Fertility is a blessing for the human race. Once you’ve tried to conceive for a year without success, then you are suffering from infertility. Nowadays, assisted reproductive techniques can be used to treat infertility. In vitro fertilization commonly known as IVF is one of the assisted reproductive techniques. “Is IVF painful?” is a question that many women ask fertility specialists. Let’s see the answer to the most common question in this blog.
IVF treatment
Let’s first examine what IVF treatment is, to see whether it is painful or not. When infertility is deserting your life, IVF (test tube baby treatment) is an oasis there. In IVF, eggs are combined with sperm to form fertilized eggs outside of the body, in a lab. Then, these fertilized eggs are placed inside the uterus. In IVF treatment, pain is subjective and varies according to individual perception.
IVF Pre-Procedure
Initially, your fertility specialist will have an elaborate session (discussion) with you and your partner. She will formulate a treatment plan based on your history, examination of your body, investigation reports and previous treatment results. This will be a combined approach and your doctor will involve you in decision-making. This transparency and open discussion will reduce your stress and anxiety.
Are IVF Injections Painful?
The latest IVF treatment involves injection with a very small needle for a week or ten. This is not painful as you imagine. Some of you might have some unpleasant side effects of injection as follows
*Bloatedness
*Abdominal heaviness (Ovarian hyperstimulation)
*Nausea
*Breast tenderness
These side effects are due to the hormonal fluctuations that happen during IVF treatment. You can always check with your fertility nurse and doctor about how to tackle these.
How painful is egg retrieval?
Egg retrieval or egg collection (Oocyte retrieval) is the climax of the injection course. This is usually done under short anesthesia and is not painful. Women may occasionally have abdominal cramps for a day or more following the procedure.
Is Transferring Embryos Painful?
Embryo transfer is the cornerstone of IVF treatment. The baby formed (embryos) are placed inside the uterus (womb) under the most favorable circumstances. It is not painful. Further, extremely anxious women can even opt for anesthesia. The supporting injections (progesterone) are a little painful and very often replaced by alternate routes.
To Summarize
Well, you now have a better understanding of the question, “Is IVF painful? The success of IVF is determined by the woman’s ability to conceive and deliver a healthy child. The latest IVF treatment is generally not very painful, so you need not worry about it. Moreover, the possibility of being pregnant makes all the little pain a happier one. So, don’t panic about pain and start your fertility journey now.
