IVF side effects and how to handle them
Every woman going through an IVF cycle reacts differently. Some women are lucky and go through treatment quite well, both physically and emotionally.
Others however, struggle with pain, bloating and extreme moodiness. Unfortunately, there is no way to know how you are going to react to the treatment until you are going through the process.
Side effects that may occur:
- Mood swings and increased irritability
- Bloating
- Pain and discomfort
- Increased tiredness
- Nausea
- Hot flushes
- Changes in libido
It is important to remember that you may not suffer these side effects, and that if you do, they are temporary.
How to handle them
Most people have some concern about how they will handle the treatment. Support from your partner and loved ones will help you cope with many of the side effects, especially the emotional ones. You may want to have a discussion with your loved ones before treatment begins, describing the common side effects and discuss ways that they will be able to support you. Perhaps they can take over some things that you generally do, such as prepare meals or run errands, to lighten the burden during this time.
You may also need to take some time off work, especially the time around egg collection. Eggs are generally retrieved under light sedation or anaesthetic, and you may have discomfort for a few days following the procedure.
Hopefully, any side effects that you do encounter will be minimal, and that they are the result of a successful treatment!
