IVF Injections Side Effects
Fertility drugs have played a vital role in millions of successful pregnancies, and are an indispensable part of modern fertility treatment. These drugs are generally very safe, but like any medical intervention, they do carry some risks and side effects.
There are three medications that are typically used in an IVF cycle. Some are taken as pills and some are injected. Each has its role to play in the process of Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation (COH). COH is the purpose of the fertility drugs as it pertains to IVF: the drugs are used to help your ovaries produce, mature, and as many eggs as possible in one cycle so that they can be retrieved and used to create embryos in the lab. The specific medications you are likely to receive as injections and their potential side-effects are as follows:
Gonadotropins
These injectable hormonal medications have many different brand names. Some of the most common are Gonal-F, Follistim, Menopur, and Luveris. They vary in terms of which hormones are included in the dose, which may be one or a mixture of the following:
. GnRH (gonadotropin releasing hormone)
. FSH (follicle stimulating hormone)
. LH (luteinizing hormone)
. hMG (human menopausal gonadotropin)
These are separate from the hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) injection, which is discussed in the next section of this guide.
While oral fertility drugs like Clomid encourage the body to produce its own fertility hormones, injectable gonadotropins could be described as “skipping the middle man” to deliver the hormones directly to your body. Sometimes these injections are prescribed in conjunction with oral medications, so that they can work together.
Learning to inject yourself with fertility medication is a hurdle for some patients, but most find that it quickly becomes a part of the day’s routine. Some may ask their partner to help them deliver the injections, which can be a valuable source of support and cooperation through the process. Injection areas include upper arm, upper thigh, or buttocks. You will usually begin injections on day two or three of your cycle and typically continue for twelve days.
Gonadotropin side effects
Most side effects are mild, although in rare cases some potentially dangerous complications may arise.
. Tenderness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site.
. Infection or blood blisters at the injection site.
. Risk of ovarian hyperstimulation (OHSS). This condition is when the ovaries respond too strongly to the medication. It may cause abdominal bloating and discomfort. Most mild cases resolve on their own in a few days. In rare cases, faintness or breathing problems can occur. If you are determined to be at higher risk of OHSS (some women with PCOS may be more prone to developing it), you will receive extra monitoring and may be given a lower dose of medication.
. Increased ectopic pregnancy (exceedingly rare).
. Increased chance of multiple births (exceedingly rare).
hCG Injection
Sometimes referred to as a “trigger shot” the hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) injection is known by several brand names, including Novarel, Ovidrel, and Pregnyl. As you can tell by the name, it is related to the gonadotropins mentioned above, but it works differently. It is used to stimulate the final maturation and release of eggs from the ovarian follicles. It is generally injected 35 to 36 hours before your egg retrieval procedure.
hCG side effects
Again, the side effects are usually mild, but if anything worries you, you should contact your team immediately.
. Tenderness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site.
. Hot flashes, blurred vision, nausea, bloating, and headache.
. Irritability, restlessness.
. Breast tenderness or swelling.
. Risk of ovarian hyperstimulation (OHSS).
Reducing The Risks of Side Effects from IVF Fertility Drugs
As medications go, IVF fertility drugs are very safe, but there is always some risk involved when taking medication. It is not possible to prevent all side effects all the time, but there are steps you can take to reduce the potential for adverse effects.
. Good communication with your doctor: Always talk to your doctor about the best time and way to take your medications. They may be able to suggest schedules and methods that minimize discomfort. If you are experiencing side effects, don’t suffer in silence. There may be alternative medications you can try.
. Close monitoring by your fertility team: This goes along with clear communication. The doctor will also want to keep a close eye on any side effects to ensure that they do not develop into more serious complications. This will give them the opportunity to stop or change medications or perform other interventions in time.
. Single embryo transfer (SET): One of the most dangerous side effects of IVF fertility drugs is actually multiple pregnancy, which has many more risks for both mothers and babies than single pregnancies and births. Using SET, only the healthiest embryo is transferred into the uterus, drastically reducing the chance of a multiple pregnancy.
Fertility drugs are a powerful tool, and can be a crucial part of conceiving for many patients. While it is never pleasant to consider the risks, being informed is important. It will help you and your team make the best decisions for your body. Be sure to talk to your physician about any concerns or questions you might have, especially if thinking about possible side effects makes you feel anxious; your doctor will be able to put your mind at ease.
About Iranian Surgery
Iranian surgery is an online medical tourism platform where you can find the best infertility specialists in Iran. The price of IVF treatment in Iran can vary according to each individual’s case and will be determined by an in-person assessment with the doctor.
For more information about the cost of IVF treatment in Iran and to schedule an appointment in advance, you can contact Iranian Surgery consultants via WhatsApp number 0098 901 929 0946. This service is completely free.
Source:
https://blog.scrcivf.com/side-effects-of-ivf-medication