VF is a method of assisted reproduction performed by harvesting a woman’s egg and getting a sperm sample and then combine them outside the womb in a laboratory. This procedure may involve the use of one or more fertilized eggs that are transferred into the womb. Once in the womb, the fertilized eggs may implant in the lining of the womb and begin to develop. Medication and procedures performed during an IVF operation have risks, but it rarely leads to serious complications; this can be said of any medical treatment.

IVF can bring a lot of hope for couples trying to have a baby, but have not been able to for some reason. This procedure is not risk-free. Here are some the risk you should know about if you are considering IVF.

Medication Effects
Many women will react to the medications used during IVF, but the side effects are mild in most cases. Common side effects include:
• Hot flushes
• Irritability
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Breast tenderness
• Mood swings
• Abdominal bloating

Procedure Side Effects
The egg is retrieved by inserting a long and thin needle through the vagina into the ovary and then into each follicle to collect eggs. Risks involved in this procedure include:
• Mild to moderate pelvic and abdominal pain
• Decreased urinary frequency
• Nausea
• Pelvic infection
• Injury to organs near the ovaries
• Bleeding

Multiple Births
More than one embryo may be transferred into the womb to increase the chances of success, and this increases the risk of multiple births. This is considered a risk because a multiple pregnancy increases the chances of premature delivery and low birth weight.

Ectopic Pregnancy
IVF has an increased risk a fertilized egg implanting outside the womb, a condition known as ectopic pregnancy. The egg usually in a fallopian tube. Fertilized eggs cannot survive anywhere outside the womb, so it means that the pregnancy cannot be continued.

Premature Delivery
IVF increases the chance of giving birth before your baby comes to full term, but the risk is only slightly increased. It also increases the risk of having a low birth weight.

Birth Defects
IVF treatment is less successful with age and the risk of miscarriage and birth defects increases with age.

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome
This is a rare complication of the fertility medications given to a woman who is planning to perform IVF. The condition causes the development of too many eggs in the ovaries, which causes pain.

The chances of having a healthy baby using IVF depend on many factors, such as age and the cause of infertility. IVF can also take up a lot of your time and can be expensive. See your doctor to help weight in the potential risks for you and discuss if this method is suitable for you.