IVF: What are the implications for a woman’s health?

As with all medical practices and treatments, so might the procedure of IVF treatment involve some risks. What is important, however, for a couple who needs IVF treatment to have a child is that they are properly informed and do not postpone the procedure due to fear or for the wrong reasons. 

The gynecologist-obstetrician and specialist in IVF treatment and director of the Assisted Reproduction Unit (IVF) EmBIO, Dr. Thanos Paraschos, explains that whatever the risks, they can be greatly minimized with the means that exist today.

Dr. Paraschos, what are the problems that may arise during IVF?

In the past, in order to increase the success of IVF, the embryo transplant was performed with the use of many embryos. So, the major problem we were faced with was multiple-pregnancy which automatically put the pregnant woman in the high-risk pregnancy class. The more embryos a woman carries, the greater the risk of various complications arising such as premature labor, miscarriage, caesarean section, diabetes and gestational hypertension, preeclampsia etc. Now, however, we have access to methods that can increase the chances of conception without having to perform an embryo transfer involving a large number of embryos into the uterus. By reducing the number of embryos transferred into the womb during the embryo transfer, we minimize the risks associated with multiple pregnancy. In addition, another problem which may arise as a complication in IVF, is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome for which, there is prevention as well. 

What is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome?

Due to the use of high doses of infertility drugs, multiple follicles may be prompted to mature and so, lead to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in which one might feel abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and more rarely, decreased urination and a shortness of breath. In few cases may such situations require hospitalization.  To reduce the possibility of such syndromes occurring, newer protocols and a customized lower-dose of drugs are now applied.

Are there other complications?

There may be complications during the oocyte retrieval process - i.e. the suction of the follicles from the ovary with a needle through the vagina.   Rarely, do complications such as bleeding, infections and injuries occur. Generally, the chances of facing any difficulties during oocyte retrieval today are currently infinitesimal.

Does the risk of cancer increase due to the administration of IVF drugs?

The likelihood of women who undergo IVF treatment may suffer from cancer of the breast, ovaries or other organs, appears to be non-existent based on the existing bibliographies.  Also, IVF treatment medicines are administered for a very short period of time, so the body is burdened less than hormonal therapies, for example, that are administered during menopause and of which, in some studies, have shown that they can increase the risk of cancer.  In any case, before going ahead with IVF treatment, all the necessary examinations such as a mammography and gynecological examination must be performed so as to exclude the risk that there is already some form of neoplasia.  We also take into account the family history of each woman. For example, in women with an individual or family history of breast cancer, we may suggest IVF in a natural cycle, a method in which no medication is administered.  Finally, it is important to emphasize that based on the most recent surveys so far, it is apparent that children who have been conceived through IVF, do not exhibit more genetic abnormalities or other health problems.

Does pregnancy resulting from IVF always end up in a caesarean?

No.  A normal delivery can also occur after having had IVF treatment.  Cesarean is not the norm when IVF has been performed. It always depends, however, on the specific case, which is also so for women who conceive normally.