Dealing With Fatigue During Ivf Treatment
In vitro fertilization, commonly known as IVF, oversees and assists throughout the stages of conception to increase the likelihood of a successful pregnancy. IVF involves the use of fertility drugs that alter hormone levels to help control a womans cycle. As a result, IVF is likely to cause minor to moderate side effects for patients.
One of the most common side effects experienced by our Los Angeles, CA, patients at Pacific Fertility Center is fatigue. Our fertility doctors are happy to discuss the likelihood of fatigue during IVF treatment with our patients, as well as offer some tips that make it easier to manage this symptom.
How Do I Choose An Infertility Clinic
There are a number of questions to ask regarding the cost and details of specific centers and fertility programs. Some suggested questions are available online in Selecting Your ART Program. Some couples want to explore more traditional or over the counter efforts before exploring infertility procedures. If you are trying to get pregnant and looking for resources to support your efforts, we invite you to check out the fertility product and resource guide provided by our corporate sponsor.
In vitro fertilization is a complex series of procedures used to help with fertility or prevent genetic problems and assist with the conception of a child.
During IVF, mature eggs are collected from ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a lab. Then the fertilized egg or eggs are transferred to a uterus. One full cycle of IVF takes about three weeks. Sometimes these steps are split into different parts and the process can take longer.
IVF is the most effective form of assisted reproductive technology. The procedure can be done using your own eggs and your partners sperm. Or IVF may involve eggs, sperm or embryos from a known or anonymous donor. In some cases, a gestational carrier a woman who has an embryo implanted in her uterus might be used.
Your doctor can help you understand how IVF works, the potential risks and whether this method of treating infertility is right for you.
Common Side Effects Of Ivf Treatment
Oftentimes, when one sees a parent with a new baby, it triggers a strange rush of emotions. You may feel overwhelming happiness for the new parents coupled with incredible sadness that youre not one of them. Wanting to be pregnant and have a child when youre unable to do so can be one of the most emotionally taxing experiences youll ever encounter, whether youre in this situation because of fertility problems or other personal issues.
Fortunately, there is hope through in-vitro fertilization . Developed in 1978, IVF is now a relatively common procedure that has produced more than 200,000 American babies since it came to the U.S. in 1981. However, IVF is still a complex undertaking and can be both physically and emotionally frustrating with a host of possible physiological and mental side effects. While IVF might be right for you, it is a decision that requires a great deal of consideration in advance. Before you decide whether IVF is in your future, be sure to understand the facts about the procedure, its risks, and its side effects.
Read Also: How Old Do You Have To Be To Take Estrogen
How To Prepare For Ivf
IVF is a complex process that can be uncomfortable and even painful, so it is normal to feel anxious about starting the treatment. However, knowledge is power, and the more you know about IVF, the process, and the risks, the more youll be able to approach the treatment with confidence. One tip to help you prepare is to ask for a quick tour of the IVF fertility center where you will receive your treatment. Becoming acquainted with your surroundings ahead of time can help ease anxious feelings. A healthy attitude and strong determination are incredibly important to the success of your IVF treatment, as youre less likely to get pregnant if youre stressed. By being prepared, youll enhance both your emotional and your reproductive health.
With You Each Step Of The Way
Despite how involved IVF medications might be, know that you are not alone in this journey. Altos dedicated fertility pharmacists are here to help answer your questions and work with your physician to ensure your IVF treatment plan is followed properly. To learn more visit us at alto.com/fertility or reach out any time through in-app secure messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881. Were here for you from your first cycle to your last and everything in between.
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.All third party trademarks referenced by Alto Pharmacy remain the property of their respective owners. Unless specifically identified as such, Altos use of third party trademarks does not indicate any relationship, sponsorship or endorsement between Alto and the owners of these trademarks.
Recommended Reading: Does Ahcccs Cover Hormone Replacement Therapy
Risks For Older Women
IVF treatment becomes less successful with age. In addition, the risk of miscarriage and birth defects increases with the age of the woman.
Your doctor will discuss the increased risks that come with age and can answer any questions you may have.
Page last reviewed: 18 October 2021 Next review due: 18 October 2024
Discussing Side Effects With You In Greater Detail
Its important to us that patients be aware of all IVF medication side effects. Its similarly important that patients know the pros and cons of any treatments they undergo. Informing patients in this way helps them have realistic expectations about the fertility treatment process as well as the nature of IVF as a procedure.
If you have any concerns about the side effects of IVF meds or potential complications, we will be more than happy to discuss them with you during the consultation process. We can suggest alternatives to consider if you have serious concerns.
Read Also: How Does Hormonal Acne Start
Ivf Medication Side Effects San Antonio Tx
The topic of fertility drugs comes up a fair amount here at the Fertility Center of San Antonio. Many patients, particularly those undergoing in vitro fertilization , have questions about how these drugs work, how theyre used, and what side effects are associated with them.
