Is IVF painful? – news agency Mehr
Mehr news agencyWhat is IVF?
It is one of the most important infertility treatments. It involves fusing the egg with sperm in the laboratory, then transferring the embryo into the woman’s uterus. In general, IVF can be divided into five stages: ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, sperm preparation, in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer to the uterus.
There is no guarantee that the operation will be successful, it may succeed in several cycles of treatment. Namely, the success of IVF depends on several factors, the most important of which are: the age of the woman, the cause of infertility, the quality of the egg and sperm, and lifestyle. For example, the success rate of IVF in Iran is about 40% in each cycle. It should be noted that Iran is one of the leading countries in the field of infertility treatment, and is comparable to developed countries.
IVF – IVF
Is IVF painful?
As we mentioned in the previous paragraph, there are different stages of IVF, for example, the ovarian stimulation stage requires the injection of hormonal drugs, and we also have to do a minor surgical procedure in the egg retrieval stage. Below we will talk about the extent of pain during IVF at each stage of treatment.
The extent of pain during the ovarian stimulation phase
Ovarian stimulation is the first stage of IVF. Medicines must be injected to produce several eggs (only one egg matures during a normal cycle). These drugs contain hormones such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). These needles are easy to use, they can be injected at home and there is no need to go to the clinic.
These needles can cause very mild pain at the injection site. If you have a phobia of needles, this can be a difficult part of the process for you. But your husband can help you overcome that fear.
Sometimes women experience bloating and other side effects caused by hormonal drugs. But these side effects are usually not severe or painful. Side effects include:
breast pain
Fluid retention and bloating
Mood swings
Insomnia
Headache
The extent of pain during the egg retrieval phase
Egg retrieval is a simple and short procedure, and it is usually performed under anesthesia, so you will not feel pain during the procedure. However, you may feel some discomfort after the anesthesia wears off.
After egg retrieval, it is common to experience cramping. However, these cramps are similar to the menstrual cramps that women experience every menstrual cycle since puberty. Taking acetaminophen or a warm compress may help.
The extent of pain during the stage of embryo transfer
Embryo transfer is the final step of IVF. You will lie on your back with your feet in stirrups (as in a gynecological examination). Embryo transfer is performed with the help of a small vaginal catheter without anesthesia. Although it looks scary, you don’t need to worry. You may feel pressure as the catheter is inserted, which many women compare to the sensation of a speculum used during a cervical examination.
Sometimes, after embryo transfer, you may feel pain similar to that before menstruation – this is very common and not a serious sign.
The pain of waiting
IVF is not a quick and easy process. It requires a lot of time, accuracy and patience. One course of treatment lasts 4 to 6 weeks. It is important not to feel helpless during the waiting period. Walking in nature, visiting friends and family, watching movies and reading books can help you get through this period more easily.
Emotional pain during IVF
There is no doubt that emotional pain is more difficult than physical pain, it weakens both body and soul together. Couples endure great emotional pain during the IVF procedure. They are afraid that the desired result will not be achieved, despite all efforts and excessive financial costs.
Do not despair and do not lose hope, this process requires a lot of patience, you may not succeed many times, but do not give up. Fortunately, today there are many advanced treatments for complex infertility problems. Pregnancy is possible even after menopause with egg donation in Iran. Iran is the only Islamic country in the region that allows egg donation and surrogacy.
Egg donation
Painkillers in IVF
It is completely safe to take acetaminophen 650 mg (Tylenol® or other brands) during IVF, eat a light meal before use. If you need a stronger sedative, contact your doctor. Do not use anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve, or Advil). These drugs can interfere with the growth and implantation of follicles.
You can also take Activide, Sudafed, Tums, or regular Robitacin if needed for cold or allergy symptoms. Consult your doctor before taking any other medication as they may have a negative effect on your treatment.
Serious complications during IVF
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is one of the most serious complications of IVF. Its mild form occurs in 20% of women, and the severe form in about 1-2% of women. Its severe form can lead to blood clots, stroke, and even death if left untreated. If you develop any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately:
Rapid weight gain
increased abdominal pain;
Swelling or bloating
Nausea or vomiting
Decreased urine output
wheezing
severe headache
Ovarian torsion
Ovarian torsion is also a side effect of IVF, it occurs due to the enlargement of the ovaries as a result of hormonal drugs, and causes sharp and sudden pain, which can be treated with surgery.
IVF
Back to the original question: Is IVF painful? In general, the pain we feel during IVF is a mild pain if no complications arise. Some women develop ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome due to the hormonal drugs used during treatment. In this condition, the ovaries swell and fluid accumulates in the body. Symptoms are usually mild to moderate, but in rare cases can be severe.
If that process ends with pregnancy and the birth of a healthy baby, all this pain, suffering and long waiting will be worth it. The stress and psychological suffering caused by infertility is worse than the pain during the IVF stages.
Iran is considered one of the best infertility treatment centers in the Middle East and in the world. The reason for this is the presence of qualified doctors with the highest levels of specialization, the use of the latest infertility treatment techniques and low treatment costs.
The Iranian surgical company has helped many infertile couples through various methods such as IVF, ICSI, egg donation and surrogacy.
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