Since its introduction, IVF (In Vitro fertilization) has become a beacon of hope for millions of infertile couples who have had difficulty conceiving. The intricate procedure and the high chances of success have attracted many couples to undergo the treatment.
However, it does not mean that the treatment is easy. Women had to undergo several complicated procedures to get pregnant. The first procedure in your IVF is the IVF injections.
In this article, we will discuss all about IVF injections and assess whether they are safe to use for women.
Assessing The Safety Of IVF Injections
IVF injection, commonly called “ovulation induction,” is the first step of the IVF procedure, where you will be administered a series of hormonal injections for a few days before egg retrieval.
These hormonal injections stimulate the ovaries to produce more mature eggs. These eggs will be retrieved and used for fertilization.
It is normal for you to feel anxious about taking hormonal injections. However, they are fairly safe and only cause minor side effects (which we will discuss below).
Here is a breakdown of the safety aspects of IVF injections.
Expert handling
Your IVF treatment will be performed by an expert fertility specialist. So, you don’t need to worry about safety while taking the injections.
Close monitoring
Your egg’s development and body’s reaction to the injections will be closely monitored regularly. So, if you appear to have any adverse reactions, they will be immediately identified and treated.
The injections are mostly tolerable
Most women who have undergone IVF before have reported that the injections are fairly tolerable and only mildly painful.
Temporary side effects
Even if you experience any side effects due to the procedure, they are temporary and will disappear in a few days.
Common Side Effects Of IVF Injections For Pregnancy
So far, we have discussed how the side effects of IVF injections are minor and will disappear in a few days. Below are some of the side effects you might get during IVF injections.
- Redness, swelling, and light bruising in the injection site
- Mild abdominal discomfort
- Mood swings
- Tender breasts
- Nausea and bloating
- Hot flashes
These are some minor side effects of IVF injections. However, sometimes, you might also get some serious side effects like Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), where your ovaries get swollen and painful because they overreact to the injections.
Conclusion
IVF injections are crucial for the success of your IVF treatments. They are essential for producing more eggs and increasing your chances of having a successful pregnancy.
If you are worried about the side effects of the injections, don’t worry. Consult your fertility doctor or a psychologist and understand ways to make the procedure as painless as possible.
Yes, though IVF has a higher success rate than other treatments, it has certain risks and complications. These risks depend on your health and fertility condition and is not the same in every women.
Below are some of the side effects you might get during IVF injections.
- Redness, swelling, and light bruising in the injection site
- Mild abdominal discomfort
- Mood swings
- Tender breasts
- Nausea and bloating
- Hot flashes
- OHSS (Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome)
IVF injections is a very important process. Your body will be undergoing rapid hormonal changes during this period. During this period, avoid meat, fish, processed or junk food, alcohol, cigarettes, and other harmful habits.
The number of injections for each woman differs according to their fertility condition. On average, a woman is required to take a total of 80–90 shots (1 or 2 per day) during IVF injections.
