আইভিএফ ইনজেকশনের পার্শ্ব প্রতিক্রিয়া – ঝুঁকি এবং জটিলতা

Starting an in vitro fertilization (IVF) journey is exciting. However, the process involves various injections that can be a source of anxiety for many. While these injections are important for stimulating the ovaries and increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy, they can also come with various side effects.

Here, we will explore the different types of IVF injections and their possible side effects. We will also discuss strategies for dealing with IVF injection side effects throughout your fertility journey. But, before that, let’s answer the basic question of why you need IVF injections and what types of IVF injections are usually given :

Why are IVF injections needed?

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

Types of IVF injections

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

Trigger shot

• Provided for the initiation and release of the final growth of the eggs after they have developed sufficiently.
• Common trigger shots include Novarel/Pregnyl®, Ovidrel®, and Leuprolide.

Progesterone injections

• Used in the final stages of IVF to ensure successful implantation of the embryo and maintain a healthy pregnancy
• Can be taken as an intramuscular injection or vaginally in suppository and capsule form

Estrogen injections

• Sometimes prescribed in addition to or instead of progesterone
• Can be administered topically as a patch, orally, vaginally, or as an injection

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG)

• Used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs
• Often used in combination with other drugs, such as Clomid (clomiphene), to enhance their effects.

Side effects of IVF injections

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

Physical side effects of IVF injections

Side effects of physical IVF injections  can include the following:

• Injection site reactions : Pain, redness, or mild bruising at the injection site are common. Changing injection sites and icing the skin before intramuscular injections can help reduce these side effects.
• Nausea : Nausea is a common side effect of IVF injections. It can be caused by the medication itself or the needle injection.
• Hot flashes : Hormonal changes can cause hot flashes, which are a sudden feeling of warmth throughout the body.
• Headaches : Headaches are common, especially after the injection. These can be managed with paracetamol but not NSAIDs, as they can interfere with ovarian enlargement.
• Bloating and abdominal pain : Bloating is similar to menstrual cramps and can last for several days. Abdominal pain may occur during or after egg retrieval, similar to menstrual cramps.
• Breast tenderness : Hormonal medications can cause breast tenderness, similar to what some women experience on birth control or during their menstrual cycle.
• Weight gain : Hormonal changes may cause appetite and weight gain during the IVF process.
• Allergic reactions : Some women may experience allergic reactions, such as itching or redness of the skin at the injection sites.

Mental and emotional side effects of IVF injections

IVF itself is a very emotional journey, and it can result in some emotional and psychological side effects, including:

• Mood swings : Hormonal fluctuations can cause mood swings, irritability, and restlessness.
• Emotional distress : The emotional rollercoaster of IVF, especially if the cycle fails, can be significant. Having support throughout the journey is crucial.
• Fatigue : Physical symptoms like hot flashes and hormonal changes can interfere with sleep, leading to fatigue.

Rare but serious complications 

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

• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) : OHSS is an overreaction to ovarian stimulation, which causes fluid to leak into the abdomen. While mild cases can be treated with rest and hydration, severe cases require hospitalization.
• Pelvic infection : Pelvic infection is rare but can occur after egg retrieval. Symptoms include fever, pelvic pain, and vaginal discharge.

The table below shows some specific side effects of common IVF injections, including side effects of hormone injections for IVF :

Treatment	Side effects
Clomid (clomiphene)	Hot flashes, mood swings, headaches, bloating, nausea, breast tenderness
Gonadotropins (FSH, HMG)	Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), bloating, cramping, mood swings, headaches
Lupron (leuprolide)	Hot flashes, headaches, mood swings, fatigue, muscle and joint pain
Progesterone	Swelling, breast tenderness, mood swings, fatigue, constipation

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
  • Headache
  • 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 in touch: Understand the purpose of each injection and its possible side effects to feel more prepared.
• Actively communicate with your partner and doctors : Share your experiences and concerns to get 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 enhance overall well-being.
• Join a support group : Connect and interact with others who are going through similar experiences. This can provide a sense of community and understanding and help you cope better with your situation.