IVF side effects are generally mild
The medications used in IVF sometimes cause headaches and fatigue, but in general, are pretty well tolerated. Most women who have used Clomid previously say that the medications used for IVF cause fewer symptoms than Clomid did.
Most women feel full and bloated from enlarged ovaries
IVF side effects will often feel like a full, bloated, heavy feeling in the pelvis. The ovaries become quite large during an IVF cycle – usually much larger than in a Clomid or IUI cycle. Typically, the ovaries are around 2 cm to 3 cm (1 inch) in diameter. During. IVF, the ovaries can increase in size to as large as 10 cm (4 to 5 inches). It’s no wonder that women doing IVF feel bloated!
Pants may feel tight and uncomfortable. Most women doing IVF wear clothes with an elastic waist, such as yoga pants, if possible. If weight gain goes up quickly and significantly, your fertility doctor will evaluate you for hyperstimulation of the ovaries.
IVF is not an easy treatment; you may feel ALL the feels
IVF is not an easy treatment to go through. The stakes are high, and it’s an emotional process. Because estrogen levels can get high, emotions may seem all over the place. Some moments may be fine, but then an ad shows up on your news feed that is enough to get the tears started!
Don’t feel bad about this back-and-forth. These emotional IVF side effects you’re feeling are happening for a reason. There are a lot of changes and work happening internally. Give yourself a little grace!
The egg retrieval
The egg retrieval part of IVF is done under anesthesia, which means you will comfortably sleep for 10 to 15 minutes while the procedure is being done. You will not feel the process of removing the eggs.
After the retrieval, most women feel menstrual cramps and still may be a little bloated. Remember, it took two weeks to get the ovaries to that size, and it will take another two weeks for them to go back to normal! There sometimes is some bleeding after an egg retrieval, but it is just from the needle puncture site; it is not your period.
After the egg retrieval
The IVF side effects of a full and bloated feeling usually last a few days to a week after retrieval, and then everything will go back to normal. There can be some temporary weight gain with stimulation. Once the retrieval is done, planning for the embryo transfer begins.
Embryo transfer
An embryo transfer basically feels like a pap smear, or for those that have had them, like an IUI. However, you will be asked to have a full bladder, and an abdominal ultrasound is performed during the transfer. This is to make sure the transfer catheter is in the right place in the uterus before the embryo is placed into the uterus. Once the transfer is done, the hard part begins … the wait until your pregnancy test!
We are here to help you through IVF side effects
Our experienced, compassionate team understands the worries that may come along with going through IVF, and we are here to support you every step of the way. If you’re unsure if your IVF side effects are normal, we are just a phone call away and are happy to answer your questions and put your mind at ease. Contact us anytime you need us.