia, which has effects, and most women have moderate side effects that disappear within a few days. These include:

• Spotting
• Soreness
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Bloating
• Cramping
• Vomiting 

Stage 4: The Embryo Transfer

Fresh or thawed blastocysts are transferred during an embryo transfer.

Apart from pregnancy, embryo transfer has some side effects.

Embryo Transfer Side Effects:

• Bruising
• Bloating
• Cramping
• Fatigue
• Constipation
• Injection-site bruising

Long-Term Side Effects of IVF Treatment 

Some of the long-term side effects of IVF treatment are:

1. Ovarian Torsion

Ovarian is a condition when an ovary twists around the ligaments that hold it in place. It has been described as the most painful experience by women. Ovarian Torsion occurs when there is a problem with the ligaments that support the ovary and cut off the blood supply. 

Various symptoms are associated with ovarian torsion, including sudden onset of severe pain, swelling in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, fainting, or even convulsions. Here, at Aastha Fertility, we make the patient undergo various tests before designing the treatment and medication set to minimize even the slightest possibility of Ovarian Torsion.  

2. Vision Problems 

Although visual disturbances are relatively uncommon in IVF patients, they can occur after a cycle of clomiphene or gonadotropins stimulation. Visual disorders such as palinopsia (phosphenes) or afterimages can affect a patient’s vision. This problem occurs because of increased estrogen levels, linked to acute alterations in the visual system.

Gynecologists and infertility experts must educate their patients regarding these possible side effects to be aware of vision problems. At our clinic, we test every female’s corneal biomechanics to eliminate the chances of palinopsia and other vision-related problems and protect his vision during the IVF procedure.

3. Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a condition arising from the excessive release of the stimulating follicle hormone (FSH) in women undergoing In vitro fertilization (IVF). The syndrome refers to a set of symptoms that may occur soon after ovarian stimulation for an IVF cycle and it is one of the long-term side effects of IVF.

These symptoms can vary widely from mild to severe and result in pain and discomfort. OHSS is a potentially dangerous condition that could be fatal to the patient. Causes of OHSS include female body characteristics, medications, egg donation, and genetics.

Doctors at Aastha Fertility perform hysteroscopy and AMH blood tests to examine pelvic pain and issues with miscarriage in a female. Mature follicles are frozen at a proper temperature to make ovaries rest. The process is then delayed until the patient’s body is ready for the process again.

4. Multiple Pregnancy 

Another IVF treatment side effects long-term includes the increased risk that you might deliver more than one infant, known as twins or multiples. In addition, IVF with multiple pregnancies is associated with fewer complications compared to providing a singleton. Preterm birth or premature delivery, low birth weight, and congenital anomalies are more common in identical twins than in singletons born by IVF.

Depending upon the patient’s choice, the gynecologists at Aastha Fertility Care, transfer a single embryo to the female’s uterus to attain a single pregnancy. Sonographies are also done at every step of the process to ensure singlet. 

5. Ectopic Pregnancy 

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, the most commonplace being in the fallopian tubes. Without proper treatment, an ectopic pregnancy can result in a tubal rupture and is life-threatening for the mother.

Unlike other clinics, doctors at our clinic offer special transvaginal ultrasound scans to determine Ectopic Pregnancy at an early stage. We use medicines like Methotrexate and surgical processes like Salpingostomy for treating EP in females. 

6. Cancer

Although there were reports earlier that certain drugs used for ovarian stimulation may cause ovarian tumors, more recent research does not support these findings. Women who have undergone IVF have no increased risk of breast, endometrial, cervical, or ovarian cancer. 

And if a female has cancer, fertility preservation by Aastha Fertility Care is an excellent way to save your eggs if you want to plan a baby in the future. 

Short Term Side-Effects of IVF Treatment

Some of the short-term IVF side effects are:

1. Anxiety 

IVF can be emotionally and physically draining. Couples going through the process may find that learning about the process, support from counselors, lawyers, family, and friends will help them get through the ups and downs of infertility treatment. 

We have a highly-professional team of psychologists and counselors to support you during the entire process from starting till the end. Even after the treatment, we check on our patients to ensure they are not stressed.  

Recurrent IVF failure is also a reason why some females are stressed about getting success in the next IVF cycle. 

2. Mood Swings 

Given that infertility is a sign of hormonal and reproductive imbalance, fertility medication’s most common side effects are headaches, nausea, mood swings, and bloating. Seek instant medical help and treatment when you face such issues.

3. Premature Delivery 

Research suggests that combining the sperm and egg in a laboratory dish and then transferring an embryo or embryos into the woman’s uterus slightly increases the baby’s risk of being born early or with low birth weight.

Premature delivery is not a severe issue and does not harm the baby. The premature baby at our clinic is taken under observation for a few days to provide special care and the mother. For us, the health of the baby and the mother matters the most. 

