3 The main risk of complications from IVF programs to watch out for (can it be avoided?) & Bull; hello healthy

Based on data from PERFITRI REGISTRY 2017, the chance of successful pregnancy from the IVF program aka IVF in Indonesia is recorded at around 29 percent. The chance can even reach 40% or maybe even higher if started as early as possible, preferably at the age of less than 35 years. However, before you and your partner decide to register at the nearest IVF clinic, you should first understand the possible risks of IVF that can occur.

What are the risks of IVF that may occur?

Although the chance of success is quite high, IVF also has several risks of complications that every couple should carefully consider. The most common IVF risks include:

1.Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a condition where the ovaries produce more eggs than normal. About 2% of women who undergo IVF have this syndrome.

This condition usually occurs as a side effect of fertility drugs given during IVF. In addition, women who are very thin, obese, or have a large number of eggs from the start can also develop OHSS syndrome.

OHSS signs and symptoms include:

Mild stomach pain
Bloated
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea

In some cases, OHSS syndrome can also cause shortness of breath and weight gain. Immediately consult a doctor if you experience it.

2. Multiple births

So far, IVF is seen as the mainstay of pregnancy programs to get twins. However, aji mumpung's perspective like this is actually wrong and needs to be corrected, said dr. Ivan Sini, GDRM, MMIS, FRANZCOG, SpOG, as the Secretary General of the Indonesian In Vitro Fertilization Association (PERFITRI) when met by the Hello Sehat team in Cikini, Central Jakarta, Thursday (30/8) at a media meeting hosted by Merck Indonesia.

IVF is indeed quite a lot to produce twins. Approximately 17% of cases of multiple pregnancies are from the IVF program. However, multiple pregnancies are not the main "goal" desired from the IVF program.

The reason is, multiple pregnancies are very high risk for preterm labor and various other complications. "What we (doctors - ed) want (from the IVF program) is that the mother can be pregnant for nine months and her child will be born normally," said dr. Ivan.

Apart from being premature, the risk of multiple pregnancies from IVF programs can also trigger health problems in the mother, such as:

Miscarriage.
Preeclampsia.
Gestational diabetes.
Anemia and heavy bleeding.
The risk of a caesarean section is higher.

So, twins should not be the main goal for couples who want to have children. The most important thing is to make sure your baby is born at term, aka nine months, normal and healthy. This can happen if we reduce the number of embryos implanted during the IVF process, said dr. Ivan.

3.Pregnant outside the womb (ectopic pregnancy)

Ectopic pregnancy is a risk of IVF that women really need to be aware of. This pregnancy complication occurs when the fertilized egg attaches to a place other than the uterus, usually the fallopian tube. It can also occur in the abdominal cavity or even on the cervix.

The main features of an ectopic pregnancy are severe abdominal pain on one side, vaginal discharge that tends to be cloudy or dark in color, and light blood spots.

How do you reduce the risk of IVF programs?

To anticipate the risk of IVF, the doctor must first know what the patient's medical history looks like.

For women who are at risk of OHS, for example, a doctor can prescribe the right dose of fertility drugs for you while undergoing the IVF program. This was conveyed by Prof. dr. Budi Wiweko, SpOG (K), MPH, as President of PERFITRI when met by the Hello Sehat team in Cikini, Thursday (30/8).

"Not all patients need the same dosage of drugs. There are patients who need a dose of 300, some need a dose of 225, and some need a dose of 150. So, with this, the risk of IVF in the form of OHSS can be resolved immediately, "said dr. Wiweko.

In addition, couples are also encouraged to adopt a healthy lifestyle, both before, during and after undergoing the IVF process. The reason is, according to Prof. Wiweko, most couples who are infertile, aka infertile, have a deficiency of vitamin D, antioxidants, protein, and other nutrients.

Therefore, eat well-balanced nutritious foods, especially those containing vitamin D, antioxidants, protein, low glycemic load, and other nutrients. Not only for women, men also have to eat nutritious food, especially if you experience sperm problems.

The healthier and fitter the couple's body is in welcoming pregnancy, the greater the chances of IVF success without the risk of complications.