IVF was first pioneered in 1978 and has been advancing in medical knowledge and technology ever since. One of the safest and most successful forms of assisted reproductive technologies, IVF has helped millions of families. However, it is important to keep in mind that every medical procedure does have potential risks, including IVF. At Hart Fertility Clinic, we believe that it is important to fully inform our patients before they make the decision to pursue IVF.
Throughout the entirety of the procedure, your doctor will make every effort to induce as little pain and discomfort as possible. However, there are potential risks during egg retrieval of infection and possible damage to the bladder or bowels. There are also a handful of possible side effects to be aware of.
Some mild side effects may include:
- Discharge that is clear or slightly blood tinged
- Mood swings
- Cramping
- Breast tenderness
- Bloating
- Constipation
If you experience any sharp pains, fever, or prolonged bleeding, you should reach out to your doctor right away. Following the IVF procedure, there have been extremely rare cases of infection, ovarian torsion or the twisting of the ovary, and severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). If you do find that you are pregnant, there may be a slightly higher rate of increased blood pressure, preeclampsia, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, and birth defects.
Some of our patients have come to our clinic with a known medical history of complex fertility-related conditions; it’s always best to discuss these and other factors with your doctor entirely before proceeding with IVF. Our doctors have extensive experience and are highly qualified to make the necessary adjustments to our patients’ treatment processes to identify and account for their conditions.
Whatever your situation, the Hart Fertility Clinic team is here to help - call us today to schedule a consultation with our fertility doctors.
