IVF Complications: What You Need to Know Before Starting Treatment

When you start IVF, In-Vitro Fertilisation, a medical process where eggs are fertilized outside the body and implanted into the uterus. Also known as test tube baby treatment, it’s one of the most common ways people build families when natural conception isn’t working. But IVF isn’t a simple switch you flip—it comes with real risks, unpredictable outcomes, and physical tolls that many clinics don’t fully explain upfront.

One of the most common IVF complications, physical side effects caused by hormone treatments and egg retrieval procedures is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, or OHSS. This isn’t rare—it happens in up to 10% of cycles, and in severe cases, it can cause fluid buildup, kidney stress, and even hospitalization. Then there’s the emotional side: the two-week wait after embryo transfer isn’t just a waiting game—it’s a rollercoaster of hope, anxiety, and grief if it doesn’t work. And it often doesn’t. Success rates drop sharply after 35, and multiple cycles are usually needed. Many people don’t realize how expensive this gets—each cycle can cost thousands, and insurance rarely covers it. These aren’t just statistics. They’re real experiences shared by thousands who’ve walked this path.

Another hidden complication is the impact on relationships. The pressure to succeed, the loss of control over your body, and the constant medical appointments can strain even the strongest partnerships. Some couples separate under the weight of repeated failure. Others feel guilt when one partner carries more of the physical burden. And then there’s the risk of multiples—twins or triplets—which sounds exciting until you learn about the higher chance of premature birth, preeclampsia, and long-term health issues for the babies. IVF doesn’t guarantee a baby. It guarantees a process. And that process is messy, expensive, and emotionally draining.

What you won’t hear in a glossy clinic brochure is how often IVF fails even when everything looks perfect—healthy eggs, strong embryos, a perfect uterine lining. Sometimes, the body just doesn’t cooperate. And sometimes, the side effects linger long after the last injection: chronic fatigue, mood swings, or even long-term hormonal imbalances. These aren’t outliers. They’re part of the landscape.

Below, you’ll find real stories and clear facts about what happens during IVF, what goes wrong, and how people manage the fallout. You’ll see how age affects risk, what symptoms mean danger, and how to spot complications before they become emergencies. This isn’t about selling hope. It’s about giving you the full picture—so you can decide if this path is right for you, and how to protect yourself along the way.