IVF Side Effects: Myths vs Facts Every Couple Must Know

Introduction

While millions of couples have become parents with In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), many couples experience confusion and fear regarding IVF because of discussions about the potential side effects associated with IVF. The IVF community is rife with myths and misunderstandings, particularly around the beliefs that IVF will give you cancer and will drastically change your body, etc.

If you are considering IVF or aren’t sure about going for it, you must be aware of the distinction between myths and reality surrounding IVF being a medical procedure that, like all forms of medical treatment, has some risk of side effects, but most of the side effects of IVF are manageable and not as severe as society would like you to think they are.

Understanding IVF Side Effects

Ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, in vitro fertilisation (IVF), and embryo transfer are the four stages in the IVF process. Each stage may produce mild to moderate effects, mostly due to the hormones used to stimulate the ovaries. Some of the most common symptoms are bloating, mood swings, discomfort in the lower abdomen, and mild fatigue (temporary).

These symptoms are the result of the ovaries enlarging during stimulation. Not all women will experience the same effects, but may experience some side effects. Side effects vary from woman to woman and do not imply that there is anything wrong with a woman; they simply show how an individual woman responds to treatment. Modern protocols make it very unlikely that a woman will develop a serious complication such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

Facts About IVF Side Effects

Fact 1: Mild bloating and abdominal discomfort are normal

Numerous factors can induce mild bloating and discomfort during ovarian stimulation; once stimulation has occurred, the follicles will return to their normal size.

Fact 2: Injection site reactions may occur

When you begin taking your fertility medication, some people may experience redness, soreness, and/or bruising at the injection site; these are very commonplace and not harmful.

Fact 3: OHSS is rare today

With modern-day protocol using hormonal antagonists and trigger injections, the likelihood of experiencing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome has reduced significantly; even when it does occur, it is typically of a mild nature.

Fact 4: Emotional fluctuations can happen

People receiving hormone stimulation may find that they experience emotional swings during treatment; this is commonplace; however, these mood swings are manageable and will pass, especially with the help of support.

Fact 5: Egg retrieval is a minor procedure

Egg retrieval occurs using sedatives; most females experience slight cramping after, comparable to menstrual cramping.

Fact 6: Most side effects resolve naturally

Most side effects resolve themselves within a few days to weeks after ceasing medication.

What are the Emotional and Physical Impact

The impact of IVF is both physical and mental. Women undergoing IVF may experience bloat, tenderness, and fatigue during the stimulation phase. Mentally, anticipation and stress from the process, combined with hormonal changes, can create an emotional rollercoaster for couples. Many couples may feel a sense of pressure regarding expected results (outcomes), financial costs, and societal pressures.

But the use of mental health support services, advice from doctors and each other about how to cope with these feelings, and the use of lifestyle practices such as yoga and light exercise may assist in keeping couples positive and balanced during stress-filled IVF processes. IVF clinics are now offering mental health services as part of a comprehensive set of treatment options available to patients at the same time they provide their IVF services.

Safety of IVF Medications

IVF medications have been tested over the past several decades, and their safety is well known. These medications act similarly to natural reproductive hormones in the body by triggering the ovaries to produce several eggs. The most common side effects of these drugs are typically short-lived, but these medications do not pose any significant risk to your long-term health.

Each woman's dosage of IVF medication is customised for her based on age, her ovarian reserve, the levels of AMH she has, and her medical history. In addition, your physician can monitor your response to IVF medications with ultrasound scans, allowing the physician to determine whether or not ovarian stimulation is safe and effective.

What are the Long-Term Health Concerns

Global research in multiple studies provides evidence to evaluate the association between IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) and the development of cancer, hormonal disorders, and long-term chronic conditions. All studies have shown consistently that:

• No demonstrated increased risk of breast cancer associated with IVF.
• No evidence that the use of drugs related to the use of IVF has any increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.
• No evidence shows that the use of IVF has long-term adverse effects on women's ability to conceive and their hormonal balance.
• No demonstrated association between IVF and any risk of developing cardiovascular or metabolic disease.

Modern IVF procedures have improved safety, refinement, and monitoring. The long-term health outcomes for women using IVF will be similar to the health outcomes for women who were able to conceive through natural methods.

Conclusion

In general, IVF has been established as a safe and effective method of treating infertility; however, misconceptions related to its side effects can lead to unreasonable concern. While there may be a number of side effects, most are short-lived, mild, and easy to treat with advice from a fertility specialist. Through education about what is considered 'normal' and what is not, couples can experience a greater sense of control over their treatment and less stress. With the development of new medications, personalised protocols, and strong scientific support, IVF continues to be a safe and effective alternative to help couples achieve successful parenthood.