Fatigue and IVF: Information and Advice for Patients
Dr. Marc Kalan and Dr. Nurit Winkler are committed to helping patients in the greater Los Angeles, CA area overcome infertility. Our team of fertility doctors offer the latest and most advanced procedures in assisted reproduction. By far, the most popular of these treatments is in vitro fertilization (IVF).
As effective as IVF is, there are certain side effects that are associated with the procedure. Patients should be aware of all side effects heading into an IVF cycle. With that in mind, our team would like to discuss fatigue during the IVF process. We’ll explain what fatigue could mean and offer advice on how to deal with it.
What Happens During IVF
To help explain why fatigue may set in during IVF, let’s first go over the basics of IVF treatment.
During IVF, women are given fertility drugs to regulate and alter hormone levels. This helps control the timing of her monthly cycle. These fertility medications will help stimulate the development of viable eggs for IVF and then trigger the release of these eggs. The harvested eggs are then fertilized in a lab. When the embryo is ready, it is transferred to the uterus. Fertility drugs will be administered to create an ideal environment for an embryo to implant and be carried to term.
How Common Is Fatigue During IVF?
Fatigue is a common side effect the many IVF patients at the Los Angeles Reproductive Center experience. Rest assured that some fatigue during the IVF process is normal and, thankfully, only temporary.
Fatigue often occurs after embryo transfer is completed. Keep in mind that fatigue is often an early sign of pregnancy among women who naturally conceive.
The Causes of Fatigue in IVF
Fatigue during IVF is typically the result of increased progesterone levels in a woman’s body. This hormone helps sustain a healthy uterine lining to support a fertilized embryo. The fatigue is often linked to the use of fertility drugs, especially surrounding the critical embryo transfer phase of an IVF cycle.
Fatigue may be accompanied by other common side effects during IVF, such as cramping, headaches, tender breasts, hot flashes, and mood swings.
How to Deal with Fatigue During IVF
Each patient is different, so their level of fatigue can vary. That said, it’s helpful for patients to stay well-hydrated and take moments to de-stress and relax. Going for a light walk or taking a moment to mentally and physically reset can be crucial for controlling fatigue. Don’t be afraid to rest or take breaks as needed so you can power through work and other activities that need to get done.
What If My Fatigue Worsens?
It’s important for patients to reach out to our fertility specialists if their fatigue is extreme and persist for days on end. We can recommend other ways of overcoming these side effects and also monitor the situation in case it’s a sign of a complication.
Contact Los Angeles Reproductive Center
For more information about IVF and what patients can expect during the treatment process, be sure to contact our team of skilled fertility specialists. You can reach us in LA and Encino at (818) 208-5481, in Thousand Oaks at (805) 427-2959, and in Bakersfield at (661) 889-5173.
