IVF can potentially damage your ovaries, although serious complications are rare. The most significant risk is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).
Understanding the Risk: Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
OHSS is a rare complication that can occur in women undergoing IVF treatment. It's linked to the fertility drugs used to stimulate egg production.
- What happens? The ovaries become enlarged and painful because too many eggs develop.
- When does it occur? OHSS usually develops in the week after egg collection.
- Why does it happen? It happens in women who are very sensitive to the fertility medication.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Condition | Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) |
| Cause | Sensitivity to fertility drugs used during IVF |
| Effect | Enlarged and painful ovaries due to excessive egg development |
| Timing | Typically develops within a week after egg collection |
| Severity | Can range from mild to severe, requiring medical intervention in severe cases. |
| Rarity | Rare overall, but risk is higher in women with certain risk factors (e.g., PCOS) or those who over-respond to ovarian stimulation. |
| Potential Impact | Can cause discomfort, abdominal swelling, nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases, blood clots or kidney problems. |
While OHSS is the primary concern regarding ovarian damage during IVF, other potential (though very rare) risks associated with egg retrieval exist, such as infection or bleeding.