Wed like to take a moment to go over some basics regarding fertility drugs and their roles in the IVF process. Well then consider some of the side effects that patients commonly experience. This should give you a good idea of what to expect as you undergo IVF.
What Medications Should I Expect With Ivf
The IVF process itself requires considerable IVF medication use on a precisely timed schedule. For these reasons, its important to understand what you might be prescribed as well as any potential IVF medication side effects.
Days 1 to 4
On the first day of a patients menstrual cycle they will typically call to schedule a baseline visit for Day 3 of their cycle. This appointment includes an ultrasound and bloodwork. After this visit, if approved, patients will start hormone injections .
These injections stimulate egg production so a womans body produces many follicles in a cycle, not just one . Patients with one or more follicles already grown may need to wait until their next period cycle or use a different protocol.
Stims are typically injected between 6-9PM daily at a consistent time.
Common stims medications include:
- Menopur® or Low-Dose hCG
Supportive/adjunctive medications include:
- Omnitrope® – A growth hormone whose main purpose is to help improve the quality of eggs. Not every patient will see this on their protocol. Typical use cases include poor responders to stimulation medications and women who have a decreased ovarian reserve.
As a result of injections it is normal for patients to experience soreness or mild bruising at the site of injection. Bloating, cramping, headaches, breast tenderness and in some cases, temporary allergic reactions are also common side effects.
Days 5-10
Common medications may include:
Days 10+
Read Also: What’s The Average Dose Of Melatonin
Side Effects Of Ivf Treatment
All the blogs on this website are intended to answer your toughest questions and offer relevant doubts based on scientific studies.
Dr. Namita Kotia has been practicing infertility treatment at Aastha Fertility Care since 2010, and during this time, she has helped around 2000+ couples become parents through IVF treatment and also other assisted reproductive technology methods like ICSI, IUI, GIFT, etc. Dr. Namita provides her patients with the best possible care and treatment options.
When it comes to fertility treatment, there are a number of options available for couples struggling with infertility. Ovulation induction and intrauterine insemination are some of the most common treatments, but In Vitro Fertilization is the best option for those who have tried everything else but failed to achieve pregnancy. IVF treatment can help couples have their biological child. It involves a controlled ovarian stimulation in the lab using the womans eggs and the mans sperm.
Today, IVF is considered a successful infertility treatment when taken under the supervision of an experienced doctor. But there is no doubt that IVF procedures can be very stressful for some couples. Though most couples look forward to this treatment because it is their last hope to have a baby, there are many side effects of IVF treatments that people are unaware of, which we will discuss in this article.
In Vitro Fertilization : What Is It
In Vitro Fertilization is an assisted reproductive technology commonly referred to as IVF. IVF is the process of fertilization by extracting eggs, retrieving a sperm sample, and then manually combining an egg and sperm in a laboratory dish. The embryo is then transferred to the uterus. Other forms of ART include gamete intrafallopian transfer and zygote intrafallopian transfer .
You May Like: How Are Hormone Pellets Implanted
Are There Any Side
The most severe side-effect is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome . This is most often caused by the use of human chorionic gonadotrophin to induce maturation of eggs. Unfortunately, hCG has a long duration of action and can result in overstimulation of the ovaries. This can lead to the release of dangerous chemicals from the ovary that make the blood vessels in the body leaky. This can cause leakage of fluid from the blood vessels to areas which normally dont contain fluid, such as the lungs and the abdomen. Therefore, OHSS can be associated with swelling of the abdomen , shortness of breath due to fluid in the lungs , abnormal kidney function and swelling of the ovaries which can then twist . Symptoms of OHSS can include feeling sick , vomiting, abdominal pain, abdominal swelling and breathing difficulties.
Answer From: Santiago Eduardo Novoa Md
Long time risks are principally for the mother, if there are any risks really. At the beginning of the implementation of IVF procedure there were some concerns about the relationship of high hormone levels and increased risk of cancer, principally breast cancer for example. Latest investigation shows that there is no such relation and at this moment we consider that the IVF does not increase the risk of female cancers: ovarian, uterine, cervical or breast. Time that a patient is exposed to high levels of hormones is a week or 10 days and then the levels during the pregnancies are even higher that the levels that are achieved during the treatment. There are no long term side effects in the patient.
Also Check: Effects Of Feminizing Hormone Therapy
Clomid Side Effects And Risks
Clomid works by tricking the body into thinking there isn’t enough circulating estrogen. To do this, it blocks the receptors in the body that react to the estrogen hormone. Most side effects of Clomid are caused by these perceived low estrogen levels.
Possible side effects of Clomid include:
A rare but serious risk of Clomid is blurred vision. Occurring in less than 1.5% of women during the clinical trials, this side effect can involve blurred vision, flashing lights, or floaters. If this happens to you, tell your doctor right away.
Like most fertility drugs, Clomid can also lead to a twin pregnancy. About 7 in 100 Clomid-conceived pregnancies will result in twins.
