Of the infertile couples, however, only 45% seek specialized advice and treatment.
The main reason is the lack of information and the fear that the treatment of infertility and especially in vitro fertilization is associated with a high rate of side effects and complications. However, delay in early diagnosis and proper intervention results in couples being delayed and coming of age with reduced chances of success.
Are there any side effects from the medications?
During treatment, gonadotropins are mainly administered in order to stimulate the ovaries to produce more eggs. The drugs are administered for a period of 10-14 days by subcutaneous injections in the form of pens, which are practical and easy to use. Itching may occur locally at the injection site and more rarely a mild local allergic reaction. In systemic reactions the patient may report fatigue and mild swelling of the breasts and abdomen. The most serious complication of medication is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, which occurs in less than 1% of cases and is attributed to the stimulation of a large number of follicles and a large increase in estrogen.
Symptoms of nausea, edema, and mild abdominal pain usually subside after ovulation. Rarely, severe abdominal pain and fluid retention in the abdomen or shortness of breath occur. This complication is now rare as with the modern specialized knowledge, a correct evaluation of the cases that show an increased possibility for overstimulation is achieved. In such cases, treatment protocols may be modified such as mild protocols with fewer drugs, postponement of implantation and freezing of the embryos to minimize the risk of overstimulation. Also, collecting eggs only from natural cycles is another option in some cases.
Is there a correlation between IVF drugs and cancers of the female reproductive system?
Now all modern studies do not find any such correlation while in addition women who go to specialized centers are more informed and undergo all preventive tests such as mammography. During ovulation the doctor, using the vaginal ultrasound for guidance, uses a special thin and long needle to suck the fluid from the mature follicles and collect the eggs. The procedure can lead to mild pain for 2-3 days that subsides with mild painkillers. The possibility of severe bleeding and inflammation in the area is rare. Antibiotics are given prophylactically during the procedure.
Is there an increased risk of abnormalities in the fetus?
The risk of abnormalities in newborns is 2-3% in the general population. This risk is slightly increased in infertile couples who have children. But the main reason for this increase is the older age of women and the underlying reason for infertility. Especially in couples where infertility is a serious problem with sperm (severe oligoasthenospermia), this has been associated with an increased chance of abnormalities in the fetus.
Is there a risk of miscarriage & ectopic pregnancy?
The risk of miscarriage is about 15% in women aged 20-30 years and over 50% in women over 40 years. There is no increased risk in women undergoing in vitro fertilization while the risk of ectopic pregnancy (1%) remains the same as in natural conception.
in conclusion
In vitro fertilization is a safe and documented treatment, which in specialized centers completes a life dream for infertile couples. The specialist doctor as a companion of their effort will diagnose, help, reassure but mainly will apply the most modern knowledge and treatment in all stages of assisted reproduction, so that informed infertile couples can safely become happy parents.
Writes:
Christodoulos Papanikopoulos Obstetrician Surgeon Gynecologist
Scientific Associate of the HYGEIA IVF Embryogenesis Unit
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