Risks of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) | Side Effects and Risks

In Vitro Fertilization or IVF involves quite many complex procedures that are used for the treatment of fertility and genetic problems in order to help the individual conceive a child. In this procedure, mature eggs are retrieved from the woman’s ovaries and fertilized using sperm in a laboratory setting. After fertilization takes place, the embryo is planted back in the uterus. Reproductive technology considers this procedure to be one of the most effective ones. This procedure could take place using the sperm and eggs of the couple undergoing the procedure. At times, donors may also be involved.

Having a healthy baby using IVF would depend on several factors like age. IVF can be quite an expensive, invasive, and time-consuming procedure. There is a possibility of multiple pregnancies as well using this procedure.

There are several risks involved in this procedure. Some of them are mentioned below:

• Multiple births: The individual will have an increased chance of having multiple births as there can be more than one embryo implanted in the uterus. Having multiple pregnancy increases the risk of an early labour along with low birth weight. 

• Low birth weight and premature delivery: Research has shown that IVF has the potential to increase the chances of having low birth weight and premature delivery. 

• Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome: In this condition the ovaries swell and become painful. This is a result of the injectable fertility drugs that are used for inducing ovulation. The more severe forms of this syndrome would include symptoms like breathlessness and rapid weight gain. 

• Miscarriage: The rate of having miscarriage after conceiving through IVF is about 15 to 25 per cent which keeps increasing with the age of the mother. Using frozen embryos can also increase the chances of having miscarriages. 

• Egg-retrieval procedure complications: There can be complications like bleeding, damage or infection in the blood vessel, bladder, or bowel. 

• Ectopic pregnancy: In this ‘type of pregnancy, the implantation of the fertilized egg takes place outside the uterus which takes away the ability of the embryo to survive.

Other than these, there are chances of birth defects, stress, and ovarian cancer as well.
However, if you are looking for testing or options to increase your fertility chances of conception, you can find a fertility specialists within your area.