IVF Risks and Complications

If you have been trying to conceive for 12 or more months (or six or more months if you are over age 35), you may be weighing the pros and cons of IVF. While there are risks associated with any medical procedure, it is important to be informed about the risks and outcomes associated with IVF.

At Pacific Reproductive Center, our expert team uses advanced technology, personalized treatment, and compassionate care to reduce these risks and optimize success for you and your baby.

Are IVF Pregnancies High Risk?

IVF (in vitro fertilization) pregnancies have a slightly higher risk than naturally conceived pregnancies. However, they are still considered safe for most couples.

Common IVF Risks

Risk of Multiple Pregnancies With IVF

Depending on a woman’s age and embryo quality, your fertility specialist may recommend transferring more than one embryo to increase your chance of pregnancy. This may result in a multiple gestation pregnancy (e.g., twins or triplets).

Pacific Reproductive Center prioritizes single embryo transfer, when possible, to minimize this risk.

IVF Pregnancy Risks: What to Expect

IVF is a safe and effective treatment option for those struggling with male- or female-factor infertility. However, as with any medical procedure, it does increase your risk of the following:

• Gestational diabetes.
• Hypertensive disorders.
• Cesarean section delivery.
• Placenta previa.
• Placental abruption.
• Premature delivery.
• Low birth weight.

Risk of Miscarriage With IVF

The risk of miscarriage with IVF is comparable to natural conception.

IVF and Cancer Risks: Understanding the Link

According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, fertility treatments may be linked to a slight increase in the risk of ovarian and thyroid cancers. However, the overall risk is unclear.

This uncertainty is mainly due to factors like underlying infertility or conditions like endometriosis.

Risks to the Mother During IVF Treatment

Potential IVF risks include:

• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
  An exaggerated response to excess hormones causes the ovaries to swell and leak fluid into the abdomen.
• Ectopic pregnancy risks
  A pregnancy that grows outside the central cavity of the uterus (often in the fallopian tube) leads to internal bleeding and life-threatening complications.
• Multiple gestations
  Pregnancy with more than one fetus increases a woman’s risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, anemia, preterm labor, c-section, and delivery complications.
• Ovarian torsion
  Enlarged ovaries that twist and block blood supply, a condition requiring surgery.

IVF Risks to the Baby: Ensuring Healthy Outcomes

Babies conceived through IVF may have a slightly higher risk of the following complications:

• Preterm birth.
• Low birth weight.
• Developmental issues.
• Congenital abnormalities.
• Cardiovascular issues.

To ensure the best possible outcomes for the mother and baby, Pacific Reproductive Center recommends:

• Comprehensive pre-IVF evaluations.
• Single embryo transfer (SET) to reduce pregnancy complications.
• Prenatal genetic testing to assess potential risks.

Emotional and Psychological Risks of IVF

The process of assisted reproductive technology (ART) is associated with increased anxiety, depression, and stress for both the female and male, no matter the outcome.

These emotional and psychological risks are often higher after a failed IVF cycle.

Specialized IVF Risks

Does IVF Increase the Risk of Breast Cancer?

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, most studies show that fertility treatments, including IVF, do not increase the risks of breast cancer.

IVF Gender Selection Risks and Considerations

Some may consider gender selection during IVF to help balance their family or lower the risk of known gender-linked genetic disorders.

However, there are risks and ethical considerations to consider as well, such as:

• Accidental destruction of the embryo during testing.
• Reinforced gender bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.
• Imbalanced gender ratio of a population.
• Creation of “designer babies” (potentially devaluating a child’s intrinsic worth).

How PRC Mitigates IVF Risks

Advanced IVF Technology to Reduce Risks

At PRC, we combine advanced reproductive technology with integrative fertility care to enhance IVF success while minimizing risks.

Our approach includes preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) to select the healthiest embryos, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) to improve fertilization rates, and egg donor IVF with rigorous screening to ensure optimal outcomes.

Our state-of-the-art embryo monitoring and advanced incubators create the safest possible environment for embryo growth, reducing complications and improving success rates.

Single Embryo Transfer (SET) to Minimize Multiple Pregnancies

We prioritize SET to significantly reduce the risk of multiple gestations (e.g., twins, triplets, etc.), which can increase health risks for the mother and babies. By selecting the highest quality embryo for transfer, we increase the likelihood of a successful pregnancy while lowering the risk of multiples with IVF.

Comprehensive Monitoring and Care During IVF

Throughout each stage of your IVF journey, our fertility specialists closely monitor your hormone levels and your body’s response to fertility medications. We make real-time adjustments to medications as needed to minimize the risk of OHSS and other potential complications. These practices help ensure a safe and effective treatment plan and the best possible outcome.

Schedule Your Consultation to Discuss IVF Risks and Options

Contact our fertility specialists today to discuss available treatment options and to find out if IVF is right for you.

Learn more about PRC, our practice, success rates, on-site lab, and more.