SENSITIVE. Do you worry about your health with doing IVF?

[DJ202]

Hi all,

I hope you're all well and soldiering on!

I've just started my third IVF cycle and reading through the possible side effects of some new medication I'm taking (pergoveris) I can't help worrying for my long-term health. I'm aware the list of side effects is long and lots of people will only experience relatively minor side effects, but at the same time I'm conscious that hyperstimulation with lots of medication and then across a number of cycles surely can't be good, especially when considering potential long-term issues (possible ovarian tumours, etc.). The following is from a research paper, which you can find here: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/199...

"There are a number of potential risks to women who conceive through in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Among these, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and multiple pregnancies are the most serious. Other potential risks include increased levels of anxiety and depression, ovarian torsion, ectopic pregnancy, pre-eclampsia, placenta praevia, placental separation and increased risk of cesarean section. The association between assisted conception and long-term risk of cancer is debatable."

My Pergoveris leaflet specifically mentions that ovarian cysts are very common (more than 1 in 10) and I wonder how much we as fellow IVF warriors are prepared to go through. Sorry if this sounds a bit gloomy, but I'm curious to hear your thoughts! I guess having your opinions may also help me deciding how many times I realistically want to put myself through this. Any thoughts are appreciated! Thank you! xx

[Hidden]

I personally stopped reading side effects leaflets ages ago because it did indeed get depressing. The way I see it there are risks to everything and I take calculated risks in order to try and have a family. I trust my clinic and if they feel that its safe for me to undertake IVF rounds (and I have had a LOT) then the pros must outweigh the cons and its worth that risk.

Even when you take medicines that are good for you there are side effects.. too many painkillers can cause liver damage for example. If you are feeling worried though maybe speak to your consultant or nurse and hopefully they will be able to reassure you? Good luck hope its third time lucky xx

[Jols]

Hi there, so strange to see your post today when I literally was thinking about this this morning for the first time!!I am also on my third cycle and currently in the 2ww so I was thinking to myself this morning that it would entirely suck to go through all this, end up with no baby but with cancer or other health issues. God willing it won't be the case and we get healthy babies while keeping a strong health 🙏

[Seren0119]

I have done nine cycles (!), not ideal but I take comfort that registered doctors in the UK would not be allowed to treat me if the evidence was strong enough. Most research papers conclude there is no causal link x

[Running79]

Like most thinks you take calculated risks, especially where medication is concerned because you don’t know, regardless of listed side effects how it’s actually going to affect you?!

How many people have had the covid vaccine?! Loads, what do they really know about it?! Nothing! As it’s too new to know anything about it, but people have taken a leap of faith and had it - some have been fine and others have still unfortunately died.

I’ve done 3 rounds of IVF, the drugs I was prescribed I hope don’t have any long term affects on me, but if they do, I need to deal with that if they arise

[PrayingforMyBaby]

I just believe it will work and be healthy.Dont think so much, it will give stress and anxiety and affect your emotions.

I have failed my 2 ivf cycle and plan to start my 3rd and last cycle.

I really hope we can have a rainbow baby...a miracle baby for my husband and me.

We been praying for him 4 years now..Hope we will have our little miracle cause im already 43 turning 44 on september and mu husband He just turn 54 this february.

I wish the best luck for us.l all here.