Knowledge | Potential Risks of IVF Treatment: Experts Encourage Informed Discussion With Clinicians
As in vitro fertilization (IVF) becomes more common in the United States, about 40% of people say they or someone they know has received fertility treatment. Before starting IVF, understanding potential risks and complications is essential for informed discussion with clinicians and physical and emotional preparation.
Medication side effects: common discomfort from hormonal regulation
IVF uses medication to regulate hormones and stimulate the ovaries. Side effects may include bloating, bruising or soreness at injection sites, breast tenderness, increased vaginal discharge, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, headache, and mood changes. Clinicians can adjust medication or suggest ways to relieve symptoms.
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): severe in a small number of cases
Some women overrespond to IVF medication, causing swollen ovaries and fluid leakage into the abdomen. Mild OHSS resolves on its own, while severe cases require hospitalization and are very rarely life-threatening. Symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, rapid weight gain, reduced urination, breathing difficulty, or blood clots, usually appearing 1–2 weeks after medication begins.
Egg-retrieval risks: organ injury or infection is very rare
Eggs are collected through a transvaginal needle. Although performed with anesthesia and ultrasound guidance, risks include mild pain, pelvic discomfort, blood-vessel injury, bladder or bowel injury, and infection. Pain generally resolves within 1–2 days. Serious complications are rare but require immediate care.
Ovarian torsion: rare but dangerous
During IVF, an ovary or fallopian tube may twist and cut off its blood supply. Without prompt surgery, ovarian function may be lost. Symptoms include worsening intermittent abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. This is an emergency requiring immediate surgery.
Pregnancy risks: multiple pregnancy, preterm birth, and placental complications
Women who conceive through IVF face several pregnancy risks.
Multiple pregnancy: Advances reduced the rate from 23.8% in 2007–2008 to 8.4% in 2021–2022.
Ectopic pregnancy: About 2% of IVF pregnancies are ectopic and may be life-threatening without prompt treatment.
Hypertension and gestational diabetes: IVF pregnancies, especially with donor eggs or frozen embryos, have higher rates of preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. Research suggests IVF increases gestational diabetes risk about fivefold.
Placenta previa and abruption: IVF may raise the risk of abnormal placental attachment, bleeding, or preterm birth. Some studies report a 42% increase in placental abruption with assisted reproductive technology.
Preterm birth and low birth weight: IVF babies are more likely to be born early or at a lower weight, although the reasons remain under study.
Congenital anomalies and miscarriage: Some studies suggest slightly higher risks of cardiac or digestive abnormalities, but overall differences are small. The IVF miscarriage rate is about 12.5% and varies with maternal age, body mass index, and embryo-transfer method.
Common misconceptions
“IVF causes ovarian cancer”: False. Recent research has rejected this association.
“IVF risks are the same at every age”: False. Even with donor eggs, uterine age affects success and miscarriage risk. After age 40, IVF failure rises 4.2% with each additional year.
“Transgender men cannot use IVF”: False. Research shows that people previously receiving gender-affirming hormone therapy may still become pregnant through IVF.
Clinical advice: communication helps manage risk
Before choosing IVF, discuss your circumstances, success rates, and potential risks with a fertility specialist. Questions may include:
Why is this treatment recommended?
How does the success rate compare for people like me?
How will my age affect the outcome?
What are the potential physical and emotional risks?
How can the risk of multiple pregnancy be reduced?
How can I promptly contact the care team if complications occur?
Informed, careful assessment can help patients prepare for the challenges of IVF.
Knowledge | Potential Risks of IVF Treatment: Experts Encourage Informed Discussion With Clinicians
Knowledge | Potential Risks of IVF Treatment: Experts Encourage Informed Discussion With Clinicians
As in vitro fertilization (IVF) becomes more common in the United States, about 40% of people say they or someone they know has received fertility treatment. Before starting IVF, understanding potential risks and complications is essential for informed discussion with clinicians and physical and emotional preparation.
Medication side effects: common discomfort from hormonal regulation
IVF uses medication to regulate hormones and stimulate the ovaries. Side effects may include bloating, bruising or soreness at injection sites, breast tenderness, increased vaginal discharge, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, headache, and mood changes. Clinicians can adjust medication or suggest ways to relieve symptoms.
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): severe in a small number of cases
Some women overrespond to IVF medication, causing swollen ovaries and fluid leakage into the abdomen. Mild OHSS resolves on its own, while severe cases require hospitalization and are very rarely life-threatening. Symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, rapid weight gain, reduced urination, breathing difficulty, or blood clots, usually appearing 1–2 weeks after medication begins.
Egg-retrieval risks: organ injury or infection is very rare
Eggs are collected through a transvaginal needle. Although performed with anesthesia and ultrasound guidance, risks include mild pain, pelvic discomfort, blood-vessel injury, bladder or bowel injury, and infection. Pain generally resolves within 1–2 days. Serious complications are rare but require immediate care.
Ovarian torsion: rare but dangerous
During IVF, an ovary or fallopian tube may twist and cut off its blood supply. Without prompt surgery, ovarian function may be lost. Symptoms include worsening intermittent abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. This is an emergency requiring immediate surgery.
Pregnancy risks: multiple pregnancy, preterm birth, and placental complications
Women who conceive through IVF face several pregnancy risks.
Multiple pregnancy: Advances reduced the rate from 23.8% in 2007–2008 to 8.4% in 2021–2022.
Ectopic pregnancy: About 2% of IVF pregnancies are ectopic and may be life-threatening without prompt treatment.
Hypertension and gestational diabetes: IVF pregnancies, especially with donor eggs or frozen embryos, have higher rates of preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. Research suggests IVF increases gestational diabetes risk about fivefold.
Placenta previa and abruption: IVF may raise the risk of abnormal placental attachment, bleeding, or preterm birth. Some studies report a 42% increase in placental abruption with assisted reproductive technology.
Preterm birth and low birth weight: IVF babies are more likely to be born early or at a lower weight, although the reasons remain under study.
Congenital anomalies and miscarriage: Some studies suggest slightly higher risks of cardiac or digestive abnormalities, but overall differences are small. The IVF miscarriage rate is about 12.5% and varies with maternal age, body mass index, and embryo-transfer method.
Common misconceptions
“IVF causes ovarian cancer”: False. Recent research has rejected this association.
“IVF risks are the same at every age”: False. Even with donor eggs, uterine age affects success and miscarriage risk. After age 40, IVF failure rises 4.2% with each additional year.
“Transgender men cannot use IVF”: False. Research shows that people previously receiving gender-affirming hormone therapy may still become pregnant through IVF.
Clinical advice: communication helps manage risk
Before choosing IVF, discuss your circumstances, success rates, and potential risks with a fertility specialist. Questions may include:
Why is this treatment recommended?
How does the success rate compare for people like me?
How will my age affect the outcome?
What are the potential physical and emotional risks?
How can the risk of multiple pregnancy be reduced?
How can I promptly contact the care team if complications occur?
Informed, careful assessment can help patients prepare for the challenges of IVF.
Source:
Collected online