Many patients are apprehensive about the injections required for IVF treatment. However, the fertility drugs that stimulate the ovaries are not painful at all.
The egg retrieval process is painless and you will be sedated during this time. Cramping after the procedure is similar to menstrual cramps and can be managed with paracetamol.
IVF Injections
Most women who are going through an IVF cycle dread the many injections required during the ovarian stimulation phase. They worry about whether the needles will hurt. However, it’s important to realise that even if you have a very strong phobia of needles, you can learn to cope with them through gradual exposure. Taking deep breaths right before you administer the shot can help relax your muscles and make it less painful. Similarly, applying heat to the injection site can also help.
During this phase, you’ll receive daily injections of fertility medication to stimulate the follicles. These are given using either needles with small bores or the newer injection pen devices. Most people find that after the initial shock, these injections become routine. If you do experience pain, the same kind of acetaminophen that one would take for period cramps can relieve it.
After the follicles have matured, it’s time for the egg retrieval. This is done under sedation so you don’t feel any pain during this stage of the treatment. After the eggs are retrieved, they may be fertilised in the laboratory with your partner’s or donor’s sperm. This process is known as intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). During this stage, some women can experience pelvic pain and stretching sensations similar to menstrual cramps. The pain can be eased with acetaminophen and applying hot or cold compresses to the area.
IVF Egg Retrieval
During the stimulation phase of IVF, women must take daily injections to encourage ovarian follicle growth. Once enough follicles develop to mature, doctors administer one final injection called a trigger shot 36 hours before egg retrieval, encouraging the follicles to release eggs. Although many patients worry about the pain associated with these injections, they are relatively uncomplicated. The injection sites are a little uncomfortable, and the patient may feel some pelvic cramping or fullness.
Once the follicles are ready, the egg retrieval procedure takes place under sedation at an outpatient surgical center. The doctor uses ultrasound to locate the ovaries, and then inserts a needle into an individual follicle using the guidance of the ultrasound. The doctor will then remove the egg from its follicle and transfer it to a test tube.
The actual egg retrieval is quick and painless, and the doctor may give you a local anesthetic to ease any discomfort. Following the procedure, you can expect mild cramping and fullness for a few days.
The next step in the process is embryo transfer, which usually occurs 2-6 days after egg retrieval. This is also a very short, painless procedure that involves insertion of a long, thin, flexible tube called a catheter through the cervix and into the uterus. Attached to the end of the catheter is a syringe that contains one or more embryos in a small amount of fluid.
IVF Embryo Transfer
This is the last step of the infertility journey, and it can be the most stressful for patients. This is because of the pressure to make it through this part of the process. If you have any questions or concerns about this part of the procedure, talk to your care team, as they will be happy to help!
Embryo transfer occurs 2-6 days after egg retrieval and is the final stage of the IVF treatment process. It is done without anesthesia, and it feels very similar to a pap smear. It can be uncomfortable because of the speculum insertion and full bladder, but most women find that it is not very painful.
The embryo is loaded into a catheter, which then goes through the cervix and into the uterus. The syringe that contains the embryos is attached to the end of the catheter. The doctor can move the catheter around in a way that allows them to place the embryos in the most optimal location. When they are finished, the syringe is removed and the catheter is withdrawn.
Some pain is to be expected during the IVF process, and it will differ from person to person. However, severe pain is not a normal symptom of the IVF process and should be reported to your care team immediately.
IVF Pregnancy
When it comes to fertility treatment, pregnancy is definitely one of the most important milestones. It’s a beautiful and fulfilling experience, and it will be worth all the pain that you may have to go through. However, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind before you decide to undergo IVF.
For starters, IVF is an expensive procedure. It’s also a time-consuming process, and you will have to spend a lot of your free time travelling to the clinic for your appointments. This can be very stressful, especially if you’re already feeling emotionally vulnerable due to failed cycles or relationship issues.
While the injections that you get throughout your IVF process can cause some discomfort, they’re not painful. You’ll likely feel a slight stinging sensation, but the needles used are thin and not very sharp. Having a partner or friend with you during these injections can make the experience less stressful, too.
During egg retrieval, you’ll have a small amount of cramping that will be similar to your period. However, it’s a completely safe and non-invasive procedure under the able hands of our expert doctor, Dr. Prerna Gupta.
When it comes to embryo transfer, you’ll have a lot of anxiety around this step. It’s not a very invasive procedure, though, and it should be over in 10 minutes or so under the able hands of our expert doctor.
