Side-effects of IVF

IVF is normally a very straightforward treatment with only minor procedures involved and serious side-effects are uncommon. There are, however, some problems that rarely may lead to complications. In order to make a fully informed decision about IVF treatment, you need to be aware of the possibility that these problems could arise and you should read this section carefully. You will be asked to sign a specific consent form relating to these issues.

Multiple pregnancy

Since the Westmead IVF program began in 1984, approximately 20% of our pregnancies have been multiple (twins or triplets). This result is similar to those obtained in other Australian IVF programs, and is largely due to the (previously common) practice of transferring more than one embryo. The maximum number of embryos that we will transfer back to the uterus at any one time is two; but we recommend transfer of only one embryo at a time to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancy.

Multiple pregnancy (including twins) carries an increased risk of very serious consequences, including a premature birth and a nine-fold increase in the risk of cerebral palsy (brain damage) in the babies. Multiple pregnancy (including twins) is not a desired outcome of IVF treatment. We therefore recommend that you consider having only a single embryo replaced. To date, data from our program indicates that there is very little difference in pregnancy rates in patients electing to transfer one versus two embryos.

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

Some women are very sensitive to the drugs used to stimulate egg growth and respond by growing too many eggs. The very high hormone levels can cause an illness (called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome) where there is abdominal swelling due to fluid collecting, severe pain and breathing difficulties. Approximately 1% of our patients develop this problem to the extent that they have to come into hospital for treatment.

Usually the condition settles by itself over a few days. However a few rare cases have been reported worldwide where serious complications have developed including blood clots, kidney disease and lung disease.

In view of this, we normally take a number of careful precautions to try and prevent this condition from occurring if you show any signs of being at risk.

Complications of the egg pickup (including infection)

The antiseptic that is normally used in surgical operations to sterilise the skin cannot be used in an egg collection because it will harm the eggs. There is therefore a small risk of infection as a result of the egg pickup. This is normally not severe and only requires antibiotic treatment.

Rarely however, (approximately one case per thousand egg collections) the infection may be severe and may damage the fallopian tube or ovary, requiring surgical treatment.

It has also been reported that other serious complications of egg pickup may occur such as damage to bowel, bladder and blood vessels or excessive sedation leading to breathing difficulties. While you need to be aware of the possibility of such complications, you should remember that they are very rare indeed.

Long-term effects of IVF

Effects on your baby

Conventional IVF has been practised for 20 years around the world. The children conceived in this way have therefore been intensively studied. Fortunately the results of this monitoring indicate that children conceived by IVF are on the whole very healthy. There is however a slight increase in the risk of premature birth, even for single-baby pregnancies, in babies conceived through IVF.
In addition, recent research suggests that for children conceived through IVF, the risk of problems at the time of birth, such as congenital abnormalities appears to be a little higher (around 7%), compared with naturally conceived babies. This suggests that the chance of developing some problems, such as heart problems or cerebral palsy, may be increased in a child that has been conceived with assisted reproduction. We really do not know why this is. It may be something in the IVF process but it may also be the fact that parents who find it hard to get pregnant are also those who have the highest risk of passing genetic problems onto their children.
However, while you need to be aware of all this information to make an informed choice about your treatment, it is also important to remember that the vast majority of IVF children are perfectly healthy and grow up as absolutely normal children and adults.

Effects on your own health

The long-term effects of IVF on a woman's health are still unclear. There has been considerable discussion about the possibility that IVF is linked with a number of cancers, including ovarian cancer and breast cancer. Long term (>12 months) continuous use of Clomid (clomiphene citrate) has been associated with an increased risk of cancer of the ovary. Cancer of the ovary is also more common in infertile women.

However, a recent study in Australia has reassuringly found no increase in the risk of cancer of the breast, ovary or uterus associated with IVF treatment.

Thus at present, while long-term health effects of IVF remain a possibility, we are not aware of any health risks that are increased as a result of going through IVF.

New understandings about the effects of IVF are becoming available all the time as a result of continuous worldwide research. Information not contained in this website may therefore be discussed with you at the time of your treatment.