What are the risks associated with In Vitro Fertilization

IVF Risks

The risks of IVF include:

Ovarian hyperstimaulation syndrome (OHSS) – the medications taken during ovarian stimulation may cause the ovaries to become excessively enlarged. OHSS is more common in younger patients and the risk increases in women with more follicles and higher estrogen levels. While mild hyperstimulation is common and found in 30% of IVF cycles, severe OHSS is found in less than 2% of IVF cycles. Symptoms of severe OHSS include significant weight gain, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. OHSS increases the risk of ovarian torsion, which requires surgery. Most often, OHSS typically resolves itself within 14 days after medication is stopped. However, the IVF cycle typically needs to be cancelled.

Multiple births – 60% of successful IVF cycles result in single birth. However, the risk of twin pregnancies is 29%. The risk of triplets or more is 4.4%. Multiple order births result in increased risk of pregnancy complications and preterm labor.

The risk of miscarriage, congenital defects, and stillbirths are similar to natural, non-IVF pregnancies.