Pain During IVF: Myth or Reality?

Many childless couples, singles and same-sex couples consider IVF treatment or In-Vitro Fertilization to become parents. It is a medical procedure that has brought joy and hope to many families across the globe. However, if an individual is undergoing this treatment for the first time, having concerns is obvious. One of the many concerns about IVF is if the process is painful or not.

This blog will break down the process of IVF treatment and discuss whether it is painful for real or is just a myth. Let’s understand the IVF process.

A Breakdown of the IVF Process

The IVF treatment takes place in numerous stages. Each stage aims to help the person get pregnant effectively. It is vital to understand each of the stages so you don’t have doubts about the process. By knowing the different stages of IVF, you can also keep your stress and concerns at bay. Individuals can set reasonable expectations while undergoing the treatment.

Stage 1: Ovarian Stimulation

The first stage of the IVF process is ovarian stimulation. In this phase, doctors provide fertility medications to stimulate the ovaries into producing numerous eggs. It is the most crucial stage in determining the success or failure of getting pregnant.

Doctors give patients hormone injections for about two weeks. These injections help in ovarian stimulation and prepare them to produce eggs. During the ovarian stage, doctors monitor egg development through ultrasound and daily blood tests.

Is It Painful?

When injections are given, patients may experience mild discomfort from the needle, causing bruising or redness. However, nowadays, most patients don’t feel the pain at all. Also, these medications are administered to enlarge the ovaries, which may cause mild bloating or cramping.

How to Manage Discomfort (If Any)?

• Apply an ice pack to the injection site before and after the shot to reduce discomfort.
• Doctors must follow the right techniques when administering injections.

Stage 2: Egg Retrieval

It is the procedure which is followed after the eggs mature. In the egg retrieval process, sedation or anaesthesia is administered. To start the process, a needle penetrates the vaginal wall to extract the eggs. The process takes place in about 30 minutes.

Is It Painful?

• Since the patient is sedated during the egg retrieval, they are unlikely to feel pain or discomfort.
• However, in rare cases, women can experience spotting, which can last for about a day or two.

How to Manage Discomfort (If Any)?

• When a patient is undergoing this stage of IVF treatment, doctors advise proper rest. So, make sure you don’t perform any strenuous chores.
• If you experience abdominal cramps, use a heating pad on the area.
• Stay hydrated all the time.

Stage 3: Fertilization & Embryo Growth

The eggs that are retrieved from the vaginal wall are fertilized with the sperm in the laboratory. The embryos formed due to the mixing of sperm and eggs are then further monitored, checking their growth.

Is It Painful?

Patients do not experience any pain during this phase of the IVF process. We can say that fertilization and embryo growth takes place in the laboratory and this part of the cycle is completely painless.

Stage 4: Embryo Transfer

The transfer part is the quickest of all the other phases of IVF treatment. It is a simple procedure where the best of the best embryos are pushed into the uterus using a catheter. To ensure the embryo placement is correct, doctors use an ultrasound process. If you experience any mild pain during the transvaginal sonogram, you will experience similar pain during this process as well. This may take about 15-20 minutes to complete this stage.

Is It Painful?

• If a patient experiences discomfort during the process of embryo pickup and transfer, it may be a sign of OHSS- Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome.
• Some women may feel a sense of pressure during the embryo transfer stage or perhaps mild cramping.
• Most women don’t feel any pain during this stage whatsoever.
• The process of embryo transfer doesn’t require any sedation.

How to Manage Discomfort (If Any)?

• Patients should stay relaxed during the transfer of embryos. You can do so by practising deep breathing.
• Whatever your doctor recommends regarding medications and rest, follow that thoroughly.

Stage 5: Luteal Phase

To help with implantation and pregnancy, doctors prescribe hormonal medications. This happens after the embryo transfer stage.

Is It Painful?

It’s not painful. However, there can be some side effects including breast tenderness, bloating and mood swings.

How to Manage Discomfort (If Any)?

• To deal with bloating, practice a healthy diet and perform light activities.
• If patients experience severe discomfort, get in touch with the doctor.

Your Guiding Force to Fertility: ReproArt Fertility Clinic

Dr Ratnaboli Bhattacharya founded the ReproArt Fertility Clinic and ever since, it has become quite a notable IVF Center in Ghaziabad. Through our advanced technology and specialists, many individuals have become proud parents. If you also want to embrace parenthood, consider booking an appointment with ReproArt Fertility Clinic. Our clinic offers:

• Extensive Experience:, At ReproArt Fertility, we have 12+ years of experience conducting IVF treatments. Boasting around 1500+ IVF cycles, we have brought smiles to the faces of childless couples.
• A Myriad of IVF Treatments:, Our trained specialists can help your parenthood journey by offering a range of treatments, including ICSI, IVF, Laser Hatching, IUI, and more.
• Innovative Technology: We at ReproArt Fertility, introduce futuristic care when it comes to addressing the issue of infertility. Our innovative technology ensures the best possible care in the journey of parenthood, leaving no stone unturned.
• Personalized Care: Every patient has a unique concern regarding having a child. Our specialists discuss with the patients and suggest the best possible treatment for their condition.

Conclusion

Lives are changed after they undergo IVF treatment. It takes a lot of emotional resilience and persistence to consider IVF. Some stages in the IVF journey can cause discomfort or pain, while other stages are simple and painless. Innovative technologies are used in IVF treatment to ensure a comfortable patient experience. Remember to follow the doctor’s guidance during and after the IVF treatment to increase your chances of successful pregnancy.

FAQs

Q1. Are there any emotional challenges during IVF treatment?

Yes. If you are new to the IVF journey, you might experience significant emotional challenges. Stress, anxiety and mood swings often kick in with this treatment.

Q2. Will I feel any pain during the IVF process?

Often medications are administered through injections during IVF treatment. Hence, those times you might feel pain or discomfort.

Q3. How can I stay calm during my IVF journey?

Practice meditation and try to stay positive throughout the journey of IVF.

Q4. What happens to the embryos that are not used in IVF treatment?

Embryos not used during IVF treatment can be frozen for future use. They may also be donated to other couples or discarded, depending on the patient’s preference.