Infertility is a difficult situation in which many couples find themselves helpless. It is an emotional journey in which the couples must find their way. Such a journey is full of ups and downs with long waiting times, and hence one needs to have a positive mindset to cope with this situation. Dealing with sadness and anxiety during infertility treatments for males and females is tough for both partners. But knowing the challenges you will face and how to deal with them can lessen your stress and help you fight infertility better.
Challenges faced during infertility treatment
In fertility treatments, fertilization either happens externally, as in IVF, or it may happen internally by injecting the sperm directly into the uterus, as in IUI. In the case of IVF, one or more eggs are transferred into the woman’s uterus, which can further implant in the uterine lining and develop. Although serious complications are rare in fertility treatment centers, you should know some risks and challenges before undergoing treatment.
Challenge# 1 IVF medicines may lead to side effects in some patients.
Usually, your fertility specialist will give some fertility medications like gonadotropins to stimulate multiple eggs which grow in ovaries. Below are some side effects of these medications
- Mild soreness at the injection site.
- Nausea or vomiting in some cases.
- Allergic reactions like skin reddening or itching.
- Enhanced vaginal discharge with breast tenderness.
- Fatigue or mood swings
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
Mostly, the symptoms of OHSS are nausea, ovaria discomfort, bloating, etc., which is mild. These symptoms will go away after a few days of egg collection. In a few cases, OHSS may lead to the formation of large amounts of fluid in the belly and lungs. It may lead to enlarged ovaries, trouble breathing, dehydration and severe abdominal pain.
Challenge#2 Risk associated with egg retrieval
During egg retrieval, a long thin needle is inserted into the vagina, ovaries, and follicle to extract eggs. This insertion is done through vaginal ultrasound. The risk associated with such a procedure:
- Mild or moderate abdominal or pelvic pain. In most cases, the pain vanishes after one or two days or can be treated through over-the-counter pills.
- Injuries to organs nearby ovaries, like the bladder, blood vessels or bowl. Very rarely, your blood vessel or bowl injury would require surgery.
- Mild to severe pelvic infection. Such infection is uncommon as your doctor will give some antibiotics during egg collection. However, severe infection may require hospitalization or treatment through intravenous antibiotics.
- Rarely, surgery may be required to manage infection to remove ovaries, tubes, or even the uterus. Women who have previously suffered from pelvic infections are more likely to get infections related to infertility treatments.
Challenge#3 Risk involved during embryo transfer
An embryo is transferred into the uterus through a catheter. The patient may get a cramping sensation or vaginal spotting due to insertion. Very rarely, there are chances of infection, which can be treated through antibiotics.
Challenge 4# IVF procedure is a little bit complicated
Pregnancy through IVF increases your chance of giving birth to multiple children, especially when more than one embryo is transferred. These pregnancies involve the following risks:
- Problem during labor or delivery: Premature babies are at greater risk of complications like intestinal infections, learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, language delay or behavior problems.
- Maternal hemorrhage.
- C-section delivery.
- High blood pressure during pregnancy
- Gestational diabetes
The more embryos are transferred into the uterus, the greater the risk. Your healthcare provider must transfer the minimum number of embryos with a higher pregnancy potential and the lowest risk of multiple children.
All the challenges mentioned above can be overcome by selecting the best ivf centre in Haryana. In a reputed center, experienced doctors know how to deal with such challenges safely to give birth to a healthy baby without any complications.
Is IVF more likely to have a child with a congenital disability?
Generally, the possibility of having a child with a congenital disability is around 2-3%, which is slightly higher in the case of infertility. The risk increases because of delayed conception or any genetic condition. Whether or not IVF or any other infertility treatments are responsible for congenital disabilities is still under debate or study. However, IVF is often combined with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), which may enhance the chances of congenital disabilities. Also, through ICSI, there is an increased risk of sex chromosomes. However, it is unclear whether this risk is because of ICSI or sperm abnormalities.