IVF
During IVF: Symptoms That Need a Call to the Clinic
Keep the fertility clinic’s urgent contact instructions available throughout treatment. Symptoms should be assessed in the context of your medicines and treatment stage, rather than compared only with online experiences.
Keep the fertility clinic’s urgent contact instructions available throughout treatment. Symptoms should be assessed in the context of your medicines and treatment stage, rather than compared only with online experiences.
Understand ovarian hyperstimulation
Fertility medicines can sometimes lead to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, or OHSS. The ovaries can become enlarged and painful. The treatment plan may need to change if the response or symptoms raise concern.
Contact the clinic promptly for abdominal pain or bloating, vomiting, faintness or concerning bleeding. Difficulty breathing, chest pain, marked reduction in urine, severe one-sided pain or shoulder-tip pain needs emergency assessment. These symptoms may have more than one cause; do not try to diagnose OHSS yourself.
Make an urgent call useful
Have your treatment dates and medicine list ready. Explain when symptoms started, whether they are worsening and whether you can keep fluids down. Tell the clinician about any pregnancy test result and the date of an egg collection or transfer.
Do not wait for the next planned scan when symptoms are severe. If the clinic cannot be reached, use local emergency care.
Clarify the plan before problems arise
At the start of treatment, ask which number works outside office hours and which hospital to attend in an emergency. Ask what to do about scheduled medicines if you become unwell; do not stop, repeat or change doses without instructions.
A written safety plan is part of treatment preparation. It should be easy for you and a chosen support person to find when you need it.
Further reading and care
For an individual assessment with Dr. Aishwarya Parulekar Pai, contact the clinic and confirm the appointment location before travelling.
Related reading
ICSI Versus Conventional IVF: What Problem Is Being Addressed?