IVF Disadvantages: What to Know Before Starting IVF

• 6 Jun, 2025
• Rohan Talvani
• 0 Comments

If you’re thinking about IVF, it’s totally normal to focus on the chance of having a baby. But hardly anyone talks enough about the possible downsides. Some of them can hit pretty hard—physically, emotionally, and even financially.

Yes, IVF can work wonders for some families. But here’s the real talk: problems like painful injections, mood swings from hormone meds, and the giant bills could catch you off-guard. And those aren’t even the whole story. You might have to try more than once (and keep paying), deal with disappointment, and have hard conversations with your partner about what comes next. That’s why knowing the risks upfront can actually save you a lot of heartbreak and confusion down the road.

• Unpacking the Physical Side Effects
• The Emotional Rollercoaster
• Financial Costs That Add Up Fast
• IVF Success: No Guarantees
• Relationship Pressure and Social Stigma
• Potential Health Concerns for Children

Unpacking the Physical Side Effects

Let’s break down what really happens to your body during IVF. Most people hear about hormone shots, but what does that actually mean for you day to day? The truth is, IVF medicine isn’t just a simple pill—it’s a series of hormone injections, blood tests, and ultrasounds. These things help your doctor track your eggs, but your body pays the price with side effects that can range from annoying to pretty serious.

The hormone meds used for stimulating your ovaries are no joke. Many folks get bloating, cramping, and just feel "off." Here’s a quick rundown of the most common physical side effects people report during IVF disadvantages:

• Bloating and pelvic discomfort: It’s super common, and sometimes it’s bad enough you’ll need to change your plans.
• Bruising at injection sites: If you’re not a fan of needles, get ready for some sore spots.
• Headaches and mood swings: Those hormones affect your brain too, so don’t be surprised if you’re irritated or emotional.
• Weight gain: Mostly from water retention, not actually gaining fat, but it can feel frustrating.
• Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): About 2% develop it badly enough to need extra care. Symptoms include severe pain, rapid weight gain, and even trouble breathing. It’s rare, but it’s a real risk.
• Egg retrieval risks: This minor surgery can cause bleeding, infection, or damage to your bladder or bowel (again, rare, but it happens).

Here’s a quick table showing how often these side effects come up, so you know what you might expect:

Treatment doesn’t end with baby-making. You also need to be careful about infections or complications afterwards, especially if you notice fever, extreme pain, or unusual bleeding. If something feels off, call your doctor.

It helps to drink plenty of water, rest when you need to, and ask your clinic for ways to manage bruising or swelling. And if you notice side effects getting worse, don’t ignore it—doctors want to know so they can help you out.

The Emotional Rollercoaster

People usually expect IVF to be stressful, but the reality often hits harder than expected. The swings between hope and disappointment can mess with your mood, your relationships, and even your physical health. Studies have shown that about 40% of women going through IVF report symptoms of anxiety or depression at some point during treatment.

Here’s what’s tough: each step in the process—waiting for test results, daily hormone shots, hearing if the embryo transfer worked—can feel like a new mountain to climb. When cycles fail, many folks describe a sense of grief similar to losing a loved one. That’s heavy, especially if you feel like you’re supposed to just keep trying without much of a break.

Guys don’t always get off easier. Research in the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology notes that men, too, struggle with feelings of helplessness, especially when they want to fix things but can’t control the outcome.

The pressure you feel can also mess with relationships. About 30% of couples report arguing more often during IVF, and nearly 20% consider taking a break from treatment because emotional stress gets overwhelming. Social media and well-meaning friends may accidentally make things worse, either by sharing their own "success stories" or asking personal questions.

If you’re starting out, it helps to know there are ways to make things less rough:

• Find a support group—either online or in-person—just for people dealing with infertility. You'd be surprised how much it helps hearing from folks who get it.
• Set boundaries with friends and family around what you want to share.
• Don’t hesitate to ask your clinic about counseling options. Many have someone on staff for this exact reason.
• Try to keep regular routines outside of treatment. Even something simple like daily walks or a hobby away from doctor visits gives your mind a break.

The bottom line: Being open about the IVF disadvantages on your emotional health can help you plan ahead. There’s no shame in asking for help or needing time to process the ups and downs. It’s part of the deal, and getting support makes a real difference.

Financial Costs That Add Up Fast

Thinking about IVF? Get ready for some serious sticker shock. The average IVF cycle in the US costs between $12,000 and $18,000—and that’s just the base fee for one cycle. This price usually only covers monitoring appointments, egg retrieval, and embryo transfer. You still have to pay separately for medications, which can tack on another $3,000 to $6,000 each time. And if you need extra stuff like genetic testing or donor eggs, the bill gets even bigger.

