As with any medical treatment, there are risks associated with fertility treatments.
Due to the egg retrieval during the treatment, there is a small chance (one percent) of an infection. Despite cleaning the vagina, bacteria always end up in or near the ovaries during the puncture. In most cases, you have sufficient defenses against these bacteria. If it turns out that you have an infection, you will get symptoms such as increasing abdominal pain, abnormal discharge, fever (38 degrees and higher) and a general feeling of illness. The infection can be controlled with antibiotics.
Light bleeding after a follicle puncture is normal. Sometimes (one percent chance) it happens that one of the puncture holes in the vagina continues to bleed after the puncture. This can usually be stabilized with some kind of tampon and sometimes with a suture. The risk of internal bleeding is very small. If you suffer from persistent abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding, it is best to contact the clinic.
If you have taken medication to promote egg maturation before your fertility treatment, there is a small chance (two percent) that you will develop Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). This means that as a result of the hormone stimulation, too many egg sacs have grown unexpectedly, causing the ovaries to produce a lot of the hormone estradiol. This is a potentially dangerous complication, in the worst case scenario you can even develop a thrombosis and die. Fortunately, overstimulation is easy to avoid, because the egg reserve can be determined in advance by means of blood tests.
Mild skin reactions (redness, tenderness, swelling or itching) may occur with all types of injected medication. Serious allergic reactions are rare. And you can get mood swings due to the hormones.
Before you start the treatment, be well informed by your doctor and ask him or her any questions you have.
Emily (36)'s relationship ended. For the first time she really started to think about her wish to have children.
This text previously appeared in the January 2018 issue | Image:Shutterstock
