IVF-ICSI Self Oocytes

Are there any side effects of IVF/ICSI procedure?

Procedure of IVF/ICSI does not guarantee pregnancy. These procedures only optimise and increase the chances of pregnancy. Hence, counselling is an integral part of these procedures. It is also important that patient is counselled about the effects of these procedures, including risk of ovarian hyperstimulation procedure,risk of multiple pregnancy, miscarriage and risk of ectopic pregnancy.

1. Multiple pregnancy:

The aim of IVF/ICSI procedure is to achieve a singleton, healthy, live pregnancy. To achieve this, in IVF procedures, the trend has been to put more than one embryo. This practice increases the chances of multiple pregnancies. With advancements and increase in understanding of reproductive technologies- use of blastocyst culture and use of PGT–A (preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies), single embryos are being transferred with aim for singleton pregnancies.

2. Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)

OHSS is a condition in which the ovaries swell up and become painful. The aim of IVF procedure is to generate multiple eggs at one time. For this injectable hormonal medications are given to stimulate the ovaries The aim of IVF/ICSI procedure is to achieve a singleton, healthy, live pregnancy. To achieve this, in IVF procedures, the trend has been to put more than one embryo. This practice increases the chances of multiple pregnancies. With advancements and increase in understanding of reproductive technologies- use of blastocyst culture and use of PGT–A (preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies), single embryos are being transferred with aim for singleton pregnancies. . Mild form of hyper stimulation is seen in nearly all cycles. In 1% of cases, symptoms can be more significant and become painful. There are certain conditions in which this condition is more common. PCOS and high AMH are one of the risk factors for development of OHSS. There are various ways this can be prevented. Please discuss with your doctor more about OHSS if you think you are at high-risk.

3. Miscarriage

The risk of miscarriage is very much related to age, personal medical/surgical history, family history and also linked to if it is a singleton or multiple pregnancies. The risk of miscarriage is less than 5% once the pregnancy test is positive and heartbeat is seen. This is very much similar to pregnancies conceived naturally. The risk of birth defects in babies born after IVF is no greater than in naturally conceived pregnancies.

4. Ectopic Pregnancy

There is a small chance that the embryo may settle in a fallopian tube rather than the uterus. This is known as the ectopic pregnancy. Implantation process depends on the timing of the window of implantation. Embryos do not implant immediately after transfer. Ectopic pregnancy is common in those women where tubes are less than perfect or where uterine lining is not conducive to implantation. Unidentified ectopic pregnancy may burst and cause internal bleeding.

Dr. Puneet Arora is one of the fertility specialist in Gurugram, India with a successful career of more than 20 years. Dr. Puneet is an expert in the field of best IVF specialist and Gynecologist in Delhi/NCR. – why does this need to be here????