What are the side-effects and risks of IVF treatment?
During the period of down-regulation, hot flushes are likely to occur. Many women also complain of mood swings and headaches. In a small proportion of cases, cysts may develop in the ovaries, and treatment may be delayed. The response to ovarian stimulation can be poor, particularly in women of 40 and above, or where there is a reduced ovarian reserve. Sometimes we are able to overcome this by increasing the dose of stimulation, but on occasion there may be no alternative but to cancel the cycle even before reaching the stage of egg collection. Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) can develop in around 5% cycles. In this condition, the ovaries respond excessively to stimulation, with swelling and discomfort in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting and dehydration. Sometimes we are able to predict that Hyperstimulation is imminent and may advise cancellation of the cycle or freezing all embryos. However, we cannot always predict if OHSS is going to occur, and you need to be aware of the sym
