We are very happy and excited for you and your partner as you step towards your In-vitro fertilization (IVF) journey. Why excited? Because IVF has impressive success rates compared to other fertility treatments, and it clearly shows your commitment and devotion towards your future family.
Just as you have a commitment towards your goals, we at Indira IVF have a commitment towards you. We want you to be as prepared as possible for your IVF journey, whether it’s with our team or another fertility clinic, that’s why we created this informative guide to IVF and all the side effects you may experience along the way.
Here, we explain the different stages of the IVF process and give you an idea of what to expect from each of these stages.
What happens?
In this first step, our goal is to calm the ovaries, usually by using oral contraceptives (OCs). In a normal menstrual cycle, follicles (fluid-filled sacs that hold the eggs) grow at different rates. Some slower, some faster. Their size corresponds with their maturity, and ultimately, one dominant follicle will win out. We don’t really want this to happen during IVF.
Instead, we want all the eggs to reach maturity at around the same time, resulting in a higher egg yield during retrieval. Taking OCs prior to your cycle-start can pause follicular growth at a small size so that when injections start (see the next stage), all the follicles start at a similar size and grow together
Overall, the side effects are mild if noticeable at all. These IVF side effects include:
The next step is the injection phase. You’ve heard about it and aren’t looking forward to it. It’s okay– we get it. Let’s break it all down and understand what you can expect.
What happens?
First of all, why injections? Why can’t we just take more pills? Unfortunately, at this point, oral medications alone are not strong enough. In order to make a group of follicles for that month which means they have reached maturity and have the ability to be fertilized, we have to be more active. (Some follicles may remain small, and that’s normal. They will still be retrieved, but it’s unlikely that they are mature enough to respond to sperm.)
Let’s pause for a second… a question we commonly get asked at this point is if we are “using up more eggs from the egg supply” by stimulating the ovaries.
“Are you tapping into my egg reserve to get more eggs this month?” The short answer is no.
A certain group of eggs is chosen by your body that month and there’s nothing we can do about that. This group of eggs, called a cohort, is removed from your total egg supply with the hope that one will become dominant and the others will just stop growing and get reabsorbed by the body. That’s what happens when you cycle naturally. You would “spend” that same number of eggs that month whether going through IVF or not.
In IVF, though, the daily stimulation injections salvage the remaining eggs in that month’s cohort that would normally get reabsorbed. Now, a bunch of dominant follicles can be made and are available to be retrieved and fertilized.
What to expect when you’re injecting? Injections need to be administered on a daily basis and around the same time (within a two-hour window) in order to mimic how the body would normally produce the hormones that cause follicular growth (FSH and LH). You can choose what time period (in the evening) works for you. If you pick a window between 6-8 pm, for example, you should try to stick to this as much as possible, but it doesn’t need to be followed so precisely as to disrupt your life.
For example, you are leaving for dinner at 6 pm and won’t be home until 8. You don’t need to bring them with you and inject them in the bathroom; you can take them a little early or a little late that day, and then get back on track the next day.
Eggs are microscopic and, as previously stated, they live in fluid-filled sacs called follicles. Measuring the diameter of the follicles in the morning is an indirect measurement of the maturity of the eggs. Most women take 8-10 days of medications before their lead follicles (remember, they usually grow at different paces) are ready to be “triggered,” that is to be given the medication that causes the final maturity of the eggs and helps them release from the follicular walls in preparation for ovulation.
We see you often during this time so that we can decide the best day for you to take your trigger shot. Most women will come into the office for “morning monitoring” about 5-7 times for blood tests (that measure the amount of estrogen which reflects follicular growth and health, and progesterone, which is indicative of ovulation) and ultrasounds.
During this phase, side effects may become increasingly more noticeable as you reach the egg retrieval. These IVF side effects include-
What happens?
The third step is the procedure called an Egg Retrieval (done under anesthesia) where the eggs are removed from the follicles. Since we can’t see the actual eggs, we will puncture each follicle and withdraw the follicular fluid, which then gets emptied into a dish for the embryologist to view under the microscope. He/she counts the number of eggs and prepares them to be mixed with sperm.
Whether or not they responded well to stimulation, the trigger shot and are perfectly mature, it is determined the following day, along with how many of them fertilized. Eggs that are pre or postmature are still collected and counted but are not in the proper stage of cell division to respond to sperm, so they do not fertilize.
Due to the multiple vaginal and ovarian punctures, it is normal to feel sore and have some spotting after retrieval. Think of the ovaries as being swollen, bruised, and needing time to heal. After you bang your knee, for example, it might take the bruise a few days to appear and will be sore for those days until it resolves. Accordingly, many women feel worse the first few days after retrieval than they feel on the day of it, some reporting menstrual-type cramping, while others have bloating and abdominal discomfort.
