Risks and side effects of IVF
60-second summary
IVF is a widely used and generally safe treatment, but like any medical treatment it can have side effects. Most are mild and short-lived, such as bloating, mood changes or soreness. Serious problems are uncommon, and a good fertility team will watch you closely to catch them early. IVF babies are as healthy as other babies, and IVF has not been shown to raise long-term cancer risk.
OHSS: how serious is it?
| Symptoms | Bloating, mild tummy pain | More swelling, nausea, vomiting | Breathlessness, very little urine, severe pain, leg swelling |
|---|---|---|---|
| What to do | Rest, fluids, call clinic if worse | Contact the clinic the same day | Go to the nearest hospital now — call 108 or 112 |
| Higher risk | PCOS/PMOS, high AMH, many follicles | Same | Same, especially with pregnancy |
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome can happen after stimulation or the trigger. Severe OHSS is an emergency.
Source: KedVia original diagram · KedVia medical illustration team