Many people are curious about but don’t always get clear answers —- IS IVF SAFE?

Whenever you’re considering IVF, supporting a partner

Or just wanted to understand the process better this is all information is for you

What Exactly is IVF?

In vitro fertilization is fertility treatment where eggs are are extracted from ovary and combined with sperms outside the body in controlled laboratory environment to create embryos.One / Two embryos are transferred in the uterus with goal of having a healthy pregnancy.

The world’s first IVF baby was born in Oldham England on July 25 , 1978 following pioneering work of Dr. Robert Edwards & Dr. Patrick Steptoe.The Egg extraction was done laparoscopically at that time .

So, IVF is Safe?

The comforting answer is yes – IVF is generally a safe procedure, when performed in accredited clinics with proper medical guidance.The modern techniques have reduced complications significantly & success rates continues to improve.

IVF is done for various reasons such as:

Blocked Fallopian Tubes Male Infertility

Low Ovarian Reserve Endometriosis (Grade III & IV) Unexplained Infertility Genetic Causes

How safe is IVF for women?

Common & mild side efforts: Many women experience temporary manageable S/E due to hormone injection such as: Bloating, mild cramps, mood swings, headaches, injection site soreness.These go away quickly after stimulation plans.

Less Common Risks

OHSS : – Symptoms can be nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.Modern protocols dramatically reduced this risk of severe OHSS.

Multiple Pregnancy: – (Twins / Triplets) also Significantly reduced.

Egg Retrieval : – Done under anaesthesia. The rare risks during egg retrieval can be infection, bleeding, complication from anaesthesia which is seen in <1% of procedures.

IS IVF SAFE FOR BABY: – Babies born by IVF are just healthy as naturally conceived babies, mild risk of :

Preterm babies

Low birth weight babies.

Common Myths about IVF: – It causes cancer

IVF harms eggs in ovary IVF babies aren’t healthy

How to make IVF even safer?

Choose high quality, licensed fertility clinic Ask about their success rates

Active monitoring during stimulation cycle. OHSS prevention protocols.

Dr. Shilpa Sood

MBBS, MS (OBG),DNB (OBS & GYNAE)

MCh( Reproductive medicine & Surgery), FMAS, MRCOG(2) .

Fertility, IVF Specialist & laparoscopy surgeon.

(Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital Sector 88, Faridabad)