Understanding IVF Side Effects: What Are the Side Effects of IVF Treatment?

In vitro fertilization is a life-changing reproductive treatment that allows fertility specialists to help individuals achieve pregnancy through advanced medical science. Like any other medical treatment, it carries potential risks, side effects, and complications. Being well-informed about these can help you feel prepared and supported throughout each stage of the IVF process.

Dr. Hrishikesh Pai and Dr. Nandita Palshetkar, co-founders of the Bloom IVF Fertility Group, state that most IVF side effects are short-term and typically do not pose any long-term health concerns. These side effects are usually caused by IVF treatment injections or minor surgical procedures. But what about long-term effects — do IVF injections or treatments have any lasting impact at all?

Side Effects of IVF Treatment

Let’s address the most important point first: there are no proven long-term side effects of IVF treatment. They are typically short-lived, but if you’re not informed about the possible symptoms, you may mistake common side effects for something serious or fail to recognize symptoms that require urgent attention.

This is why Bloom IVF recommends that intended parents stay informed of the process of IVF treatments and be aware of the possible side effects, risks, and complications.

Ovarian Stimulation Side Effects

During ovarian stimulation, you’ll receive fertility medications through injections, typically administered in the lower abdomen or thigh. These medications help stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. As your hormone levels rise, your body may sometimes experience some mild, temporary side effects, which are expected and manageable with guidance from your fertility team.

What’s in these medications?

We’re so glad you asked! Understanding what goes into your body is important when undergoing any medical treatment. These injectable hormonal medications, known as gonadotropins, contain Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) — the same hormones your body naturally produces during the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and early pregnancy.

While daily injections can feel inconvenient, these medications need to be injected because they are not effective when taken orally. If swallowed, they would be broken down in the digestive tract before reaching the bloodstream.

Common Side Effects

• Swelling or bruising at the site of injection
• Itchiness or redness at injection site due to an allergic reaction
• Hot flashes and mood swings
• Breast tenderness
• Nausea and headaches
• Bloating and minor weight gain

Uncommon Side Effects

• Ovarian Torsion

Fertility injections make your ovaries grow in size. Sometimes, an ovary can get twisted around the ligaments, cutting off the blood supply and causing a lot of pain. Our doctors often recommend avoiding heavy exercise and physical strain before egg retrieval to prevent ovarian torsion.

• Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)

OHSS is one of the rarest side effects of infertility drugs. Here’s what happens: the ovaries swell up with fluid, which starts leaking and collects in hollow areas of the body, such as the abdomen. Women who are sensitive to fertility medication may develop symptoms of OHSS.

This condition occurs in 0.5% of patients. It is common with younger patients and those who have PCOS. In most cases, the symptoms are mild and go away on their own in a few days. In rare, severe cases, OHSS can cause fluid buildup in the abdomen and even the lungs. In even rarer (less than 1%) cases, it can cause blood clots and kidney failure. Symptoms of OHSS include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Bloating
• Restlessness
• Shortness of breath
• Abdominal pain and swelling
• Dehydration
• Concentrated urine
• Diarrhoea
• Dizziness

Discussing all your symptoms with your doctor can help you detect and diagnose IVF risks and complications early on and take the necessary steps to prevent them from arising later in your fertility journey.

Egg Retrieval Side Effects

Egg retrieval is a brief, minimally invasive procedure used to collect mature eggs from the ovarian follicles. The entire process is performed under sedation, ensuring you are relaxed and pain-free. While recovery is usually smooth, you may experience some temporary side effects afterward.

Common Side Effects

• Passing clear or bloody vaginal discharge after the egg retrieval
• Abdominal cramping and bloating
• Abdominal discomfort, soreness
• Minor spotting (Bleeding)
• Breast tenderness
• Nausea and headaches
• Constipation
• Fatigue

Uncommon Side Effects

• Damage to a blood vessel or internal organs

Doctors use a long, thin, ultrasound-guided needle to puncture the follicles and extract eggs from the ovaries. In rare cases, the needle may puncture a blood vessel or the bladder and cause bleeding or infection.

• Pelvic infection

Infection is a rare complication that can happen when the needle spreads bacteria to the abdomen. The infection may sometimes develop an abscess. Symptoms of a pelvic infection include foul-smelling vaginal discharge, bright red vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, fever, and diarrhoea.

It is not always possible to prevent pelvic infections, as bacteria are always present in the vagina and the bowel. To prevent and treat pelvic infections, the team at Bloom IVF will closely monitor your status after egg retrieval and prescribe antibiotics to those who may be at a higher risk of infection.

• Embryo Transfer Side Effects

The embryo transfer is the last stage of IVF treatment. At this time, you’re given progesterone to prepare the body for pregnancy. Dr. Hrishikesh Pai, Founder of Bloom IVF Group, says that medication and the embryo transfer can cause certain side effects, including the following:

• Breast tenderness
• Cramping and soreness
• Bloating
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Increased need to urinate

If you experience more serious side effects such as severe pain, fever, or heavy bleeding, you need to inform your doctor immediately.

IVF Side Effects During Pregnancy

• Multiple Pregnancy

One of the most well-known IVF side effects is multiple pregnancy. Multiple pregnancy can increase the risk of the mother experiencing high blood pressure and gestational diabetes. It can cause complications, such as late miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, anaemia, and premature delivery.

To prevent multiple pregnancies, Bloom IVF recommends single embryo implantation to most patients, while implanting multiple embryos at once is recommended only for women of advanced maternal age, as the embryos in such cases have a lower chance of implantation.

• Ectopic Pregnancy

In IVF treatment, the embryo is placed directly in the uterus; however, in rare cases, it can still result in an ectopic pregnancy.

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when an embryo attaches itself to tissue outside the uterus, usually the fallopian tubes. It is a serious complication that requires immediate medical attention and, in most cases, surgery and hospitalization. Ectopic pregnancies are non-viable and can never result in a successful live birth. They must be naturally or medically terminated.

Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy include abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, a sharp spike in pregnancy hormones, and lower back or shoulder pain.

Dealing with IVF Side Effects

IVF is one of the most successful and trusted fertility treatments in the world and has given hope to millions of infertile couples. Ultimately, the benefits of IVF treatment far outweigh the side effects. Having a strong support system and a close network of friends and family can help you stay strong and deal with any IVF side effects you may experience.

Ready to begin your IVF journey with expert care and compassion? At Bloom IVF, our team offers empathetic, personalized care, helps you work through any side effects, and enables you to achieve a successful pregnancy with minimal discomfort and complications. Schedule a consultation with Bloom IVF today and take the next step toward parenthood with confidence.

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