After about 5-7 days, the ovaries go back to their original size and most women feel better at that point. As with any surgery, there are the rare risks of bleeding and infection, so we will ask you to tell us if you feel worse than described above, such as a tense abdomen, intense abdominal pain or bleeding, or if you have a fever.
We also want to know if you have symptoms of excess fluid collection, such as a drastic weight change or an increase in abdominal circumference. This might not be related to the surgery at all, but a sign of a rare event called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Some amount of hyperstimulation is needed in order to make many mature follicles and not just one.
When OHSS occurs, though, the body responds rapidly to the stimulating medications, and the consequences of this are a result of fluid collecting in the body in certain spaces that are usually hollow, such as the abdomen or beneath the lungs. So, symptoms that reflect this, like an increased abdominal circumference and difficulty breathing, should be reported to us quickly to optimize the management of this syndrome.
Remember, egg retrieval is a surgery and you will be under anesthesia. It comes with its own set of side effects. For most women, these are mild and go away within a couple of days after the procedure. These IVF side effects include-
More severe and highly rare: rapid weight gain, increased abdominal circumference, and difficulty breathing (please call your doctor if these rarer symptoms occur as these could be a sign of OHSS)
What happens?
An embryo transfer is a procedure during which either fresh or thawed blastocysts are placed in the uterus. The transfer process will look similar for both fresh and frozen, but the lead up is different.
There are many reasons to freeze your embryos before a transfer. For instance, if you are having PGS done on the embryos (Pre-implantation Genetic Screening), we will freeze your embryos in order to wait for the results and then transfer them back in a later cycle. Another reason to freeze would be if you are diagnosed with OHSS (see indicators above) so we can let your body heal prior to attempting pregnancy. Additionally, as previously discussed, stimulating medications generate many mature follicles, which can cause your body to make elevated levels of progesterone.
In a natural menstrual cycle, there is only a short period of time that the uterus is receptive to a blastocyst, and elevated levels of progesterone can close or advance this window, decreasing your chances of implantation. In this case, we can set you up for a frozen embryo transfer cycle where we can make sure your uterine lining is ideal before we transfer the embryos back.
But maybe you don’t fall into any of those categories and instead, you’re ready for a fresh embryo transfer. This would happen within a week of your egg retrieval!
Either way, fresh or frozen, we need to assure that the uterus is hormonally ready to receive the embryos. We do this by having you administer estrogen and progesterone, which are administered daily and are oral, vaginal, and/or intramuscular injections. Believe me, we have tried to not give you any more injections, but the research still tells us that, at this point, injecting progesterone is the best option. The good news is that you don’t need to come in for blood tests until the pregnancy test, so your veins get a break (at your gluteal muscle’s expense).
The embryo transfer is done in the same place or where you had the retrieval, but this time no anesthesia is required. We ask that you have a full bladder at the time of the transfer for two reasons. One is that a full bladder helps us see when we use an abdominal ultrasound probe to confirm the placement of the embryos in the uterus. The other is that a full bladder straightens out the natural curve of the cervical canal, making the passage of the transfer catheter (with your fragile embryo(s) inside it) easier.
After transfer, you will sit for 20 minutes before you are discharged that day. Many people ask if they need to be on bed rest after that. There is not a lot of research that is done in this area, so no easy answer, but of the studies that have been done, there is no benefit to going on bed rest after transfer. We do, though, ask that you do not do any heavy exercise or lifting for the next few days because we want you to feel confident that you have created the best uterine environment to allow implantation to take place. So if you forget, and lift something heavy once or twice, it is ok, you didn’t ruin your chances at pregnancy that month.
The pregnancy test is scheduled for approximately 9-10 days after your transfer. It will feel like the longest 9-10 days of your life. Here is what works during this time: distraction and self-compassion. Allowing yourself to feel whatever you are feeling, maybe it’s nervousness, maybe a lack of control, etc. Here is what doesn’t work: Trying to find out early, so that you can mentally prepare yourself for either outcome.
The only way to really know if you are pregnant is by a blood test on your scheduled day. Urine tests can give false positive or negative results, depending on timing and the test, so our policy is to only rely on a blood test. After the pregnancy test, the next steps depend on your results. If you are pregnant, we monitor you closely until your first appointment with your OB/GYN. If you are not pregnant, we usually have many other options for you to proceed with a subsequent cycle.
The side effects of administering progesterone and estrogen can often feel like early pregnancy and are typically mild. The embryo transfer procedure has little to no side effects other than pregnancy! These IVF Side Effects include-
IVF side effects can be very personal, so we always say to rather contact us if you are not sure whether something that you’re experiencing is “normal” or not. Here are a few of the infrequent, but more concerning IVF side effects that we would like you to know about as soon as possible:
These above mentioned are some of the major IVF side effects which you should let your doctor know as soon as possible.
