In vitro fertilisation (IVF) has helped millions of couples have children, and for some, such as women with blocked fallopian tubes or men with severe sperm problems, it is the most effective option. Like any medical treatment it carries risks and costs that couples should understand before deciding. This page explains the short-term risks, what is known about babies born after IVF, how IVF can affect sex life, when IVF is the right choice, and why many couples try the HART protocol first.
Thinking about IVF, or worried about its risks?
Share your reports with our specialists before you commit to a cycle. They will give you an honest assessment, and with a 68% success rate in the first cycle, you may not need IVF at all.
Call +91 8080 850 950 for a 1:1 personal consultation with our experts today.
IVF safety at a glance
- Short-term risks: twins or triplets, ovarian hyperstimulation (OHSS), procedure complications, ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage.
- Babies: some studies show slightly more premature birth and low birth weight; the absolute risk stays low.
- Sex life: women in IVF often report less desire and satisfaction and more pain and dryness, linked to stress and hormones.
- Often avoidable: many couples with unexplained infertility conceive naturally if IVF is delayed.
- Our alternative: HART, with a 68% success rate in its first 6-month cycle.
Before you decide: give HART a chance
Worried about IVF risks? Give HART one chance first
With our experience and a 68% success rate in the first treatment cycle of 6 months, many couples who start with the Homeopathic Assisted Reproductive Treatment (HART) protocol may not need IVF at all. Your first consultation and assessment with our specialists is free, and if IVF is the right step for you, we will say so.
Our clinical experience
IVF should be usually suggested after all other measures fail. But currently, IVF has become the treatment of choice as the first option considering the financials involved, notwithstanding the side effects it can have on mother and the newly born child for years.
Then why take a risk? Opt for a natural way to conceive naturally with HART Treatment Protocol.
With our experience and a success rate of 68% in the first treatment cycle of 6 months, give us a chance: you may not need IVF at all.
Known short-term risks of IVF
- Multiple pregnancy: transferring more than one embryo raises the chance of twins or triplets, with a greater risk of premature birth and complications for mother and babies
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): an over-response to injectable hormones that causes abdominal swelling and, rarely, serious illness
- Procedure-related risks: bleeding, infection, or a reaction to anaesthesia during egg collection
- Ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage, possible with any pregnancy but slightly more frequent after assisted conception
- Emotional and financial strain: cycles are costly and a failed cycle can be hard to bear
Contact your clinic urgently, or go to a hospital emergency department, for severe abdominal pain, rapid weight gain, breathlessness, heavy bleeding or fainting during or after a cycle.
What about the babies and long-term health?
Some studies show a small increase in premature birth, low birth weight and certain birth defects after IVF. The absolute risk remains low, and part of it may relate to the underlying infertility rather than the procedure.
A 2014 analysis in the BMJ, led by Dr Esme Kamphuis of the University of Amsterdam, argued that IVF is sometimes used too early, and that multiple pregnancies and even IVF singletons can have worse outcomes than natural conceptions. It also raised questions about the long-term health of IVF children, such as blood pressure and metabolic measures, and called for IVF to be used judiciously, with couples told of these risks, especially when they have a fair chance of conceiving naturally.
Is IVF often needed? What the same analysis found
Unexplained infertility accounts for roughly a quarter to a third of couples having IVF. In a cohort of 500 Dutch couples with on average almost two years of unexplained subfertility, about 60% conceived naturally after the initial assessment at the fertility clinic, and other studies have confirmed natural conceptions in couples trying for two to three years.
The authors noted that a short delay in treatment does not appear to reduce ovarian reserve enough to leave more couples childless. This is an argument for a proper assessment and a trial of other measures first, though age and ovarian reserve must always be weighed.
IVF and sex life
Researchers from Indiana University reported that women undergoing IVF had less desire for sex, were less satisfied in their relationships, were less likely to reach orgasm, and reported more vaginal pain and dryness than women not having IVF, and that problems increased as treatment continued. The hormone treatment used in assisted reproduction probably contributes, along with the stress of the process.
