Does IVF Implantation Hurt?

IVF is a popular assisted reproductive technique for couples having infertility issues. Couples, before undergoing this treatment, generally ask Does IVF Implantation Hurt? Compared to other infertility treatments, IVF is not painful. But as every woman is different, so will have a different response to the treatment. For some women, it may be painful, while for others, the same may not be painful.

IVF involves several steps. And different stages of IVF may cause mild to moderate discomfort. How much pain you might expect at each step of the IVF process, from the very beginning until the pregnancy test, will learn in this article.

There are several steps in the IVF process. At every stage of IVF, you will experience different side effects and different levels of discomfort. An IVF cycle is composed of the following steps: –

Ovarian Stimulation

The first part of IVF treatment is ovarian stimulation. During this, patients are given many oral medications and injections to help stimulate the ovaries to produce more mature eggs. These medications contain hormones like FSH and LH. This ovarian stimulation usually takes 8 to 14 days.

Usually, IVF injections do not cause much pain. However, it varies from person to person. It can be uncomfortable and painful for women who dislike needles or are more sensitive. This can often be the most painful phase of IVF treatment.

So, it is advised to bring your friend or loved one with you during the injection appointment in case you are unsure how you will react to the needles.

Women may also experience side effects such as bloating, mood swings, breast tenderness, headaches, etc., caused by the injections. But these are not severe and painful.

Ovulation Induction

You will be given another medication to induce ovulation and release eggs once your ovaries have sufficiently matured the eggs. This medication usually contains human chorionic gonadotropin (HGC), a hormone that will help the eggs complete maturation before ovulation, and is given 36 hours before egg retrieval.

Once your doctor confines that your ovaries have adequately matured the eggs, they will provide you with another medication to induce ovulation and release the eggs. This trigger shot helps the eggs complete maturation before ovulation as it usually contains the human chorionic gonadotropin (HGC) hormone. It is generally given 36 hours before egg retrieval. The women may experience side effects, such as temporary irritation at the injection site.

Egg Retrieval

During this procedure, you will be given medication to reduce the pain. You may experience feelings of pressure and mild cramping after the process. Medicines like ibuprofen can be used to treat pain, and the doctor can prescribe more potent medication. After the retrieval procedure, recovery is speedy. And in a day or two, you can go back to your work.

Embryo Transfer

After egg retrieval and fertilization, viable eggs are selected and transferred to the woman’s uterus. But before the transfer, estrogen and progesterone are given to prepare your body for pregnancy.

This transfer is made by a syringe inserted through a vaginal catheter. Patients may not feel pain from the needle but may feel pressure from the catheter. Most women think this process is similar to a vaginal ultrasound.

However, some women find it a bit painful. After 9-10 days of embryo transfer, you will undergo some pregnancy tests like a blood test every 2-3 days and a pregnancy test at 5-6 weeks to determine whether pregnancy has occurred.

Conclusion

Therefore, the answer to Does IVF Implantation Hurt is NO. IVF is not a painful procedure. However, some may feel minor to moderate discomfort. If facing difficulty conceiving, visit the best fertility specialist or a clinic and consider any fertility treatment.