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Are there any risks associated with IVF treatment?
IVF Treatment is an assisted reproductive method applied to couples who are unable to conceive naturally. IVF treatment is used in many different situations that prevent pregnancy, including genetic problems. Research supports that IVF treatment does not create an additional long-term health risk for the mother, father, or baby [1].
“ ”IVF treatment is a highly safe treatment method. The side effects that are observed are mostly temporary and can be controlled through medical follow-up. The greatest risk is the possibility of treatment failure, which can be emotionally exhausting.
What Are the Possible Risks of IVF Treatment?
In IVF treatment, prospective mothers and fathers may feel concerned because of the treatment methods used. In particular, questions may arise regarding whether the medications used in treatment cause cancer, whether genetic problems may occur in the baby, or whether long-term complications may develop.
However, current evidence shows that IVF treatment does not create an independent long-term disease risk for the mother or the baby. New high-quality studies do not support the previously suggested connection between ovulation medications and ovarian cancer [1]. The greatest risk in IVF treatment is treatment failure; in such a case, especially the prospective mother may experience emotional difficulties [2].
For detailed information about IVF treatment success rates, you can review our page on what are the success rates of IVF treatment.
What Side Effects May Be Seen in IVF Treatment?
Like all other medical treatments, IVF treatment may cause short-term side effects [1, 3]:
- Bruising, swelling, and pain at the injection site: Temporary reactions may occur in the areas where ovarian stimulation injections are administered.
- Nausea, vomiting, and bloating: Due to ovarian stimulation, some prospective mothers may experience weight gain and gastrointestinal symptoms; these usually pass in a short time.
- Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): While mild OHSS is seen in nearly all stimulation cycles, severe OHSS occurs in less than 0.2–1% of all stimulation cycles [3]. WHO reports this rate as 0.2–1%. It can be detected early with weight and waist circumference monitoring.
- Bleeding during egg retrieval: Some bleeding may occur, but it is generally at a controllable level.
- Risk of infection: There is a risk of infection after egg retrieval; however, this risk is minimized through the careful practice of the center.
- Mild pain or spotting during embryo transfer: This is a self-limiting condition that does not require treatment.
- Mood changes: Mood fluctuations may be seen because of the hormonal medications used during treatment.
- Multiple pregnancy: When more than one embryo is transferred, the risk of twin or triplet pregnancy increases; for this reason, ASRM recommends single embryo transfer as the standard of care for most patients [2].
All necessary information regarding possible side effects, risks, and success rates in treatment is provided to the couple by the physician [1].
For frequently asked questions about IVF, you can review our page on frequently asked questions about IVF.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do IVF medications cause cancer?
No. Current high-quality research does not support the previously suggested link between ovulation medications used in IVF and ovarian cancer. ASRM has reviewed this issue comprehensively and confirmed the overall safety of the treatment.
How dangerous is OHSS (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome)?
Although mild OHSS symptoms such as bloating and nausea are common, severe OHSS is seen in less than 0.2–1% of all cycles. In severe cases, serious complications such as fluid accumulation, breathing difficulty, and thromboembolism may develop; therefore, a GnRH antagonist protocol is preferred in patients with PCOS.
Does IVF affect the baby’s health?
Comprehensive research shows that the general health of babies born through IVF does not differ significantly from that of babies conceived naturally. The risks of prematurity and low birth weight are mainly associated with multiple pregnancy; these risks can be greatly reduced through single embryo transfer.
Is IVF treatment emotionally difficult?
Yes. Failed cycles and the length of the process can create a serious emotional burden, especially for the prospective mother. Research shows that the rates of depression and anxiety are higher in infertile couples compared to the general population. For this reason, psychological support is recommended during the treatment process.
What is the risk of multiple pregnancy in IVF?
When more than one embryo is transferred, the risk of twin or triplet pregnancy increases. Multiple pregnancy carries risks such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal health complications. For this reason, ASRM recommends single embryo transfer as the standard of care in most patients.
References
- Showell, M. G., et al. (2023). In Vitro Fertilization. StatPearls — NCBI Bookshelf. NBK562266. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562266/)
- American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). In Vitro Fertilization Treatment Journey. ReproductiveFacts.org. (https://www.reproductivefacts.org/patient-journeys/in-vitro-fertilization-treatment/)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). ART National Summary Report & IVF Success Estimator. (https://www.cdc.gov/art/ivf-success-estimator/index.html)
- Mouanness, M., et al. (2020). Cumulative Live-Birth Rates by Maternal Age after One or Multiple In Vitro Fertilization Cycles. PMC7139227. (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7139227/)