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Complications you might encounter during IVF

Which complications of IVF treatment are common, and which are dangerous?

Dr. Patsama VichinsartvichaiMClinEmbryol, EFOG-EBCOG, EFRM-ESHRE/EBCOG.

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Ovarian torsion

Ovaries that enlarge during stimulation are at risk of twisting, which cuts off their blood supply.

Symptoms

  • Severe, rapid-onset lower abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting

This is an emergency

It is an emergency that may require surgery. Please notify your doctor immediately.

Prevention: avoid jumping and strenuous exercise during ovarian stimulation.

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)

Seen in women who respond very well to the stimulation drugs and produce a lot of eggs. Hormones from the ovaries make fluid leak out of the blood vessels into the abdominal cavity or the chest.

Symptoms

  • Bloating, weight gain of more than 1.5 kg, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, passing little urine

This is an emergency

It is an emergency and needs close monitoring. If you have these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

Complications of egg collection

The chance of a complication is very low (under 1%). They include:

  • Infection — doctors prescribe prophylactic antibiotics for those at high risk
  • Bleeding — excessive blood in the abdomen (very unlikely)
  • Injury to nearby organs such as the bladder and bowel — the doctor collects carefully, watching the needle on ultrasound throughout

Ectopic pregnancy

Symptoms

  • Acute lower abdominal pain, irregular bleeding, dizziness, light-headedness, fainting, back pain, a drop in blood pressure

This is an emergency

Treatment is either medical or surgical, depending on how urgent the situation is. It needs close monitoring — if you have these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

Bleeding under the placenta (subchorionic haematoma)

Pregnancy achieved through IVF carries a higher risk of bleeding beneath the placenta. A small haematoma does not increase the chance of miscarriage; a large one may cause it.

If something feels wrong, contact the clinic at once

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