We understand- it’s a lot to take in after knowing about the IVF side effects at each stage! IVF is a physical, emotional, and mental commitment that takes much of your time and energy. Not only do you have to worry about the logistics of financing and medications, but you also have to deal with the physical kickbacks like fatigue, nausea, and breast tenderness, just to name a few.
We are here to help you know exactly what’s going on with your body at every step of the process so that you never feel alone. Take the steps now to mentally prepare so that whatever happens with your body, no matter what you’re feeling, you know what is normal or what isn’t. Good luck on your IVF journey, and thank you for allowing us to participate in your care.
At Indira IVF and fertility center, our fertility experts are keen to help and resolve all your queries related to infertility or IVF. You can book your appointment for a free consultation now.
2022
n Vitro Fertilization (IVF): What is it and Who should opt for it Infertili...
2022
Before starting with the IVF Diet you need to know this; there is no proven re...
2022
Dr. Rakshita Explained that “There are tons of information around what is ok...
2022
Chances of Twins With IVF Having twins now is more common than it was in th...
2022
If you are considering undergoing IVF treatment for infertility, it is natural...
2022
IVF is also known as In-vitro Fertilization is a commonly referred fertilizati...
2022
What exactly is IVF? IVF is a frequently used type of assistive reproductive t...
2022
Advanced maternal age is now a trending and critical social and clinical issue...
2022
Becoming a parent is a blessing for everyone, but many times due to certain co...
2022
IVF: IN VITRO FERTILISATION IVF is a process of fertilization where an egg ...
2022
IVF Age Limit As we have settled in the 21st century, technology has spearh...
2022
Going through an IVF cycle is a trying time for most couples and especially so...
2022
Since IVF is a rarefied subject, many people are still skeptical about it and ...
2022
Coconut water is rich in essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It is ...
2022
Generally it is a misconception among people that summer season is not good fo...
2022
What is IVF (Test Tube Baby) Process ? Whenever couples are diagnosed with ...
2022
Author Name: Dr. Pooja Singh || Mentor Name: Dr. Rinoy Sreedharan on April 27,...
2022
Knowing that you cannot become a parent, is one of the biggest pain that life ...
2022
The IVF procedure can be prescribed in cases where the other fertility treatme...
2022
Let’s start with basics first. What is IVF? In-vitro fertilization (IVF) or ...
2022
Author Name: Dr. Nagadeepti Naik || Mentor Name: Dr. Lipsa Mishra on April 27,...
2022
There is a myriad of information available about IVF on the web. The informati...
2022
IVF(IN VITRO FERTILIZATION) In Vitro fertilization (IVF) is a medical proce...
2022
Author Name: Dr. Punita Kumari Mentor Name: Dr. Nagadeepti Naik on April 08, ...
2022
Amidst social taboos, Male dominance and stigmatization, there was a time in t...
2022
INFERTILITY is defined as inability of a couple to conceive even after one yea...
2022
Introduction The particular incidence of genital TB is increasing across th...
2022
Dr.Taruna (Infertility &IVF specialist, INDIRA IVF, UDAIPUR) explained Tod...
2022
We all get influenced by other people’s opinions and experiences and often, ...
2022
Introduction Infertile couples like Gaurav Sharma and Himali Agarwal (name ...
2022
What is IVF Treatment In vitro fertilisation is the process of fertilisatio...
2022
Author Name: Dhiraj Singh Ranawat || Mentor Name: Dr. Naval Shah on April 21, ...
2022
Let’s begin with some history. It has been more than 40 years since Louis Br...
2022
IVF is regarded as the most effective treatment for infertility. Even in the c...
2022
Author Name: Dr. Lalita Kunwer Mentor Name: Dr. Sashmita Naik on April 08, 202...
2022
IVF or in vitro fertilization consists of fertilizing the egg and sperm in the...
2022
The fear of embryo falling off the track after being implanted in the uterus t...
2022
Author Name: Dr. Prashant S Joshi Mentor Name: Dr. Pooja Singh on April 07, 20...
2022
Author Name: Dr. Sasmita Naik || Mentor Name: Dr. Shyam N Gupta on April 27, 2...
2022
Author Name: Dr. Shalini Dwivedi || Mentor Name: Dr. Satish Londhe on April 11...
2022
IVF doctors in Delhi and Pune claim that an immense number of perfectly health...
2022
Introduction In vitro fertilization (IVF) is now a fairly common mode of tr...
2022
Nothing can match the felicity of having your own family. Couples having a har...
2022
It has been forty-two years since the first test tube baby in the world, Louis...
2022
Introduction Doctors are reassuring patients with poor prognosis for the IV...
