Home Blogs IVF and Fertility What are the Long-Term Side Effects of IVF Injections
6 mins read
27/09/2025
IVF injections are vital for stimulating ovaries and supporting embryo implantation, but may cause short-term effects like bloating, mood swings, or OHSS. Many patients ask, What are the long-term side effects of IVF injections? Research is still inconclusive, though some studies suggest a possible link to ovarian or breast cancer, highlighting the importance of medical guidance.
Many couples wonder about having a perfect family, but due to infertility and other reasons, these intentions don’t come true. For that, IVF in vitro fertilization is the best option to conceive a baby, but the main concern many patients ask is what the long-term side effects of IVF injections are. Well, the answer isn’t clear yet, and there’s still no research for that, either. Knowing what IVF is, why it is used, and the other side effects can help you to make an informed decision.
Read this article and learn about all the major aspects of IVF, including any long-term side effects of IVF injections, and how to prevent them as well.
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a type of ART, assisted reproductive technology, in which a sperm and an egg are fertilized outside the human body. Additionally, it's a complex procedure that involves retrieving eggs from the ovaries and manually combining them with the sperm in the lab for fertilization.
After several days of fertilization, the fertilized egg is placed inside the uterus, and then the pregnancy occurs when the embryo implants itself into the uterine wall.
The right time for IVF treatment can be determined if you’re partner experiences any of the following:
If you’ve been trying to conceive a baby for over a year and have not succeeded and IVF might be the next recommended step.
A damaged tube or blockage can prevent sperm from reaching the egg or stop the embryo from reaching the uterus, so IVF bypasses it entirely.
Low sperm count, poor motility, and abnormal shape of the sperm can make natural conception difficult. However, IVF combined with ICSI can help with it.
Conditions such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can also disrupt ovulation, so IVF helps to ensure fertilization and healthy embryo development.
Women across 35 often came across egg quality and quantity decline, so IVF helps to optimize the chances with egg retrieval, embryo freezing, or donor eggs if needed.
Injections are an important part of the IVF process, and there are so many reasons why these injections are given, some of which include:
Medications for fertility are administered through injections to stimulate the ovaries, which encourages them to produce multiple eggs.
In some cases, injections are used to suppress the body’s natural hormone production, which helps doctors to have greater control over the IVF process which ensuring optimal timing for egg retrieval and embryo transfer.
In this process, when the egg is matured, a trigger shot is given to stimulate the final stage of egg maturation and trigger ovulation.
When the embryo is transferred, injections of progesterone or human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) might be given to support the lining of the uterus and promote successful implantations.
As we go through the journey of IVF, it's important to understand the potential. Side effects of IVF, which could be long-term or short-term, include:
Side effects | Description |
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) | This occurs when the ovaries overrespond to the fertility drugs and produce many eggs. |
Ectopic Pregnancy | This happens when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube. However, it's a medical emergency as the growing embryo can cause the tube to burst. |
Physical Discomfort at The Injection Site | These symptoms can include redness, swelling, or bruising where the injection was given. However, it's not severe and tends to subside without intervention. |
Mood swings | The hormones used in the IVF process can also cause mood swings, which are similar to those experienced during a menstrual cycle. |
Hot Flashes | There are some unexpected strong sensations of heat, which are typically felt most strongly across the chest, neck, and face, which can also cause sweating and a rapid heartbeat. |
Electrolyte Disturbances | This can occur due to severe OHSS. |
Allergic Reactions | In some rare cases, some people may have an allergic reaction to the hormones that are used in IVF injections. |
Nausea and Vomiting | These are some common side effects of the hormones that are used in IVF, which can be mild and can be managed with medications suggested by your doctor. |
Twisting of an Ovary (Ovarian Torsion) | This happens when an ovary twists around the ligaments that hold it in place, which can cause a lot of pain, and you may need medical attention for it. |
As for the long-term effects of IVF injections, there’s no specific answer for it. However, some studies say a potential link between fertility drugs and an increased risk of certain types of cancer, such as ovarian and breast cancer. However, it's important to discuss these potential risks with your doctor and weigh them against the benefits of IVF treatments.
Reducing the side effects of IVF fertility drugs:
Some side effects are unavoidable, but there are some steps that you can take to reduce the risk associated with IVF injections, which include:
FAQs
There’s no specific research on what are the long-term side effects of IVF injections; however, some studies say that women who undergo multiple rounds may increase the risk of ovarian cancer or breast cancer.
IVF injections are often used to stimulate a woman’s ovaries to produce multiple eggs for retrieval. Additionally, these injections can cause side effects such as bloating, cramping, mood swings, and much more.
Well, IVF can also cause temporary bloating and water retention, which leads to weight gain. However, there is no evidence to suggest that IVF injections cause significant or long-term weight gain.
IVF medications may lead to side effects like bloating, cramping, changes in mood, and headaches. Additionally, some women might also face fatigue, nausea, or sensitivity in the breasts.
The primary challenge with IVF is its comparatively low success rates. Success rates for IVF can differ significantly based on numerous factors, such as age, fertility challenges, and the quality of the embryos, even after several treatment cycles.
Two issues associated with IVF treatment are the expensive nature of the procedure and the possible physical and emotional side effects that may arise during and post-treatment.
IVF success rates are highest among women under 35 years old. As a woman's age increases, the likelihood of IVF success declines.
It is possible to become pregnant after an IVF injection, as IVF is a fertility treatment designed to enhance a woman’s chances of conceiving.
Women are generally advised to take it easy and avoid strenuous physical activity for a few days after IVF injections to minimize the risk of complications.
The IVF treatment cost in India is approximately 3500 USD, which is lower as compared to Western countries.
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