If this affects you, tell your clinic and your partner early; counselling helps.
When IVF is the right option
- Blocked, damaged or absent fallopian tubes
- Severe male infertility or azoospermia needing sperm retrieval with ICSI
- Very low ovarian reserve or a woman over 40 with limited time
- Genetic conditions needing embryo testing
- When other measures, including natural approaches, have been tried and have not worked
If any of these apply, do not delay: consult our specialists this week, and we can plan HART alongside your IVF plan.
Questions to ask your IVF clinic
- What is your live-birth rate (not just pregnancy rate) for my age?
- How many embryos will you transfer, and why?
- What is the total cost, including medicines and extra cycles?
- How do you reduce the risk of OHSS?
- What are the alternatives, and is IVF really needed in our case?
See our guide to choosing an IVF doctor in Mumbai. Dr. Sourabh Welling and the Welling Homeopathy team have over 25 years of experience treating patients, in our Mumbai clinics and online.
Consult a Welling specialist about IVF and natural conception
Do not delay: share your reports and your history of treatment so far, and our specialists will plan your personal homeopathic treatment, in person at our Mumbai clinics or online from anywhere.
Frequently asked questions about IVF safety
1. How safe is IVF?
IVF is widely used and is generally safe, but it carries risks: multiple pregnancy, OHSS, procedure complications, ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage, and some studies show a small rise in premature birth and low birth weight.
2. What are the side effects of IVF?
Bloating, mild pelvic discomfort, breast tenderness and mood swings are common; severe pain, rapid weight gain or breathlessness needs urgent care.
3. Are babies born through IVF healthy?
Most are healthy, but studies show slightly higher rates of premature birth and low birth weight; part of this is linked to the underlying infertility.
4. Does IVF affect sex life?
Many women report less desire and satisfaction and more pain and dryness during IVF, because of hormones and stress. Tell your clinic and seek counselling.
5. Can couples conceive naturally instead of having IVF?
Many couples with unexplained infertility do; in one Dutch cohort about 60% conceived naturally after the initial assessment. A proper assessment shows what is realistic for you.
6. Should I try homeopathy before IVF?
Many couples do. Our specialists assess both partners first and tell you honestly whether HART can be tried first or whether IVF should not be delayed.
7. What is the success rate of HART in the first cycle?
At Welling Homeopathy it is 68% in the first treatment cycle of six months, and any delay in starting reduces it.
8. When should I not delay IVF?
If you are over 40, your AMH is very low, both tubes are blocked or sperm must be retrieved surgically; consult our specialists the same week and plan alongside IVF.
9. Can I consult Welling Homeopathy online about IVF?
Yes. You can share your reports and consult our specialists online from anywhere. We have been consulting patients online for 25 years.
Related Reading
- Best IVF Doctors in Mumbai: How to Choose, Top Centres, and Why to Try HART First
- What is IVF Treatment? Steps, Success Rate, Cost, Risks and a Natural Alternative
- What Is The Success Rate Of IVF? By Age, By Cycle and How To Improve It
- Homeopathy Infertility Treatment: HART, a Proven Way to Conceive Naturally
More on IVF and the natural alternative
- Best IVF Doctors in Mumbai: How to Choose, Top Centres, and Why to Try HART First
- What is IVF Treatment? Steps, Success Rate, Cost, Risks and a Natural Alternative
- What Is The Success Rate Of IVF? By Age, By Cycle and How To Improve It
- How Much Does IVF Cost in Mumbai?
- Things You Must Do After a Failed IVF Cycle
- Beyond IVF: What Are Best Natural Alternatives To IVF?
- Homeopathy Infertility Treatment: HART, a Proven Way to Conceive Naturally
To consult Welling Homeopathy experts, call +91 80 80 850 950.
Disclaimer: this page is for information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Results vary from person to person.
