You are considering IVF for your infertility but you have concerns about possible side effects. For the most part, you should return to normal the next day after an IVF procedure but you should be aware of potential side effects of getting IVF. If you are aware ahead of time you can minimize any risks from the side effects and consult your doctor when necessary.

The side effects of getting IVF include the following:

• Minor fluid may be blood-tinged or clear;
• Mild bloating;
• Mild cramping;
• Hypersensitivity of breast;

These particular side effects are relatively minor and can be dealt with medication or a heating pad. There are some side effects that you should notify your doctor if they occur. They include the following:

• Pain in the pelvic area;
• Heavy vaginal bleeding;
• Fervescence (over 38 °C or 100.5 °F);
• Blood in the urine.

Some of the medications you take during IVF may have side effects as well. They may include the following:

• mood swings,
• headaches,
• hot flashes,
• abdominal pain,
• bloating

Although it is rare, there is a possibility of ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome, or OHSS, when patients complain of pain in the abdomen and feeling of being bloated. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• Vomiting or nausea;
• Shortness of breath;
• Decreased urinary frequency;
• Severe stomach pains and bloating;
• Faintness;
• Rapid weight gain (10 pounds within 3-5 days).

After all of the cost and stress of getting IVF, you may be curious about the success rates of getting pregnant through IVF. Every clinic has its own success rates and the success of getting pregnant also depends on the age of the mother, reproductive history, lifestyle, diet and cause of infertility. But in general in the United States, the success rates of pregnancy are as follows:

• women under age 35 – 41-43%;
• women ages 35 to 37 – 33-36%;
• women ages 38 to 40 – 23-27%;
• women ages over 40 – 13-18%.

You can predict your own personal success rate by using the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology’s Patient Predictor located here: https://www.sartcorsonline.com/Predictor/Patient. You can also contact Midwest Fertility Center at 800-244-0212 to find out our success rates and how we can help you achieve your dreams of a family.