In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) - Risks

The risks associated with in vitro fertilization include the possibility of multiple pregnancy (since several embryos may be implanted) and ectopic pregnancy (an embryo that implants in the fallopian tube or in the abdominal cavity outside the uterus). There is a slight risk of ovarian rupture, bleeding, infections, and complications of anesthesia. If the procedure is successful and pregnancy is achieved, the pregnancy would carry the same risks as any pregnancy achieved without assisted technology. However because many IVF patients are of advanced maternal age, and thererfore have an increased risk for conceiving a child with Down syndrome or other abnormalities, in IVF programmes it would be better test ovocytes before implantation in order to detect potential chromosomal aneuploidies, thus avoiding the transfer of embryos affected by aneuploid oocytes.