2022
Author Name: Dr. Shipra Nigam || Mentor Name: Dr. Amol Lunkad on April 24, 202...
2022
Author Name: Dr. Sushma B.R. || Mentor Name: Dr. Sagarika Manish Aggarwal on A...
2022
Author Name: Dr. Mandar Vilas Gavate || Mentor Name: Dr. Reema on April 13, 20...
2022
IVF Success Rate – Introduction Whenever you are attempting to have a bab...
2022
Scientists saw a glimmer of hope in the mid-1800s when they discovered the pro...
2022
Author Name: Dr. Rohani Nayak Mentor Name: Dr. Madhu Patil on April 07, 2020 ...
2022
Author Name: Dr. Vimmi Kaur Mentor Name: Dr. Nitasha Gupta on April 07, 2020 ...
2022
Author Name: Dr. Priya Singh || Mentor Name:Dr. Jyoti Gupta on April 13, 2020 ...
2022
Attending appointments, blood tests, ultrasounds and scheduling routine multip...
2022
Cryopreservation The very first successful mouse embryo cryopreservat...
2022
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is not just a treatment modality for couples batt...
2022
Introduction IVF is psychologically as well as physiologically demanding. T...
2022
How do I prepare for IVF? Preparing for IVF treatment well in advance is a ...
2022
IVF has made unbelievable strides in field of infertility in recent years. The...
2022
In vitro fertilisation or IVF is a well-known procedure that is recommended by...
2022
Define Trigger shot in IVF? The trigger injection, also known as ‘trigger...
2022
In vitro fertilization , commonly known to people as IVF, or more commonly in ...
2022
IVF, also known as In-vitro fertilization is one of the commonly recommended i...
2022
Firstly what is IVF its a method of assisted reproduction in which a man’s s...
2022
Being an IVF specialist is an excellent experience since we are assisting indi...
2022
IVF involves a lot of details and complexities. It is a vast subject with copi...
2022
For some couples, having a baby is nothing more than just a dream. Due to many...
2022
Introduction In-vitro-Fertilization is a type of infertility treatment wher...
2022
Author Name: Dr Simmi Arora || Mentor Name: Dr Lipsa Mishra on April 08, 2020 ...
2022
Introduction IVF or perhaps in vitro fertilization entails fertilizing the ...
2022
Natural IVF Cycle Natural IVF Cycle: There are many infertile couples who a...
2022
At least 10% to 20% of pregnancies, regardless of the fact whether they are na...
2022
Author Name: Dr. Manisha Singh Mentor Name: Dr. Anjali Gahlan on April 08, 202...
2022
Introduction – Chances of Pregnancy When you have chosen to be treated wi...
2022
Author Name:Dr. Shashikant Jagannath Awhad||Mentor Name:Dr. Nivedita Anand Gov...
2022
Author Name: Dr. Gaurav Satyadeo Sharma || Mentor Name: Dr. Arvind Vaid on Apr...
2022
Author Name: Dr. Dilip Kumar Mentor Name: Dr. Youmee Kiroung Sherpa on April 0...
2022
Today, with numerous technological advancements, improved drugs, better lab eq...
2022
In India, about 10-15% of married couples suffer from infertility. Out of 30 m...
2022
Author Name:Dr. Namrata Padvi||Mentor Name:Dr. Akansha Jangidon April 11, 2020...
2022
What is In IVF Treatment Process: In Vitro Fertilisation is an assisted reprod...
2022
IVF in Pandemic: Safety Measures taken at Indira IVF- All of our clinics in...
2022
Let’s start with basics first. What is IVF? IVF involves combining eggs and ...
2022
Author Name: Dr. Sajid Ansari || Mentor Name: Dr. Naval Shah on April 13, 2020...
2022
IVF techniques IVF is a magic word for all the couples who are unable to ha...
2022
1. When to consult for infertility? A woman aged 22 to 29 has a 25% chance ...
2022
Author Name: Dr. Simrit Mentor Name: Dr. Ritu Punhani on April 07, 2020 IVF...
2022
Since the first test tube baby in 1978, the field of Assisted Reproductive Tec...
2022
Did you know that your diet can boost the success rate of your IVF fertility j...
2022
There is a good news for infertile couples. Couples who wish to adopt IVF tech...
2022
At the start of IVF treatment, you may have many doubts about the process. The...
जब किसी कपल को यह पता चलता है क�...
2018
भारत में बांझपन की समस्या गंभ�...
2018
आजकल हर जोड़ा परिवार को पूरा कर...
2018
निःसंतानता के ईलाज के क्षेत्�...
इन विट्रो फर्टिलाइजेशन (आईवी�...
கீழ்காணுமாறு ஒவ்வொரு வாரம�...
Get quick understanding of your fertility cycle and accordingly make a schedule to track it