Treatment risks of IVF

Cancer risk

It has been suspected that the ovarian stimulation increases the risk of cancer. A retrospective study was carried out to investigate the risks. 5026 women who had undergone IVF treatments between 1981 and 1992 were examined. The Israeli National Cancer Registry served as a control. A total of 27 carcinomas were observed in the IVF patients, whereas 35.6 carcinomas were expected. In the gynaecological area, 11 (15.86 expected) breast cancers were observed as were 1 (1.7 expected) ovarian carcinoma and 1 (1.7 expected) uterine carcinoma. 

Neither the type of sterility nor the number of IVF cycles (nor their results) had any significant influence on the carcinoma risk. The study shows that an IVF treatment has no influence on the carcinoma risk. 

Fertility treatment risks

Miscarriage

In pregnancies resulting from IVF or ICSI, the risk of miscarriage (abortion) is unfortunately twice as high as in a normal pregnancy.

Over-stimulation of the ovaries

Over-stimulation of the ovaries can arise due to the hormone stimulation. This rare complication occurs after the puncture. The first symptoms are: thick, inflated belly; pain in the abdominal area; nausea; shortage of breath or a tickle in your throat; reduced quantity of urine. Treatment for these conditions should take place in a hospital as there is a risk to the patient.

Multiple pregnancy

The chance of a multiple pregnancy increases with IVF. About 25% of all such pregnancies are twin pregnancies. Triplets or quadruplets, although rare, can also occur even when fewer embryos are implanted (a triplets pregnancy is, for example, also possible with the transfer of only two embryos).

Multiple-pregnancies are NOT - contrary to the wish of many couples - the aim of our reproductive medicine procedures, because they represent an even higher risk for complications (premature birth, handicapped children, etc.). Triplets and quadruplets, particularly, represent clear risks!