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In Vitro Fertilization

In Vitro Fertilization

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a form of assisted reproductive technology where an egg is fertilized with sperm in a controlled laboratory environment before transferring the resulting embryo into the uterus. This process is designed to help individuals and couples experiencing difficulties conceiving.
The IVF process begins with ovarian stimulation, during which reproductive endocrinologists prescribe hormonal medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs instead of the single...

Infertility in Females

Infertility in Females

Female infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse and affects about 10–15% of couples worldwide. The primary cause of female infertility is ovulatory disorders, which hinder the release of eggs. These disorders can be classified as hypothalamic amenorrhea, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure, and hyperprolactinemic anovulation disorders.
Endometriosis, a condition characterized by abnormal growth of endometrial...

Disorders of the Female Reproductive System

Disorders of the Female Reproductive System

The female reproductive system can be affected by several disorders, including Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), endometriosis, and various forms of cancer. PMS and PMDD are cyclical conditions that cause physical and emotional distress, with symptoms that include edema, mood swings, and food cravings. PMDD is a more severe form of PMS characterized by increased symptom severity that peaks during the luteal phase and tends to improve or resolve shortly after...

Ovarian Cycle

Ovarian Cycle

The menstrual cycle includes a critical component known as the ovarian cycle, which undergoes two main phases each month—the follicular phase and the luteal phase. The follicular phase is variable and averaging around 14 days. Ovulation, triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), marks the transition between the two phases. The second phase, the luteal phase, is relatively consistent, lasting approximately 14 days, and is marked by the activity of the corpus luteum. While a cycle length...

Oogenesis

Oogenesis

In human women, oogenesis produces one mature egg cell or ovum for every precursor cell that enters meiosis. This process differs in two unique ways from the equivalent procedure of spermatogenesis in males. First, meiotic divisions during oogenesis are asymmetric, meaning that a large oocyte (containing most of the cytoplasm) and minor polar body are produced as a result of meiosis I, and again following meiosis II. Since only oocytes will go on to form embryos if fertilized, this unequal...

Infertility in Males

Infertility in Males

Male infertility affects millions of couples worldwide, arising from various factors that impact different stages of the reproductive process. An endocrine imbalance resulting from conditions like hypogonadism, Klinefelter syndrome, or pituitary disorders can disrupt hormone levels and reduce sperm production. Testicular defects, such as tumors, cryptorchidism, atrophic testes, abnormal sperm morphology, and low sperm count or motility, may arise due to genetic factors, structural...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Collection of Human Follicular Fluid, Follicle Somatic Cells, and Immature Oocytes from Individuals Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization

Collection of Human Follicular Fluid, Follicle Somatic Cells, and Immature Oocytes from Individuals Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization

Published on: October 24, 2025

Physical symptoms throughout IVF cycles.

Dharani Suthersan¹, Sandra Kennedy, Michael Chapman

¹University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia.

Human Fertility (Cambridge, England)

|June 3, 2011

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycles cause significant physical symptoms for most women, peaking around oocyte retrieval. These symptoms, including bloating and fatigue, are not linked to treatment outcomes or dosage, highlighting the physical burden of IVF.

More Related Videos

Fertility Preservation Through Oocyte Vitrification: Clinical and Laboratory Perspectives

Fertility Preservation Through Oocyte Vitrification: Clinical and Laboratory Perspectives

Published on: September 16, 2021

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Collection of Human Follicular Fluid, Follicle Somatic Cells, and Immature Oocytes from Individuals Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization

Collection of Human Follicular Fluid, Follicle Somatic Cells, and Immature Oocytes from Individuals Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization

Published on: October 24, 2025

Fertility Preservation Through Oocyte Vitrification: Clinical and Laboratory Perspectives

Fertility Preservation Through Oocyte Vitrification: Clinical and Laboratory Perspectives

Published on: September 16, 2021

Area of Science:

Reproductive Medicine
Infertility Treatment
Gynecology

Background:

The physical burden of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) is not extensively documented.
Understanding patient-reported symptoms during IVF is crucial for supportive care.

Purpose of the Study:

To prospectively evaluate the physical impact of 11 symptoms throughout a long down-regulation (LDR) IVF cycle.
To assess the influence of recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (RecFSH) dose, ovarian responsiveness, and treatment outcome on symptom severity.

Main Methods:

Prospective controlled longitudinal study design.
Daily symptom questionnaires to calculate total summary scores (TSS) and summary symptom scores (SSS).
Outcome determined by beta human chorionic gonadotrophin (β-hCG) levels.

Main Results:

79.1% of women experienced significant physical symptoms during LDR IVF cycles.
Symptom severity peaked at oocyte retrieval, with bloating, abdominal pain/cramps, and fatigue being most prominent.
No significant correlation found between reported symptoms and treatment outcome, RecFSH dose, or ovarian responsiveness.

Conclusions:

IVF imposes a substantial physical burden on women undergoing treatment.
Consideration should be given to reducing the use of LDR protocols.
Patients should be advised to minimize stress and activity, especially approaching oocyte retrieval, due to symptom escalation.