In short –Benefits and Risks of fertility treatment

Remember: For healthy couples pregnancy rates aren’t higher than 20 – 30 % per cycle. Possible reasons are lack of ovulation or ovulation does occur but the egg cell is not mature.
Many pregnancies end prematurely without ever being identified. Depending on the extent of fertility problems and age of the woman, we suggest 2 – 3 fertilized egg cells be transferred. We promote ever increasing follicle growth using hormone stimulation. This increases the chances of pregnancy.

The hormone stimulation can lead to a substantial increase in fallopian tube activity. This is called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Liquid can accumulate in the abdominal cavity and may cause abdominal pain. If the pain worsens, please make sure to contact us. In rare cases a hospital stay is advisable as a precautionary measure to allow for better monitoring and possible treatment. Through regular examinations and checks throughout the treatment process, the risk can be reduced to 1 – 2 %. Here your active involvement is required i.e. you will need come in exactly as prescribed for examination appointments. Good to know: According to most current medical knowledge the administered hormone does not pose any danger of increasing the risk of cancer.
Since up to three fertilized egg cells are transferred during the In-vitro-Fertilization, the likelihood of a multiple pregnancy is increased. In 16 – 18 % of the cases twins are born; in 3 – 5 %, triplets.

As is the case with any pregnancy, a tubal pregnancy is also possible after an IVF procedure because embryos can migrate – in spite of their placement in the uterus. This would be monitored closely, detected early and treated immediately.
About 8 –10 % of all pregnancies end in miscarriage. With In-vitro-Fertilization the risk is slightly higher i.e. up to 15 %. This is due to the higher average age of IVF impregnated women. 
The risk of miscarriage increases with age.