How Many Embryos Should Be Created Or Transferred
The number of embryos transferred typically depends on the number of eggs collected and maternal age. As the rate of implantation decreases as women age, more eggs may be implanted depending on age to increase the likelihood of implantation. However, a greater number of eggs transferred increases the chances of having a multiples pregnancy. Make sure to talk with your doctor before the procedure so you both agree on how many embryos to implant.
Also Check: Medication For Hot Flashes Non Hormonal
What To Expect When Youre Having Ivf Treatments
1. Body changes
Women sometimes gain weight throughout IVF treatments, and hormone injections impact weight and appetite. Based on how many eggs grow or if you have modest ovarian hyperstimulation, your stomach may feel bloated and your clothes tight. If you are gaining weight that is beyond control, visit your doctor.
2. Increased hunger
Some individuals may experience increased hunger. Some drugs may boost appetite, but its usually emotionally driven. No matter what, always eat healthily.
3. Gastrointestinal changes
Constipation and loose stools are frequent IVF complaints. To address digestive difficulties, drink plenty of water and consume fiber-rich foods.
4. A journey full of surprises
IVF procedures vary from patient to patient. Dont be astonished if your appetite increases throughout treatment do not be shocked if you require more sleep each night. These experiences are normal.
Stage Of Eggs Retrieval: How Does It Work
The final step is a procedure called egg retrieval in which the eggs are taken out of the follicles. Because we dont have the ability to detect the actual eggs the procedure involves puncturing the follicle and removing the follicular fluid. It is then put into a dish to allow an embryologist to observe under a microscope. He or she counts the number of eggs and prepares them to be mixed with the sperm.
How well do they respond? positively to stimulation and trigger shots and are completely dependent on maturity will be established the next day and also the percentage of fertilized eggs. Eggs that are either pre-or post-mature can be being counted and analyzed, but they arent at the correct phase of division that responds to sperm therefore they are not fertilized.
Because of the numerous punctures to the ovarian and vaginal canals, its normal for patients to experience a rash and some spotting after the retrieval. Consider the ovaries as being bruised, swollen, and needing to be healed. When you slap your knee, as an example it could take a few days to show up and be painful for the next few days, until it heals. In the same way, women often suffer more discomfort in the initial days following the procedure than they do on the day of the incident. Some women report menstrual cramps and bloating, while some suffer from abdominal pain and bloating.
Don’t Miss: Is The Birth Control Patch Hormonal
Common Ivf Medication Side Effects
It is important to note that IVF medications can affect everyone a little differently. You may experience entirely different side effects than a friend who also underwent IVF. This is normal and should not cause alarm.
Our doctors also want patients to understand that side effects are generally minor and are common among a majority of patients. Side effects of IVF medications may last for the duration of treatment, or they may be temporary. The two most common side effects of IVF medications are nausea and headaches. Other side effects may include:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Breast tenderness
Answer From: Ral Olivares Md
Current evidence suggests that there are no long term side effects after IVF. IVF itself is a process that takes one month. During this month, there are only two weeks in which the patient is going to be exposed to strong stimulation, which is going to be very short.
For many years, it was thought that the use of the stimulations could increase the risk of problems like ovarian cancer, for example, but nowadays, after proper studies have been done, it has been confirmed that the problem of these ovarian cancers is related to the fact that the patients are infertile. When these studies were done, there was one branch of patients that had undergone IVF and patients who had their babies naturally. It was seen that there was a higher risk of ovarian cancer in the infertile group. When inside this group, they created two branches, those that underwent the stimulation but had a baby and those that have undergone the stimulation but werent successful they confirmed that the group who got pregnant, the risk was exactly the same as in patients who got pregnant naturally.
Therefore, the main difference between the two groups was not the fact that the patients had been exposed to gonadotropins or stimulations or things like that. The main difference was whether the patients who underwent IVF had a baby or not. The main factor for these long-time side effects is related to infertility, not the IVF itself.
Read Also: How To Get Hormone Therapy Ftm
Ivf Medication Side Effects: 9 Symptoms You Might Get In Cycle
Several medications are necessary to stimulate your ovaries to produce a high number of eggs for an in vitro fertilization cycle.
However, these IVF medications can cause some side effects.
In this post, youre going to learn about the common side effects of each type of medication, as well as some rarer symptoms that you shouldnt ignore.
Disclaimer:
Although I am a physician by profession, I am not YOUR physician. All content and information on this website are for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and does not establish any kind of doctor-client relationship by your use of this website. Although I strive to provide accurate general information, the information presented here is not intended for the prevention or treatment of disease and it is not a substitute for medical or professional advice. You should not rely solely on this information. Always consult your physician in the area for your particular needs and circumstances prior to making any decisions whatsoever. Those who do not seek counsel from the appropriate health care authority assume the liability of any damage, loss, or injury which may occur.