It’d be nice if most people only needed one round, but that’s just not reality. According to the CDC, less than 40% of women under 35 will have a baby after a single IVF cycle, and the chances drop even lower as you get older. The average family goes through two or three cycles, sometimes more. So, multiply that price tag, and yeah—the costs can easily climb above $30,000 or even $50,000.

Even the best insurance plans rarely cover IVF in full. Some states don’t require any coverage at all. If you do find a plan that will help, watch out for fine print and lifetime maximums. And keep in mind, you’ll be paying for missed work, travel to clinics, and occasionally extra costs like freezing embryos or storing eggs.

• Ask clinics for a detailed price breakdown up front. There’s no shame—get all the facts before you start.
• Look into financing plans or fertility grants. A few non-profits can help, but spots are limited.
• Plan for more than one cycle. Hope for the best, but budget for at least two rounds just in case.

This isn’t a cheap path—far from it. If you’re preparing for IVF disadvantages, make sure your wallet is ready, too.

IVF Success: No Guarantees

Here’s the thing about IVF: you can spend months and a lot of money, and there’s still no promise you’ll leave with a baby. The IVF success rate isn’t as high as most people think, especially if you’re over 35. On average, women under 35 have about a 40% to 45% chance per cycle. But after age 40, success drops to somewhere between 5% and 15% each try. That’s a lot of pressure, and those odds can cause real disappointment.

Take a look at the stats below to see how age changes your chances:

This isn’t just about having strong willpower or being extra careful. Sometimes embryos just don’t develop as they should, or the body doesn’t respond the way you want. And it isn’t only the first round—most couples need to try multiple rounds before they see any success. That means more shots, more clinic visits, and more waiting.

• Don’t count on having a baby after the first try—multiple cycles are normal.
• Talk openly with your doctor about YOUR specific chances, not just general averages.
• Recognize that stress, existing health issues, and some unexplained reasons can all affect your outcomes.

It’s tough, but if you know all this before you start, you’ll be better prepared for what IVF might throw at you. Planning for different outcomes—good or bad—can make a huge difference in how you handle the journey.

Relationship Pressure and Social Stigma

IVF can be really tough on couples, even if you start out feeling totally in sync. All the doctor visits, shots, and waiting games can make you both stressed or cranky. Sometimes, partners won't agree on how many rounds to try, or how to deal with disappointment after a failed cycle. Couples therapy is common during IVF disadvantages because the process can chip away at patience and closeness. Around 30% of IVF patients say their relationship took a real hit from the strain, according to a 2023 UK survey.

Then there’s the issue of talking to friends and family. When everyone around you seems to get pregnant without help, it’s easy to feel isolated or even embarrassed. People still have weird ideas about IVF—some folks act like it’s "cheating nature" or they ask way too many personal questions. This stigma isn’t just in your head. Social researchers found that in many cultures, women going through IVF report feeling judged or pitied, especially if the treatments don’t work the first time.

Here’s what can help:

• Talk openly with your partner. Decide how much you’re comfortable sharing, both with each other and the outside world.
• Find support groups—online or in person. It’s seriously helpful to connect with others who get it.
• Let go of everyone else’s expectations. Your journey is unique and nobody gets to make you feel ashamed for trying to have a family.
• Consider seeing a counselor together, not just for crisis moments, but to keep communication strong.

Check out this data showing just how common the emotional and social pressure can be:

Bottom line: IVF can test your relationship and your social circle. Get help if you need it, and remember you don’t have to do this alone.

Potential Health Concerns for Children

This is the part that makes a lot of would-be parents pause—can IVF affect the health of your future child? The short answer: In most cases, kids born from IVF grow up just like their peers. But there are a few concerns that science keeps an eye on.

First, most large studies show that birth defects are only slightly higher for IVF babies. We're talking about a small increase—like 4-5% in IVF compared to about 3% in the general population. Here’s a quick snapshot:

Most of these are minor, but it’s worth discussing with your doctor if you have questions about your specific case.

Second, some studies have linked IVF to a slightly higher chance of premature birth and lower birth weight. This might be because of the treatment itself or because people who use IVF sometimes have other health issues. For example, twins and triplets (which are more common in IVF) are often born earlier.

There's also research looking at long-term health—like whether IVF kids are at higher risk for problems like asthma, diabetes, or high blood pressure. Right now, there’s no solid proof of big risks here. Most IVF kids do just fine. Plus, doctors are always improving techniques to lower any possible issues.

Here's a tip: You can help your child by being totally honest with your fertility doctor about your health history. Also, ask if there are ways to reduce risks, especially if you’re hoping to have just one baby at a time instead of multiples.

• If something worries you (like a family history of conditions), bring it up before starting IVF.
• Get regular prenatal checks and follow doctor advice closely.
• Be open to genetic counseling if suggested by your clinic.

If you want to get super detailed, ask about recent IVF research from your doctor or clinic. Science on this topic keeps changing, and your team can give you updates based on the latest findings related to IVF disadvantages.