In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a set of complex procedures designed to help couples achieve their parenthood journey. The problem of infertility is common everywhere. With this treatment process, women have been given various fertility medications to encourage the development of more eggs.
Every stage of IVF progress may include a tolerable degree of pain and discomfort. However some women may experience a different range of abdominal pressure and cramps during treatment. The journey and perspective of IVF are unique for individuals.
In this article, you’ll be explained whether the series of IVF treatments is painful or not. Let’s clear this common query.
Is IVF painful?
Answering this question is quite typical. The IVF treatment creates different effects on each patient; it may be painful to some and may not be for others. Based on the fertility conditions of individuals, the dosage of injection and medication differs.
Although it seems normal, some women experience uncomfortable feelings during certain stages of the process. But the severe pain indicates other complications that should be discussed on an urgent basis.
Ovarian Stimulation
Generally, women are blessed to release only one mature egg during normal ovulation. This is not sufficient to carry out the IVF procedure. So that the process begins with ovarian stimulation, in which the ovaries are stimulated to produce multiple eggs with injectable drugs. It includes hormones like FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone). A trigger injection is then used to ensure the final maturation of the eggs before retrieval.
This process typically takes eight to fourteen days to be completed. Women might feel uncomfortable with these injections and medications, but it will not cause any severe pain.
Egg Retrieval
The process of egg retrieval for IVF is quite sensitive, whereas the patient is given sedative and pain medication to complete the procedure free of discomfort. Egg retrieval is not typically painful. During the procedure, you will be inserted an ultrasound probe into the vagina. The device is attached with a needle to collect the fluid and egg follicles from the ovaries.
Once you get conscious, you will experience minor pressure, cramping, and bloating. However, the patient can come back to their normal condition within one or two days after the procedure.
Embryo Transfer
After harvesting, the eggs are fertilized with sperm in the laboratory. It will be transferred as embryos into the uterus using a syringe through a vaginal catheter. This is a gentle procedure; no pain will be experienced, but you feel a certain range of pressure created by the catheter.
In this procedure, one or more embryos are transferred to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy. In that time, patients are advised to relax themselves, which regulates the blood pressure and causes no pain. They can see the entire procedure displayed on the ultrasound screen.
Post-Transfer Period
Doctors or fertility specialists advise patients to take a pregnancy test after two weeks of embryo transfer. This is a period you may go through various symptoms in your body, which may result in positive or negative . To get accurate results, these two weeks of time are essential.
Because HCG levels can significantly vary during your fertility journey. When checking too early, you may get negative results. In the beginning, both the period and pregnancy symptoms become the same. They include:
- Cramping
- Sore breasts
- Light spotting
- Bloating
- Abdominal pain
If the pregnancy test is negative after 14 days of embryo transfer, you can expect your period within the next few days.
How to Minimize the Discomfort
Patients tend to experience various side effects after the completion of the IVF process, including pain, cramping, and discomfort. It can vary person to person based on the dosage of medications they’ve been given. Most commonly, doctors advise patients to take complete bed rest without any physical activities. It helps them relieve pain within 2 to 3 days.
Additionally, healthy food habits are one of the ways to improve your physical and emotional health. Eat more fruits and vegetables that boost your immune system and help you recover quickly.
Conclusion
During any sensitive medical procedure, there is the possibility of having pain, and IVF is not exceptional. But they are tolerable. The severity of discomfort and pain can vary for individuals based on their dosage and health conditions. You need to follow the guidelines and habits as per your doctor’s prescription. When you feel heavy pain or cramping, consult your doctor immediately.
FAQs
IVF is not a painful procedure, but certain stages of the process may be uncomfortable, including injections, egg retrieval, and embryo transfer. During the procedure, your body experiences various hormonal changes inside, resulting in discomfort and mild cramping. If you feel really painful, consult your doctor immediately.
The discomfort and pain during IVF can vary for individuals. Everyone will go through different procedures and medications based on their fertility health and chances of a successful pregnancy. After the procedure, you may expect mild cramping and abdominal pain for 2 to 3 days.
The recovery time of patients after in vitro fertilization (IVF) depends on the procedure. For maximum, you can get to your normal condition within 24 hours. However, the doctors are advised to rest and avoid any harsh physical activities like household chores, joking, or sexual intercourse for about two weeks.
