What are the Risks of IVF?

Every day, more and more couples are turning to In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) to help them conceive a child. IVF is a process in which eggs are removed from the woman’s ovaries and combined with sperm in a lab dish. If the embryos are healthy, they are then transferred back into the woman’s uterus.

IVF is often seen as a last resort for couples who have been trying to conceive unsuccessfully for a long time. However, there are risks associated with IVF that should be considered before deciding to undergo the procedure.

There is no guarantee that IVF will be successful

The success rate for IVF is only about 30%. This means that there is a 70% chance that the procedure will not result in a pregnancy.

There is a risk of multiple births with IVF

While some couples may see this as a positive, it can be quite dangerous for both the mother and the babies. Multiple births are associated with a higher risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and other complications.

There is also a risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)

OHSS is caused by the ovaries being stimulated to produce too many eggs. This can cause serious health problems such as abdominal pain, shortness of breath, and kidney failure.

IVF is an expensive procedure

The cost of IVF can range from $10,000 to $15,000 per cycle. This does not include the cost of medications or other associated expenses. Many insurance companies do not cover the cost of IVF, so couples must be prepared to pay for it out-of-pocket.

A small risk of developing cancer after undergoing IVF

A study published in 2010 found that women who underwent IVF had a slightly increased risk of developing ovarian cancer later in life. However, it is important to note that this risk is very small and it is still unclear if there is a cause-and-effect relationship.

FAQs

How Common are Birth Defects After IVF?

There is no definitive answer to this question as the research on the matter is ongoing and ever-changing. However, it is generally thought that the risks of birth defects after IVF are similar to those in the general population.

In other words, if you are not undergoing IVF, your risk of having a child with a birth defect is about 3-5%. If you are undergoing IVF, your risk may be slightly higher, but this difference is not thought to be significant.

Does Infertility Treatment Increase the Risk of Cancer?

One of the most common concerns related to fertility treatment is the potential increased risk of cancer. While some studies have found a small increase in certain types of cancer in women who have undergone fertility treatment, it is important to remember that these studies are observational and cannot prove that fertility treatment causes cancer.

In addition, the overall risk of developing cancer is still very low, even in women who have undergone fertility treatment.

Couples considering IVF should discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure with their doctor. They should also be sure to ask about the success rates and costs associated with IVF before making a decision. If in doubt, speak to a London fertility clinic.