Are Women Being Put at Risk With IVF?

Most people have heard about in vitro fertilization, or IVF, at some point. This is especially true of couples or individuals who are having trouble conceiving and have begun to look into fertility treatments and procedures. IVF is one of the most popular and common fertility treatments on the market, and involves combination of sperm and eggs to create embryos that are later transferred to the uterus where they may implant in the uterine lining and develop. Like any medical procedure, there are certain risks of which women should be aware before opting to undergo this procedure.

One of the most common risks of in vitro fertilization and other fertility procedures is the risk of multiple births. To improve a couple’s chances of success during this and other assisted reproductive technologies, more than one embryo is transferred to the uterus. This means that a couple’s hopes for success do not rely on one embryo implanting in the uterine lining and developing. Instead, there are several embryos that may implant and develop. But with this improved chance of success comes the risk that more than one embryo will implant and develop, leaving the couple with multiple pregnancies. To balance this risk, many transfer only two or three embryos, while some have recommended transferring one embryo per cycle. With each cycle costing about $12,000 and more, some couples are unwilling to limit their chances to one embryo, though.

If the woman chooses to take fertility medication to stimulate ovulation and produce multiple mature eggs-which is very common among those undergoing IVF and other fertility procedures-she will discuss the side effects associated with these drugs. Risks and complications may include ovarian cancer, hot flashes, enlargement of ovaries, and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. It is important that women discuss these and other potential side effects with their doctor before taking any fertility drugs.

Another risk associated with IVF is ectopic pregnancy, which is when the embryo implants in the fallopian tubes instead of in the uterus. The fetus will not survive an ectopic pregnancy, and cells must be removed to ensure the safety and well-being of the mother. The area may rupture and can lead to shock, in which case emergency medical attention will be required. Talk with your doctor about signs of ectopic pregnancy-such as abnormal bleeding, amenorrhea, tenderness in breasts, and more-as well as signs of rupture-fainting, pressure in rectum, severe lower abdominal pain, etc.

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