In vitro fertilisation, or IVF, is one of the most popular and well-known reproductive procedures. Women are first given fertility medications to stimulate the production of more eggs, after which the eggs are removed and the healthy embryos that have developed are implanted into the uterus. Many women who go through it are concerned about whether the IVF procedure will be painful at any point. Additionally, some women have stomach discomfort and cramps throughout the various IVF stages. Read on to know if IVF treatment is a painful procedure.
Is IVF Painful?
Each patient is affected differently by the IVF procedure, and what is unpleasant for one patient may not be unpleasant for another. Some parts of the procedure may be painful, such as injections or egg retrieval, but you should never be in excruciating pain. Severe discomfort can indicate a problem, but it’s important to remember that complications from in vitro fertilisation (IVF) are uncommon and can usually be managed successfully.
Also, Read: Who Needs IVF treatment
Is IVF Injections Painful?
self-injection of fertility medications can be challenging, most people regard it as inconvenient rather than painful. Although the needles used for self-injection are tiny, if you are afraid of needles, having a spouse or friend assist you with the injections may be beneficial and comfortable.
Is Egg Retrieval Painful?
Your fertility team will perform egg retrieval after IVF injections. This procedure entails inserting an ultrasound probe into the vaginal canal. This probe has a needle attached to it that draws egg follicles and fluid from the ovaries.
Anesthesia is used throughout this procedure to keep you comfortable. Some women, however, report cramping in the days following this stage of IVF. This cramping is very similar to what many women feel during their menstrual cycle. You may also feel a little sore and see some spotting. These symptoms go away within 5-7 days.
Contact your doctor and fertility team right away if you notice rapid weight gain, difficulty in breathing, or an increased abdominal circumference. While these side effects are extremely rare, they may be indicative of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS).
Also, Read: Tips to Help Improve IVF Success Rate
Is Embryo Transfer Painful?
The embryo transfer stage entails inserting healthy embryos into the uterus. You will take estrogen and progesterone daily prior to this to prepare your body for pregnancy. Anesthesia is not used during the embryo transfer phase. However, it is recommended that you arrive for this procedure with a full bladder to ensure accurate embryo placement and easier access to the transfer catheter.
Overall, this procedure feels a lot like a gynecological exam or a vaginal ultrasound. So, is the embryo transfer super painful? Usually, no. In the days following the procedure, most women experience only mild to moderate cramping.
After your embryo transfer, you will have a scheduled pregnancy test with your fertility team to see if you are pregnant.
Do We Have to Go to the Clinic to Get the IVF Injections?
Doctors are unable to summon them to the clinic, as they do with many other patients from around the world. Furthermore, the injections that are now available are simple to use. As a result, IVF injections do not require a trip to the fertility clinic. Instead, injections can be administered at home.
When you have a medical procedure performed on you, there is always the possibility of pain. IVF is no exception in this regard. You should expect some pain and discomfort during the procedure. It will also help you better control any unpleasant feelings you may be experiencing. If you are considering reproductive therapy, such as IVF, schedule a consultation with our experts at Apollo.
Also, Read: What is the success rate of IVF procedures in India
