Risks Associated with IVF
Some adverse situations which may occur during or after treatment include:
Multiple pregnancy
Multiple pregnancies are always difficult to manage and have a higher rate of miscarriage. As a result, patients with twins will require higher levels of monitoring to ensure the growth of the babies is satisfactory. Other considerations are caesarean delivery as well as premature birth. The risk of multiple pregnancy is raised when more than one embryo is transferred (10-20%) or in stimulated IUI or ovulation induction cycles.
Ectopic Pregnancy
There is an increased chance of ectopic pregnancy as a result of assisted reproductive technology. Early detection of ectopic pregnancies is extremely important as this situation could be life threatening. Pregnancy hormone levels , ultrasound scanning and an examination by a doctor can usually identify an ectopic pregnancy. If an ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed, surgery will be required.
Abnormalities
The rate of major abnormalities in Australia is 2.6% (National Perinatal Statistics Unit Data). The rate of abnormalities for IVF and ICSI would appear to be no higher than the rate for the general population in Australia. Recent studies have shown increases in abnormalities following IVF and ICSI in Western Australia. However, these may be related to elevated maternal age or the underlying infertility factor.
Pregnancy Loss
Early pregnancy losses are relatively high after IVF related procedures compared to the normal fertile population. This is mainly as a result of the underlying causes of infertility rather than the IVF process. We monitor all IVF related pregnancies closely.
Cancelled cycles
A treatment cycle may be cancelled if there is a low hormone level during stimulation which can indicate poor response, or alternatively very high levels of hormones which may be a warning for hyperstimulation.
Unsuccessful fertilisation
Failed fertilisation may occur in approximately 2% of IVF treatment cycles, and can be very disappointing. In such situations counselling and a review of the case is performed and ICSI is one of the options given for future attempts.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
Between 1 & 2% of women having ART treatment develop a condition known as Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) due to an excessive response to drug stimulation.
Symptoms of OHSS include abdominal distension, nausea, vomitting and pain. Normally OHSS resolves without treatment, but occasional cases may need hospitalisation and intensive care.
Unsuccessful Egg Collection
On rare occasions following IVF stimulation there are no eggs recovered at egg collection. This may be due to a number of factors including age; numberof follicles developing and stimulation regime. Following this a full medical review will be undertaken to discuss future treatment options.