IVF Side Effects

IVF Side Effects

IVF or In Vitro Fertilization is considered as a highly effective treatment in a large number of infertility issues such as blocked fallopian tubes, low sperm count, and PCOS. Although a lot of couples believe that the possible results of the In Vitro Fertilization process compensate for risks or physical discomfort, one cannot deny that the process of In Vitro Fertilization can at times be a stressful procedure.

A lot of women have described their experience during the In Vitro Fertilization treatment as emotionally and physically demanding, with physical IVF side effects which include tiredness, headaches, mood swings, and bloating. There are those who consider the whole procedure as stressful and they end up anxiously waiting for the outcome since it can take some time as well. There are a lot of reputable clinics around that offer qualified and specially trained counsellors to readily aid people through the emotionally draining and challenging aspects of the In Vitro Fertilization process.

Before one decides to proceed with this treatment, it is extremely vital to know a variety of information and details regarding the IVF side effects that may occur during the process.

IVF Side Effects and Risks

Here are some of the IVF side effects that one should know when planning to go through the In Vitro Fertilization process:

• Drug Reaction

Fertility medications have a variety of side effects such as mood swings, hot flashes, headaches, bloating, abdominal pain, and more; but the IVF side effects usually disappear in just a short span of time. If it does not subside, patients should meet with their doctor or healthcare specialist as soon as possible.

• Miscarriage

The risk of having a miscarriage right after an IVF is not higher or lower than after a natural conception. The patient’s preferred clinic will usually schedule and set an early pregnancy ultrasound scan if the female conceives right after the In Vitro Fertilization; the ultrasound is necessary to ensure that the pregnancy is not at risk to have a miscarriage, and it is usually done in two weeks right after the pregnancy test.

• OHSS or Ovarian Hyper Stimulation Syndrome

Each year, over ten thousand children are born via IVF treatments where mothers are provided with a variety of drugs that work to stimulate their ovaries which will eventually produce a bigger numbers of eggs. These medications or hormones can cause a Hyper Stimulation syndrome that automatically affects about six percent of patients. This syndrome can be a risky overreaction to fertility medications that are utilized to stimulate the production of eggs; plus, it can also cause other symptoms like stomach pains, vomiting, swollen stomach, and nausea.

• Ectopic Pregnancy

Once an embryo starts to develop in the woman’s Fallopian tube instead of the womb, the pregnancy will be considered as an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is still possible right after the In Vitro Fertilization treatment and it can cause various effects such as miscarriage, vaginal bleeding, as well as low pregnancy hormonal levels. To detect any signs of ectopic pregnancies, various hormone scans and tests will be necessary and one should always inform their doctor or healthcare specialist about any signs of stomach pains or vaginal bleeding.

• Multiple Births

The chances of having one embryo resulting in identical twins can be higher after undergoing the IVF procedure, particularly after the blastocyst transfer. However, it is still an unknown fact as to why such things occur; having multiple births is considered as one of the biggest health risks connected with the fertility medications. Also, when there are multiple births, it is most likely that the baby will be born prematurely and / or possibly with a low birthweight. It is also possible for the child to be at an increased risk of developing alarming complications such as long-term ailments such as cerebral palsy or NRDS (Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome).

How to Cope with IVF Side Effects

Despite having a few side effects, there are also techniques and methods that one can try to offset the various IVF side effects that will also help an individual cope with the process:

• Take the pills together with food to prevent any signs of stomach upsets; if an individual is using the bromocriptine tablets, setting it right in the woman’s vagina can at times help. However, it is still best to speak with the doctor or healthcare specialist regarding this. This method may be helpful since it will allow the medication to easily get into the bloodstream without really having the tablet go through the liver.

• For those making use of injections, take an ice bag and hold it next to the skin; after this, warm the injected area to help prevent any form of bruising and pain.

• Drink a lot of water to keep one’s fluid levels up and to avoid feeling thirst. Some may think that having more fluid in the body is not appropriate especially when they feel bloated; however, it can actually help the rest of one’s body to stay hydrated.

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