Before we go on the main topic of this article, let us examine a commonly held notion about the term ‘side-effects’.
Mention the term ‘side-effects’, and the person listening to you will most probably become stiff or tense. The term seems to bring about fear and anxiety in most people. This is because we associate the term with issues or difficulties that will affect us for a long time.
Why not, instead, approach this term with a positive mindset?
A side-effect is basically an unintended reaction – to either a procedure or medicine. While it can be beneficial or adverse, we are more used to hearing the term in a negative context – hence, the anxiety.
Side-effects are a useful tool in determining if and how we should proceed with a procedure or medicine – and can help us figure out the best way to achieve the intended outcome with minimal discomfort to the patient.
More importantly, we need to understand that side-effects are more a rarity than a common occurrence. So, it would be wise to approach this information with an objective mindset.
When a couple starts IVF, the woman is given some medicines to stimulate the ovaries and produce more eggs – which we will then harvest for the IVF process. Most short-term side-effects may be a result of the medicines being used, and may include headaches, dizziness, nausea, breast heaviness and mood swings. These side-effects are self-limiting and tend to die down on their own. In cases where the symptoms are severe or prolonged beyond comfortable levels, the patient should consult the doctor for guidance on how to manage the symptoms.
A rare side-effect we know of is Ovarian Hyper Stimulation Syndrome (OHSS). This is a condition wherein the ovaries respond and multiple eggs grow, but cause the ovaries to become bulky and painful. This condition usually manifests between the third and eighth day after the retrieval process. The symptoms range from mild and moderate to severe. Symptoms include dizziness, bloating, vomiting and reduced urine output. Mild to moderate symptoms require a regular consultation. If the symptoms are severe and unbearable, it is best to seek medical advice immediately.
Apart from these, commonly associated long-term side-effects are multiple pregnancies (i.e. pregnancy with more than one child) and cancer – fear not, both of them are not issues you have to get worried about.
Multiple pregnancies are the result of the decision to transfer more than one embryo during an IVF cycle – and not the process per se. This decision usually stems from the desire to give the couple at least one successful pregnancy, especially if the woman is over 35 years of age. However, with medical advancements and improved culture conditions at the lab, we can do what is known as ‘elective single embryo transfer’, wherein we choose one single embryo and transfer it into the uterus and still ensure similar rates of success of a pregnancy. In some cases, the couple’s case history may give rise to the decision to transfer more than one embryo – but this is a decision that the doctor should discuss in detail with the couple before starting the IVF cycle.
There are some people who fear that IVF may increase the risk of cancer – maybe because of the notion that multiple IVF cycles can damage the ovaries. However, studies have found no link between IVF and breast, ovarian and cervical cancer – so there is really no need to get anxious about it.
The decision to grow your family is a big one, and it is important that you discuss the procedure in detail with your doctor prior to starting the IVF cycle. At every step, we are here to guide and support you.
