Dealing with infertility might be a painful experience and choosing the In vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment has its risks. Usually, the IVF is a preferred assisted reproductive technology because it is rare for side effects to arise. In this article, we shall explain how women can deal with the side effects of IVF medication.
Understanding The In vitro fertilization (IVF) Treatment
IVF is a form of assisted reproductive technology that allows baby gender selection. The IVF process involves the fertilizing of a sperm and an egg in a laboratory dish. Then, a fertility specialist implants the embryo onto the walls of the patient’s uterus. However, the patient will be given fertility medications and undergo periodic examinations after this non-surgical fertility procedure. Some drugs can help an infertile woman to produce mature eggs (ovulation) for the IVF treatment. Also, other fertility medications can support the growth of the fetus after the implanted zygote begins to mature. Usually, reputable fertility specialists educate IVF patients about the process and help to prepare their minds. Apart from unexplained infertility, these are common cases that we are likely to see:
- Fallopian tube removal, blockage or damage
- Low sperm count or sperm motility
- Ovulation disorders, hormonal imbalance, fibroids, and premature ovarian failure
- Genetic disorders
The Risks and Side Effects
Generally, the side effects of IVF treatment depend on the individual and medication. There are psychological discomforts and emotional stress that comes with IVF treatments. While a large percentage of IVF patients might experience depression and anxiety, it can take longer for others to experience any side effects. These are some mild side effects to expect before taking IVF medications.
Bloating, blurred vision, unusual blood-tinged discharges from the vagina, ankle swelling, hot flashes, nausea, breast pain, and headaches. You might experience conditions like gastrointestinal discomforts (cramps and constipation), irritability, breast tenderness, and weight gain. There are risks of having multiple pregnancies (rare), ovarian hyperstimulation (OHSS), pregnancy loss (miscarriage), and ectopic pregnancy.
The process of retrieving eggs from a woman’s ovaries might trigger the risks of bleeding, or infection. In severe cases, damage to the bowel or bladder is also a risk. However, there have been cases of low birth weight, and premature delivery after a successful assisted reproductive technology treatment.
The partner of an IVF patient should be supportive during the physical, emotional, psychological experience of the side effects. Usually, these side effects trigger a spike in emotions, and hormones that cause women to display mood swings. It can affect their relationships with people when they can’t find support from spouses, friends, fertility specialists and relatives.
Dealing with IVF Side Effects
An IVF patient might need to visit her fertility experts when she sees heavy vaginal bleeding, or blood in her urine. Also, when she experiences pelvic pain or a fever that comes with a high body temperature of at least 100.5 °F (38 °C). Apart from the fertility drug reactions (side effects), severe discomfort can be managed by a physician.
Many IVF side effects are manageable and mild. However, it’s better to have a great relationship with the fertility expert and their team. Also, IVF treatment might have some financial strain, but a fertility specialist can guide you on what to expect.
In Australia, many reputable fertility professionals charge between AU$7,000 to AU$15,000 for a single In vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle and have additional costs for IVF gender selection. It’s an expensive treatment for infertility, and a patient will hardly find an insurance cover for this type of fertility treatment. However, the success rate depends on some factors such as the patient’s age, which is very important. IVF treatment is not a fail-proof procedure, and wealthy patients often repeat the treatment when their IVF cycle fails.
