IVF Side Effects – What You Can Do About It

Trying to conceive with the help of In-Vitro-Fertilization (IVF) can be an exciting and hopeful experience, but it’s also one that comes with emotional ups and downs, physical demands, and medication side effects that can vary by person.

If you’re considering IVF, it’s important to understand the possible side effects at every stage — from ovulation-stimulating drugs to egg retrieval and embryo transfer — so you can feel more prepared and in control throughout your fertility journey.

What Is IVF & How Does It Work?

In-Vitro-Fertilization (IVF) is a type of assisted reproductive technology designed to help parents conceive a child who are unable to achieve pregnancy naturally through sexual intercourse. It consists of fertilizing a sperm and an egg outside of the uterus followed by a procedure to implant the fertilized egg into the lining of the uterus.

The IVF Process Step by Step

There are many steps that go in to making IVF a successful process.

Fertility Medications to Stimulate Ovulation

The first step in the process is taking fertility drugs to help the ovaries produce mature eggs. Oftentimes, these drugs must be taken for many months in order to induce ovulation.

Egg Retrieval Procedure

Once the ovaries have created enough eggs, the eggs are then ready to be harvested. Your doctor will have you undergo a process called egg retrieval to collect the healthy eggs, which is a minor surgical procedure. During this procedure, the doctor will extract the eggs from your ovaries through the vagina.

Fertilization & Embryo Transfer

Once the eggs are extracted, the eggs are then fertilized with sperm in a lab setting then implanted back into the uterus several days later during a process called insemination.

Medication Side Effects During the Process

Several IVF side effects with fertility drugs such as Lupron, Progesterone, and Estrace can be taken during the IVF process. However, there are common IVF medication side effects.

Is IVF Paintful?

One of the most common questions prior to undergoing IVF is: Is IVF Painful? Pinnacle Fertility states that there is some pain and discomfort that accompanies IVF.They provide a rating scale for each step of the process, and note that most patients say the most painful part happens during egg retrieval.

IVF Medications and Their Side Effects

Lupron Side Effects During IVF

Lupron is used during IVF to shut down the body’s reproductive hormone system. Lupron drastically lowers the body’s estrogen levels and suppresses the bodies production of luteinizing hormone, which is the hormone that stimulates ovulation. Among a few common Lupron side effects IVF are gastrointestinal issues such as constipation and nausea, headaches, and trouble sleeping are a few on them.

Progesterone Side Effects During IVF

There are many Progesterone side effects IVF. Progesterone is administered during IVF to prepare the womb for pregnancy by thickening the uterine lining. This is important because it promotes successful egg implementation during insemination. Some common side effects are unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge, feet and ankle swelling, and change in mental status. All of these side effects may seem entirely unfavorable, but for couples who are trying for pregnancy after miscarriage, IVF may be the only option for them to try and have a family while struggling with infertility.

Estrace Side Effects During IVF

Estrace is a strong form of the hormone estrogen, and there are many Estrace side effects IVF. Estrogen is needed during IVF to maintain the endometrial lining of the uterus, which strengthens egg implantation during insemination. Some of the IVF side effects of taking Estrace are vomiting, bloating, stomach cramps, weight gain, breast pain, and vaginal itching or discharge. There are a few different types of artificial insemination that can be performed during IVF which often dictate what infertility drugs will be needed during the process. There are many known IVF medication side effects and they all vary based upon the individual.The after effects of IVF treatment are different between each woman. IVF does run the risk of women giving birth to multiple babies due to multiple eggs being implanted during insemination.

General IVF Drug Side Effects

The side effects of IVF drugs can cause hot flashes, breast tenderness, headaches, blurred vision, ovarian cysts and pelvic discomfort.

Physical and Emotional Effects of IVF

One of the most common questions prior to undergoing IVF is: Is IVF Painful? Pinnacle Fertility states that there is some pain and discomfort that accompanies IVF. They provide a rating scale for each step of the process, and note that most patients say the most painful part happens during egg retrieval.

Common After Effects of IVF Treatment

The after effects of IVF treatment are different between each woman. IVF does run the risk of women giving birth to multiple babies due to multiple eggs being implanted during insemination.

IVF & Baby Health

Are There Side Effects of IVF on the Baby?

Some research suggests that babies conceived via IVF can possibly have lower birth weight, but otherwise there do not seem to be a huge amount of IVF side effects on baby. It can be difficult for couples to decide whether they should try IUI versus IVF, but you should always consult your fertility specialist to determine what the best option is for you and your family.IVF vs. IUI Success RatesIt has been reported the IVF has nearly a 40 percent success rate, which is much more of a success than its counterpart, Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), which is reported to only have a 20 percent success rating for women under the age of 35.