Risks and side effects of IVF

What are the possible side effects of IVF?

There are not many side effects of IVF. Before starting the IVF treatment, a detailed physical examination will be done for each couple seeking to conceive for follow-up evaluation and reference. We tailor make the most suitable treatment plan for each patient, to increase the chance of successful pregnancy while minimizing the occurrence of these treatment complications or side effects of IVF. In addition to the services provided by a professional team, Dr. Wei’s Fertility Center also provides instant response on official WeChat and one-on-one caring services. We can also assist in handling the precursors in real time!

What are the side effects of IVF?

Multiple pregnancy

To increase the chances of pregnancy, ovulation drugs are often prescribed to increase the number of ovulations. The use of ovulation drugs may increase the chance of pregnancy, but it may also increase the chance of multiple births. Multiple pregnancies (multiple gestations) are common side effects of IVF. The risk of multiple births is higher than that of single births, including premature birth, preeclampsia, and postpartum hemorrhage. If there are multiple births in the early pregnancy, some fetuses may disappear automatically; if there are still triplets or more after 10 weeks of pregnancy, you can consider reducing the number of fetuses.

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)?

OHSS, as the name suggests, refers to those who have the following symptoms due to the strong reaction after the ovaries are stimulated by ovulation drugs:Lower abdominal distension, upper abdominal pain, thirst, decreased urination, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting…etc.

The pathogenic mechanism is still unclear, and it is speculated that it may be related to hormones in the body (such as: high estrogen, high human chorionic gonadotropin… etc.).
Certain hormones can increase the permeability of blood vessels, causing macromolecular components in blood vessels (such as proteins, electrolytes, etc.) Out of the blood vessels, resulting in blood concentration, hemodynamic slowdown, ascites, pleural effusion, etc. A series of symptoms.

Prevention and Treatment

1. Reduce the stimulation process or stop using gonadotropins (HMG, FSH) for a period of time (usually 2-3 days) to reduce the stimulation of the ovaries. Clinically, we call this process “coasting”.
2. Careful use of Healthcare (HCG): Generally, patients will inject Healthcare (HCG1500 units) according to the doctor’s advice on the 1st, 4th, and 7th days of embryo implantation to strengthen the luteal function. Contact your treating physician.
3. Supplement more high-protein foods, and doctors will also give serum protein injections depending on the situation.
4. Eat a light diet with less salt.
5. Supportive therapy: replenish water and electrolytes.
6. Bed rest.
7. Extract ascites under the guidance of ultrasound.
8. Embryo freezing: As a last resort, if it happens during the IVF treatment, you can consider canceling the treatment or freezing and storing all the embryos. After the symptoms are relieved, they will be thawed and implanted in the next cycle.
9. Follow closely.

Ectopic Pregnancy

In a normal pregnancy, the egg enters the fallopian tube from the ovary, where it combines with the sperm to form a fertilized egg. After about 3 to 4 days, the fertilized egg will be sent through the fallopian tube to the uterus for implantation and development.

However, when one of the links goes wrong and the fertilized egg does not implant in the uterus, but implants in the fallopian tube, cervix, ovary, abdominal cavity, etc., it is an “ectopic pregnancy.” The incidence rate of ectopic pregnancy is about 1%, and the most common age is 35-44 years old. According to an article, the fallopian tube has the highest probability, accounting for more than 95%, the abdominal cavity is about 1-2%, the cervix is 1%, and the ovary is 3%.

Symptoms: Abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, abdominal tenderness and rebound pain when released.
Examination: Including ultrasound or blood test; during ultrasound examination, the gestational sac may not be seen in the uterus, but fluid and blood clots in the abdominal cavity may be seen, and occasionally a gestational sac can be seen in the fallopian tubes.
Treatment: mainly surgery, or early drug treatment.

Abortion

Miscarriage is one of the side effects of IVF. Pregnancy through artificial reproductive technology, the chance of miscarriage is similar to that of natural pregnancy, and it is about 15-25% depending on the age.

Reasons of Occurance: Most of the causes of miscarriage are the abnormality of the embryo itself, of which chromosomal abnormalities account for the majority. However, in Dr. Wei’s Reproductive Center, most of the patients will choose Dr. Wei’s famous three-generation test tube treatment course, which can greatly eliminate the miscarriage caused by chromosomal abnormalities.

Inspection: follow-up ultrasound or blood test after pregnancy can detect whether miscarriage will occur. Vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy is called a threatened miscarriage. Sometimes such as polyps, etc. can also cause bleeding.

Treatment: When there is a threatened abortion, you should try to rest in bed or treat with progesterone and other drugs. Most threatened miscarriages can be treated well without miscarriage, but there is still a certain rate of miscarriage.