IVF Risks: What You Need to Know Before Starting Treatment

When you’re considering IVF, in vitro fertilization, a medical process where eggs are fertilized outside the body and implanted into the uterus. Also known as assisted reproductive technology, it’s one of the most common ways people build families when natural conception isn’t working. But behind the success stories are real, often overlooked risks that can change your physical and emotional journey.

IVF isn’t a simple procedure. It involves daily hormone injections, frequent ultrasounds, blood tests, and a surgical egg retrieval. Side effects like bloating, mood swings, and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) aren’t rare—they happen in up to 10% of cycles. OHSS can lead to severe pain, fluid buildup, and even hospitalization. Then there’s the risk of multiple pregnancies. While twins might sound exciting, carrying more than one baby increases chances of preterm birth, low birth weight, and complications during delivery. Many clinics now transfer just one embryo to reduce this, but even single pregnancies carry higher risks than natural conception.

Emotionally, IVF can feel like a rollercoaster. The hope before each step, the anxiety while waiting for results, the crushing disappointment if it doesn’t work—it takes a toll. Studies show women undergoing IVF have higher rates of anxiety and depression than those trying naturally. And it’s not just the physical process. The cost adds pressure. A single IVF cycle in India can cost anywhere from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹3 lakh, and most people need more than one try. Insurance rarely covers it, so families often drain savings or take loans. Even when it works, the stress doesn’t vanish overnight. Parenting after IVF can come with guilt, fear of loss, or feeling like your child’s arrival was "too medical." These aren’t side effects you read about in brochures—they’re real experiences shared quietly by thousands.

There are also long-term questions. Does IVF increase cancer risk? Current data says no clear link, but ongoing monitoring is recommended. What about birth defects? The risk is slightly higher than natural conception, but still very low overall. And what if it fails? Most people don’t talk about how many cycles it takes—or how many give up after two or three. You’re not alone if you feel overwhelmed, angry, or unsure. That’s normal.

Below, you’ll find honest, real-world insights from people who’ve been through IVF. From the medical red flags to watch for, to how to protect your mental health, to what actually works when the odds feel stacked against you. These aren’t generic tips. They’re lessons learned the hard way.