IVF side effects vary depending on the treatment plan. Common side effects include abdominal cramping, nausea, soreness, pain, and swelling at the injection site. Emotional side effects such as nervousness, anxiety, and depression can also occur. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is a serious potential risk. After egg retrieval, patients may experience pain and cramping. Successful fertilization can lead to a normal pregnancy with typical symptoms.
The side effects of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment vary depending on the treatment plan established by a doctor. Generally, women can expect some discomfort, particularly abdominal cramping and nausea, while taking medications to prepare for the collection and transfer. The most serious potential risk is a condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, in which the ovaries become enlarged and are likely to rupture. When preparing for an IVF cycle, patients should talk to their doctors about side effects they can expect with any given treatment.
If treatment requires injectable drugs, IVF side effects commonly include soreness, pain, and swelling at the injection site. Patients usually find it helpful to rotate injection sites if directed by their doctors, and practicing the injection technique on an inanimate object such as an orange can also be helpful. Patients may also experience IVF side effects such as cramps, headaches, fatigue, hot flashes, and mood swings.
There is also an emotional component to IVF. People undergoing fertility treatment may be worried, stressed, excited, or all three. These can create side effects such as nervousness, emotional anxiety and depression. Working with a counselor can help patients process the emotions associated with fertility treatment and identify psychological disturbances before they become a problem.
If a patient develops ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, abdominal swelling and tenderness will develop. Severe cramps may occur, and patients may develop nausea, weight gain, pelvic pain, and decreased urine output. Additionally, patients may develop bleeding disorders and may experience symptoms such as pain in the legs due to clotting problems. If an ovary ruptures, sharp pain may be felt. Patients are monitored closely during treatment for any signs of this serious complication so it can be treated as soon as possible.
Once patients have finished the stimulation section of their IVF treatment, they are ready for recovery, where eggs are harvested using a needle. Side effects of IVF at this stage include pain around where the needle is inserted, along with cramping. If fertilization is successful and the eggs are implanted, patients are checked to see if they are pregnant and evaluated for the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy, one of the potential side effects of IVF. Once pregnancy is established, patients can expect all the symptoms of a normal pregnancy, including everything from swollen ankles to nausea.
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