It is very rare to have a complication from your infertility medications and/or your IVF treatment cycle. However, as with most medical treatments, there are potential problems that can occur. Rarely, infection and significant bleeding can occur as a result of the egg retrieval. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) can occur whenever women use ovarian stimulation medications, especially injectable gonadotropins. This complication occurs in less than 1 percent of women who have egg retrievals with IVF. When severe, OHSS can cause severe dehydration with fluid accumulation in the abdominal and lung cavities, and blood-clotting disorders. OHSS symptoms typically last 1-2 weeks and the majority of cases resolve without treatment. Often pain medication and antinausea medication are needed to help alleviate the pain and nausea associated with OHSS. IVF cycles may be cancelled or embryo transfers may be postponed in order to prevent ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

The risk of multiple gestations is more common in women who undergo IVF and fertility treatments. The rate of having twins is approximately 25% and the rate of high order multiples (three or more babies) is less than or equal to 2%. Our goal is to have one, healthy baby. Multiple gestation pregnancies have more risks associated with them including: premature labor, premature delivery, maternal hemorrhage, pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, cesarean section delivery, and gestational diabetes. The risks involve both the babies and the mother. The risk of ectopic (tubal) pregnancy is 1-2% with invitro fertilization.