Side Effects of IVF Injections – Risks & Complications

Starting an In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) journey is exciting. However, having to take various injections in the process is a cause of anxiety for many. While these injections are crucial for stimulating the ovaries and increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy, they can also come with a range of side effects.

Herein, we’ll explore the different types of IVF injections and their potential side effects. We will also discuss strategies for coping with the side effects of IVF injections throughout your fertility journey. But, before that, let’s answer the fundamental questions of why you need IVF injections and what types of IVF injections are typically administered:

Why are IVF Injections Needed?

IVF treatment involves several steps, and one of the most important is the use of injectable fertility medications. These medications are designed to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, increasing the chances of retrieving healthy eggs for fertilisation. Without these injections, the egg retrieval process would be less effective, potentially leading to lower success rates.

Types of IVF Injections

Throughout your IVF journey, you may encounter several types of injections, each serving a specific purpose. These include the following:

Trigger shots

• Given once the eggs have sufficiently developed to trigger their final growth spurt and release
• Common trigger shots include Novarel/Pregnyl®, Ovidrel®, and Leuprolide

Progesterone injections

• Used during the final phase of IVF to support successful implantation of the embryo and sustain a healthy pregnancy
• Can be taken as intramuscular injections or vaginally in the form of suppositories and capsules

Oestrogen injections

• Sometimes prescribed in addition to or instead of progesterone
• Can be administered topically as patches, orally, vaginally, or as injections

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Human Menopausal Gonadotropin (hMG)

• Used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs
• Often used in combination with other medications like Clomid (Clomiphene) to enhance their effects

Side Effects of IVF Injections

Although necessary, IVF injections, including hormone injections for IVF, may have side effects. The side effects of IVF injections can be categorized into physical, mental, and emotional effects. It’s important to remember that every woman’s experience is unique, and not everyone will encounter all of these side effects.

Physical Side Effects of IVF Injections

The physical side effects of IVF injections can include the following:

• Injection site reaction: Soreness, redness, or mild bruising at the injection site is common. Changing injection sites and icing the skin before intramuscular injections can help minimise this side effect.
• Nausea and vomiting: Nausea is a common side effect of IVF injections. It can be due to the medication itself or the needle injection.
• Hot flashes: Hormonal changes can cause hot flashes, which are sudden feelings of warmth across the body.
• Headaches: Headaches are frequent, especially after injections. They can be managed with paracetamol but not NSAIDs, as they can interfere with ovarian expansion.
• Bloating and abdominal pain: Bloating is similar to menstrual bloating and can last for several days. Abdominal pain can occur during or after egg retrieval, similar to menstrual cramping.
• Breast tenderness: Hormonal medications can cause breast tenderness, similar to what some women experience with birth control or during their menstrual cycles.
• Weight gain: Hormonal changes can lead to increased hunger and weight gain during the IVF process.
• Allergic reactions: Some women may experience allergic reactions, such as skin itching or redness at the injection sites.

Mental and Emotional Side Effects of IVF Injections

IVF is in itself a very emotional journey, and some of the mental and emotional side effects that result from this can include:

• Mood swings: Hormonal fluctuations can cause mood swings, irritability, and restlessness.
• Emotional stress: The emotional rollercoaster of IVF, especially if cycles are unsuccessful, can be significant. It’s crucial to have support throughout the journey.
• Fatigue: Physical symptoms like hot flashes and hormonal shifts can interfere with sleep, leading to fatigue.

Rare But Serious Complications 

Some of the rare side effects of IVF injections include the following:

• Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): OHSS is an excessive response to ovarian stimulation, leading to fluid leakage into the abdomen. While mild cases can be treated with rest and hydration, severe cases require hospitalisation.
• Pelvic infection: Pelvic infections are rare but can occur after egg retrieval. Symptoms include fever, pelvic pain, and vaginal discharge.

The Table below shows some of the specific side effects caused by common IVF injections, including the side effects of hormone injections for IVF:

Trigger Shot Side Effects

Trigger shots, usually containing hCG, are administered 36 hours before egg retrieval to help the eggs mature and loosen from the follicle wall. Common side effects of trigger injections include:

• • Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness)
  • Abdominal discomfort or bloating
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Mood swings

How to Cope Throughout the Journey

Coping with the side effects of IVF injections can be challenging, but there are several strategies that can help:

• Stay informed: Understand the purpose of each injection and its potential side effects to feel more prepared.
• Proactively communicate with your partner and doctors: Share your experiences and concerns to receive support and guidance. Know that you are not alone in this journey.
• Practice relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga can help manage stress and emotional side effects.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and engage in light exercise (with your doctor’s approval) to promote overall well-being.
• Join a support group: Reach out to and connect with others who are going through similar experiences. This can provide a sense of community and understanding and help you cope with your situation better.