Can age affect the risk of complications during IVF?

Yes. People over 35 may have a slightly higher chance of complications due to lower ovarian reserve, reduced egg quality, or other health conditions.

Can repeated IVF cycles increase the risk of complications?

Multiple IVF attempts generally do not increase serious complications for most people. However, repeated hormonal stimulation can sometimes cause temporary ovarian fatigue or discomfort.

IVF Risks & Complications: What Couples Must Know

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) often feels like that one big step you are taking toward your dream of becoming a parent, and it truly can be life-changing. But while you are focused on happy outcomes, it is also important to know that this journey can come with a few bumps along the way. Your body goes through a lot during IVF, from hormone injections to medical procedures, and all of this can affect how you feel both physically and emotionally.

What Are the Most Common IVF Complications?

When it comes to IVF, it’s important to understand the potential complications that can happen along the way.

Take a look at some of the most common issues:

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)

One of the most talked-about complications is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). This happens when your ovaries respond more strongly than expected to the hormone injections meant to produce multiple eggs. The ovaries get swollen and can become uncomfortable or even painful.

In mild cases, you might just notice bloating, a mild ache in your lower belly, or a general feeling of fullness.

But in moderate to severe cases, the symptoms can be more intense like:

Significant abdominal swelling
Nausea
Vomiting
Rapid weight gain
Shortness of breath
Less frequent urination
Fluid builds up in the abdomen or chest

The good news is that severe OHSS is pretty rare these days. Modern IVF monitoring and treatment protocols have made it much safer.

Multiple Pregnancies and Associated Risks

When more than one embryo is placed in the uterus, the chance of twins, triplets, or higher-order multiples increases. While some couples are excited about the idea of twins or more, multiple pregnancies carry extra risks for the mother and the babies.

For mothers, there’s a higher chance of complications like

Miscarriage
High blood pressure
Pre-eclampsia
Gestational diabetes
Anaemia
Too much amniotic fluid
Need for a caesarean delivery
Longer hospital stays

For babies, multiple pregnancies increase the risk of:

Premature birth
Low birth weight
Stillbirth
Neonatal death
Birth defects

Because of these risks, many IVF clinics now prefer transferring a single high-quality embryo. This approach lowers the chances of complications while still aiming for a healthy singleton pregnancy.

Ectopic Pregnancy in IVF

An ectopic pregnancy happens when the embryo implants somewhere outside the uterus, most commonly in a fallopian tube. This is a serious condition that needs immediate medical attention because it can lead to rupture and heavy internal bleeding.

IVF pregnancies carry a slightly higher risk of ectopic pregnancy compared to natural conception. Experts think this can happen if the embryo is placed a bit too high in the uterus or transferred with extra force, giving it a chance to move toward the fallopian tube.

Risks Related to Egg Retrieval

Egg retrieval is a short procedure where eggs are collected under sedation or light anaesthesia, guided by ultrasound. Most women only feel mild discomfort afterwards, and the procedure is generally very safe.

However, like any medical procedure, there are some rare risks:

Bleeding from the vaginal wall or ovaries (usually minor and stops with simple pressure)
Infection in the pelvic area
Very uncommon injury to nearby organs like the bladder, bowel, or blood vessels

Severe complications, such as major bleeding or serious infections, are extremely uncommon. To be extra safe, doctors sometimes give antibiotics beforehand to reduce the risk of infection.

Ovarian Torsion: A Rare IVF Complication

Ovarian torsion is a rare but serious complication that can happen during IVF. It occurs when an enlarged ovary twists around the tissues that hold it in place, cutting off its blood supply.

The most noticeable signs are:

Sudden, severe abdominal pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Bloating
Fever
Abnormal bleeding

This is a medical emergency and needs urgent surgery to untwist the ovary and restore blood flow.

IVF Failure and Cycle Cancellation

One of the most common challenges in IVF is that the cycle may not lead to a successful pregnancy. There can be several reasons for this:

Poor response to stimulation, leading to cycle cancellation
Few or no eggs collected
Fertilisation not happening
Poor embryo quality, making transfer unsuitable
Failure of implantation even after transfer

Experiencing an unsuccessful cycle can be emotionally heavy. But it's important to remember that these outcomes are not a reflection of your worth or effort.

Emotional and Psychological Effects of IVF

IVF isn’t just physically demanding; it can take a big emotional and psychological toll, too. The process involves hormone injections, frequent clinic visits, financial pressure, and the constant uncertainty of whether it will work.

All of this can lead to anxiety, mood swings, trouble sleeping, or feeling down. These feelings are completely normal, and it’s important to give them the attention they deserve, just like you would for your physical health. Many couples find that talking to a counsellor or simply having open conversations with loved ones can make a big difference in managing the emotional load of IVF.

Learning about IVF complications is an important step in being prepared, but it doesn’t mean the treatment is unsafe. Most women go through IVF without any major issues, especially when they follow medical guidance and attend regular check-ups.

Whether you’re trying to conceive or navigating IVF, you’re not alone. Join our supportive communities to connect, share, and find strength with others on the same journey.

FAQs on IVF Complications: What Every Couple Should Prepare For

Can age affect the risk of complications during IVF?
Yes. People over 35 may have a slightly higher chance of complications due to lower ovarian reserve, reduced egg quality, or other health conditions.
Can repeated IVF cycles increase the risk of complications?
Multiple IVF attempts generally do not increase serious complications for most people. However, repeated hormonal stimulation can sometimes cause temporary ovarian fatigue or discomfort.