With so much emotion, money, and time invested in just one cycle of an IVF process, it is definitely a one stressful procedure. IVF does not only involve physical discomfort and emotional stress but it also has after effects. With all the different medications taken, various side effects maybe experienced by women.
Mild Side Effects of IVF
Mild side effects are usually mild reactions from the different fertility drugs taken. Here are a few side effects of IVF treatment.
- Injection site side effects – Some drugs given to women are usually in the form of injectables. Unwelcome side effects may occur like bruising caused by the injection, soreness and pain, and possible allergic reactions including redness and itching.
- Headaches – Headaches is one of the most common side effects of IVF. It is usually an effect from the different medications and the hormonal changes in the woman's body.
- Cramping – Cramping is a very common experience for every woman during or after an IVF procedure. It may be caused by medications, hormonal changes or a sign of implantation.
- Other effects from medications include fatigue, hot flashes, and vaginal dryness.
- Mental and emotional effects – It is pretty normal for women to feel scared and experience mood swings. If this happens, consultation with the doctor or joining a support group will help.
Ovarian Hyper Stimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
OHSS is a very serious medical condition. It happens when women are given too much stimulating drugs. Too much stimulation can irritate the woman's ovaries resulting to enlargement or swelling, and its effects range from mild to severe. Mild effects may occur including abdominal bloating, mild pain in the abdomen, mild discomfort, and weight gain. For severe cases which rarely happen, effects include severe pain and swelling in the abdomen, shortness of breath, decrease in urination, rapid gain weight with more than 10 pounds in 3 to 5 days, and feeling ill accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Complications brought by severe case of OHHS include kidney damage, blood clotting, twisted ovary, stroke, and termination of the pregnancy.
Multiple Pregnancies due to IVF
Multiple pregnancies cannot be totally avoided with an IVF procedure. Most clinics today insert two or more embryos to achieve a higher chance of pregnancy. In most states there are certain laws that allow only up to 6 embryos. With 6 embryos inserted, there is still a high chance of giving birth to twins, triplets, quadruplets, or even more. There was even an incident in the United States that a woman gave birth to octuplets.
Multiple pregnancies both risk the mother's and babies' health. The higher the number of babies the lesser their chances of survival. Effects of IVF on multiple pregnant moms include anemia, higher chance of miscarriage, high blood pressure, diabetes, and may require cesarean section as a way of birth delivery.
An IVF procedure can be psychologically stressful for most patients and if an IVF patient has concerns about the different effects of IVF, she should discuss her concerns with her doctors immediately. Severe side effects should not be taken lightly and must be treated immediately.