IVF … is it life threatening and dangerous ?

[dimiC]

Hi All,

Me and my partner have been trying for a baby for 4 years and finally after many tests and unexplained fertility issues we have been accepted for nhs funding ivf. We have been advised that ICSI is recomended for us and have 1st appointment in ucla on Friday . I should be excited but I’m really worried about all the meds I will be taking and how these will effect me as well as all the procedures I will be undergoing and how dangerous they are ? Has anyone experienced any issues while going through a treatment ? I have been googling non stop and that’s not helping me at all 🥺

Thank you all xx

[Runninglady87]

Hey,

I have just been through my first round of icsi Ivf and can happily tell you I am now 4 weeks pregnant. The medications and procedures were so safe and I was always put at ease my by clinic. We went through the NHS too. It was honestly a really good experience, the team looking after me explained everything to me and my fiance and supported us both through the process. What is it in particular that you are worried about with the process, I can try and put your mind at ease. Xx

[dimiC in reply to Runninglady87]

aww congratulations and u got pregnant on ur first try well done . I had my first face to face yesterday seemed ok just too much info to take in . I was thinking about any side effects from the meds I’m starting my cycle on Tuesday . Been told to start with tablets but haven’t really been advised on what . Walked out of the hospital with a massive bag I think that’s all the medication for the whole process but there is sooooo much I wouldn’t know where to start 😖Thank you for your reply wishing u all the best x

[JustJane1234]

Hello, I went through my first cycle of IVF this summer and didn't experience any physical side effects, apart from a little soreness at injection sites. There are risks, of course, as with any intervention, particularly one requiring minor surgeries, but the vast majority of women don't experience significant issues x

[dimiC in reply to JustJane1234]

thank you puts my mind at ease slightly . Walked out of the hospital yesterday with a sack yes a sack of meds can’t imagine all that going into my body 😩

[Buisquits]

I went through ivf 4 times. Physically, its safe. They just regulate your hormones, no physical side effects apart from possible temporary bloating.

Mentally, its a challenge. Not only because of the medication but also the pressure, expectations, stress...

Despite all that, it was the best decision we have ever made. The boy (4) is ruling our world, and his sibling is due in march 💕

One more thing, turn off google. Its a rabbit hole that in my experience causes more anxiety than helps. Talk to your clinic, thats the best source.

Best of luck

[Purpledoggy]

Like any medical procedure, there are risks but risks of something major are very small. The great majority go through IVF with no or minor physical problems. If you read the side effects of pretty much any medication (including paracetamol and ibuprofen) there’s a long list of awful potential side effects, but most of us pop them quite happily for a headache! It is scary reading all of the info they give you, but TBH being pregnant is more risky for your body than IVF-if all women were given detailed written info on all the ways pregnancy can mess you up no one would ever do it. No one can promise you IVF is risk free because it isn’t, but it is a means to an end like pregnancy itself. Xx

[McQueeny]

I’ve been through IVF 4 times with no issues. Temporary and minor issues, yes - such as OHSS, bloating, bruising etc. But nothing major and nothing that lasts. There are risks attached to multiple cycles of strong hormones - but they are very low, and are virtually insignificant if we are talking about 1, 2 or 3 cycles. As others have said, every medication comes with risks….

I know it’s scary, but the clinic will take good care of you, and most importantly it’s worth it , we have a 3yr old son and he’s the best thing in our lives 🤩 (trying to give him a sibling!).

💪

[pink_lemon]

Hello dimiC, I used to dread ivf and tried other things before it just to avoid it. But it did not work. After my first round, I was surprised it was not all that bad and did another two. There are risks just like with everything in medicine, but they are low. The medicines can affect and exhaust you but only temporarily. The injections every night were the worst for me. But again, it is only a few days. All the best on your journey. xo

[Twiglet2]

the challenge is more of a mental one I found, lots of waiting, lots of mood swings and sometimes heartache but I’ve never felt that medically it was unsafe and I’ve never been worried about that aspect of treatment as the nurses and doctors were really helpful and everything is pretty low rated in terms of actual physical complications for most people do I defo wouldn’t worry about that. Our nhs clinic offered a free counselling session so it might be an idea to find out about that as I found it really helpful to calm some of my fears and talk them through with someone. Wishing you lots of luck on your journey xx

[jjbean900]

Hi dimiC! You will do fine. The procedure itself is relatively uncomplicated. I agree with others who mentioned that the injections were the worst part - but it goes by quickly! Here is a great article which discusses the egg retrieval process from the patient's perspective: mamasconnected.com/post/egg...

The website has other articles which discuss IVF medications, ICSI and general women's health and fertility. It has been a great source for a lot of my questions. I am a newbie like you! I wish you the best of luck dear x

[dimiC in reply to jjbean900]

thank you so much the article is very helpful ..good luck in your journey x

[jjbean900 in reply to dimiC]

Thank you dear!

[Britt86]

Hey! I can totally relate! I grew up in a household that didn’t even have Advil… I was nervous about all the meds and it is overwhelming once you get them all and have to figure out how to administer them to yourself! After giving myself the first shot I was surprised at how easy and not painful it was. I didn’t have any side affects or even mood swings. My body reacted really well to the meds so they had me take a break between egg retrieval and the transfer so I wouldn’t end up with OHSS. Also, I read a comment above about surgery, just to clarify, there isn’t actually any surgery involved in the IVF process, I think she’s thinking about the egg retrieval and embryo transfer procedures. I hope this helps! 😊