Possible risks of IVF treatment
As with every treatment technique applied, there is a 1-2% risk of encountering unwanted problems in IVF treatment. The greatest risk that this method can bring is “Over-Stimulation Syndrome” (OHSS = Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome), which is encountered at a rate of 1% in experienced clinics, diagnosed with the preliminary symptoms of weight gain, enlargement of the abdominal area, abdominal pain and enlargement of the ovaries and rarely requires treatment in hospital conditions. In addition, in the event of multiple pregnancy following IVF treatment, the risks of premature birth and low-birth-weight babies increase.
Apart from these risks that are not life-threatening, the IVF method does not carry any risks that could threaten the health of the mother or the baby. The information and thoughts that the hormone treatments applied to stimulate the ovaries with IVF treatment cause the risk of ovarian and breast cancer have not been proven.
Overstimulation syndrome
Overstimulation syndrome can be defined as the body's excessive response to the stimulating hormone treatments applied and the resulting excessive increase in the level of estrogen hormone in the body and excessive growth of the ovaries.
In OHSS, the early symptoms are weight gain, enlargement of the abdominal area, abdominal pain and enlargement of the ovaries;
nausea
vomiting
diarrhea
tension
fluid accumulation in the lungs and abdomen
difficulty in breathing
decreased urine output
drop in blood pressure
A range of symptoms can be observed, ranging from deterioration in kidney and liver functions to deterioration of electrolyte balance in the body.
Overstimulation syndrome may occur within 3-7 days after the maturation injection, or it may occur 12-17 days later. Mild and moderate OHSS can often be controlled with a protein-rich diet, plenty of fluids, and rest without the need for hospital treatment. In advanced OHSS, hospital treatment is required, albumin and fluid support is administered intravenously, and blood thinners are given to prevent clotting.
During IVF treatment, the effectiveness of the treatment is monitored by measuring the patient's weight and abdominal area and by performing regular blood tests. If the level of fluid accumulated in the abdomen is too high, it may be necessary to drain the fluid with external intervention. The recovery process is completed between 10 days and 3 weeks.
OHS formation during the IVF process
The dose of hormone therapy to be applied to prevent OHSS during the IVF treatment process is determined specifically for the patient by considering the mother's age, ovarian reserve status, weight and, if any, the body's response to previous treatments. In this respect, OHSS cases encountered in an experienced IVF clinic do not exceed 1%. In recent years, the use of lower doses of medication has been increasing due to the consensus that high doses of medication negatively affect egg quality.
Drugs used during IVF and their effects
The aim of the drugs used in IVF treatment is to increase the levels of various hormones in the body, thus eliminating infertility. It is thought that these hormones can theoretically trigger ovarian, uterine and breast cancers due to their triggering effect. However, a definitive connection between these types of cancer and infertility drugs has not been established.
In addition to these, not experiencing pregnancy and childbirth throughout the life of the expectant mother is another factor that increases the possibility of developing ovarian, uterine and breast cancer. It should also be kept in mind that these types of cancer are not caused by a temporary increase in the estrogen hormone as applied in IVF treatment, but by it remaining at high levels for a long time and not being balanced with the progesterone hormone.
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