4. Allergic Reactions 

Women planning to get pregnant in the near future have nothing to worry about. The chances of allergic reactions to fertility drugs are rare. However, as with any medication (or food), a reaction is possible. Suppose you have a family history of allergic reactions. In that case, you may wish to discuss the matter with your OB-GYN and infertility doctor to determine whether or not you are at higher risk for an allergic reaction to fertility drugs and the process. Doctors at Aastha Clinic designed the IVF procedure after asking about past medical issues and allergic reactions to prevent allergies or any type of body reaction. 

5. Grief and loss

The procedure of ART itself has been linked to increased worry, depression, and stress, which can affect your self-worth and self-esteem. It may be especially true for you following a failed IVF cycle, making the IVF process challenging. It may result in stress in your personal life and finances, social isolation, fixation, and self-criticism. It may impact your psychological and emotional health if you continue to struggle with these intense feelings over time.

Coping With Side Effects of IVF

Coping with the side effects of IVF might seem hard, especially the emotional part. Nevertheless, you have to try. You could do the following things to cope with the IVF side effects.

Seeking Support From Loved Ones And Professionals

It is helpful to speak with folks who have been or are taking reproductive treatments. Most importantly, it can let you know that you’re not alone and assist you in navigating the process’ emotional component. Talk to your partner and other people you care about. You can get through the turmoil of fertility treatment with their love and support. Togetherness makes life much more straightforward and the journey much more enjoyable. Still, if you can not cope with the stress, you should talk to a professional. It will help you gain better insight into what’s more important and how to deal with all the negativities.

Taking Care of Oneself Through Self-Care Practices

Permit yourself to take frequent pauses, and remember to spend time doing things you like. Treatments for infertility result in a whole new set of additional pressures. Months of consultations, medications, and processes can be exhausting for those who need to endure various treatments to become pregnant. It’s crucial to give oneself regular physical and mental rest periods. The most vital thing to keep in mind is to treat yourself nicely. People frequently feel very alone and put a lot of strain on themselves. Avoid doing it! Engage in your favorite leisure activities to keep your thoughts calm and content. Your mood can be improved by engaging in activities that make you feel good.

Seeking Medical Attention When Necessary

If you experience any side effects after IVF treatment, you should seek medical attention to ensure everything is alright. If something is wrong, seeking medical attention could let the doctors take the necessary steps at the right time. 

At this time, it might be crucial for some people to think about seeking medical attention for depression and anxiety. The doctor might prescribe some antidepressants and anxiety medications. No study supports the idea that this will harm a woman’s ability to conceive. Medicare covers numerous supportive treatments if you suffer from distress, despair, or anxiety.

Seeking Counseling For IVF-Related Grief And Loss

The process of IVF can be emotionally challenging, and some individuals may experience feelings of sadness or loss. 

• Counselling or therapy can offer a safe space to address these emotions and receive support from a mental health professional. 
• Support groups and online communities can also provide a sense of connection with others who have gone through similar experiences. 
• Seeking help can aid in managing the emotional toll of IVF treatment.

Managing The Financial Stress of IVF Treatment

IVF treatment can be expensive, causing financial stress for those undergoing it. To manage this stress, create a financial plan and explore options for financial assistance or insurance coverage. Look for clinics that offer payment plans or discounts. Open communication with a partner or loved one can also help. Taking proactive steps can help reduce stress and make the process more manageable.

Balancing Work And IVF Treatment

Individuals undergoing IVF treatment may face difficulties in managing their work schedule alongside frequent appointments and time off.

Prioritizing self-care and establishing a routine that supports both work and treatment can also be helpful, such as scheduling appointments outside of work hours or taking breaks to manage stress and fatigue.

Conclusion

Seeking support from others during this time is crucial, be it your partner, therapist, family members, friends, or a support group who has gone or going through the same thing. Having support and love makes your journey easier, increases the sense of positivity, and helps you navigate your emotional quotient. Self-care also plays a significant role. After all, if you are healthy and happy, you can only expect your surroundings and baby to be happy and gain positivity from you. Pamper yourself because you deserve it.

Aastha Fertility Care- The Right Choice For Treating Infertility 

One of India’s leading fertility care clinics, Aastha Fertility Care, is the best option for IVF treatment. We ensure the highest IVF success rates and lowest miscarriage in all IVF treatments performed in advanced laboratories under IVF expert surveillance. The clinic is becoming a popular choice among patients from India and places like Australia, the Netherlands, and the Far East.

Aastha Fertility Care brings together the convenience of state-of-the-art technology with the warmth and compassion of a small clinic under one roof. The treatment combines advanced methods with time-tested practices to give you the best chance at conceiving a baby quickly and naturally without any side effects.

We make sure that every couple who comes to our clinic gets successful parenthood with happy smiles and no worries.  

Frequently Asked Questions