IVF Side Effects

Are there IVF side effects?

We use a holistic IVF approach using gentle, individualized ovarian stimulation. This minimizes the likelihood of IVF side effects without reducing the probability of a successful outcome.

Over the years, we have streamlined and simplified the process of In Vitro Fertilization to minimize interference with your lifestyle.

Most patients will be able to continue their everyday lifestyles during their treatment. Our goal is to make your conception experience pleasant, relaxed, and as natural as possible.

IVF treatment is very gentle on the patient's body physically but can be challenging psychologically and emotionally. Unfortunately, this will be many patients' most significant IVF side effect.

IVF treatment represents the "end of the road" for many couples, and this realization can sometimes generate significant stress. As a result, you may decide to seek some form of emotional support.

There are many stress-reducing techniques. Some of the more popular methods that have been shown to be associated with increased pregnancy rates are (in alphabetical order):

Acupuncture Exercise Guided imagery Journaling Listening to music Massage therapy Meditation Mindful IVF↗ Mind-body groups↗

Practicing relaxation Psychotherapy Self-help books Support/educational groups Taking on fewer tasks Taking time off from work Visualization Walking/hiking Yoga

If you do not have a counselor, please visit bayivf.com/counseling for a list of therapists that specialize in infertility, most of whom have previously worked with Bay IVF patients.

A temporary, transient side effect of the IVF treatment could be mild discomfort at injection sites. However, this should disappear within a minute or two.

Another possible source of some degree of discomfort can be ovarian hyperstimulation. This condition can result in fluid accumulation within the body, especially in the pelvic and abdominal cavities. This "water weight gain" can make you feel uncomfortable and bloated, and your abdomen can become distended. Hyperstimulation occurs in only a small minority of patients. It peaks about a week after egg retrieval and then gradually disappears. It is a self-limiting condition. Medications can be used to minimize or even eliminate ovarian hyperstimulation.

To the best of our understanding, IVF treatment has no lasting side effects. There is no increased risk of diseases, i.e., cancer later in the woman's life.

In summary, IVF treatment is a very gentle and safe procedure that has only minimal, if any, side effects.