Both the IVF and Egg donation related fear is not new. But it is necessary to know about these fears before making the decision.
IVF treatment related fears
Phobia of injection
The IVF treatment process requires to push many injections. Those who have needle scare; face difficulty in the whole treatment process. But the invention of smaller and finer needles minimizes the pricking pain. Moreover, the trained nursing staff inject the medication so tactfully that the patient cannot feel the pain of shots, until and unless she creates panic. It is always better to inform clinical staff about the needle phobia of the patient.
The painful egg retrieval process
The egg retrieval process is painful and often terrifying for patients. The doctor will insert a long probe attached needle inside the ovaries to collect the mature eggs. Almost half an hour requires to finish the process. But the patient cannot feel the pain as the process is conducted under general anesthesia. After the retrieval process, the patient can only feel mild cramping for an hour which is a quite similar experience as during ovulation occurs every month.
Concern about hormonal therapy
It is well aware that hormonal therapy and steroids have multiple side effects. It is always better to inform the doctor if the patient experiences any side effects after taking the medications. The doctor will change the dose or brand of the medication accordingly. Moreover, it is necessary to mention that in the IVF process the prescribed hormones are the same which produces in the body. But the dosing is slightly larger which requires maximum egg maturation.
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
Some women may experience OHSS as a side effect of hormonal therapy. The symptoms of OHSS include abdominal cramps, mood sewing, light-headedness, and nausea. These symptoms stay for a week. The doctor may prescribe some medication for symptomatic relief.
Multiple Pregnancies
In the IVF process, the risk of multiple pregnancies is higher, as multiple embryos are transferred to gain the maximum success of the treatment outcome. the number of embryos transferred to the uterus is variable. Nowadays, a maximum of three embryos is transferred depending on the patient’s age. But current medical advancement allows transferring single embryo also. The clinician discusses with the patient and her partner the number of embryo transfers.
Fear of Anaesthesia
Anesthesia is nothing but deep sleep. Although some patients may have a fear that they will not be awake after anesthetic medication given to them. But such a type of risk is very rare, as complete medical screening is conducted and the doctor will proceed when all the test results are permitted to conduct the treatment, as an underlying medical condition is only responsible for the death of a patient.
Premature menopause
Many women have the misconception that collection of a large number of eggs may destroy the ovarian reserve and brings premature menopause. But practically, the unused eggs are retrieved, and that does not impact the ovarian reserve of the female during the egg retrieval process in both IVF and egg donation process.
Ovarian cancer
Research studies have not found any link between ovarian cancer and ovarian stimulation. But the general population has a myth about ovarian cancer with the IVF process and egg retrieval techniques.
Egg donation treatment-related fears
Almost similar fears are associated with the egg donation process. But some additional concerns in the egg donation process are as follows:
The egg donor will demand parental right
Intended parents who seek for egg donation service, they have a concern of parental right. Uncertainty about the egg donor may ask for parental rights in the latter stage. But the chances of creating such type of mess is quite negligible. In most cases, egg donors prefer anonymous donations. Proper legal documentation is completed before starting the procedure.
The reaction of a child after disclosure of the fact
Many egg recipients have a fear that their children will hate them when they know about the truth. But it is completely depending upon the child’s psychology and how they know about the fact. It is always better to parent should disclose the fat at the right age of the child so that he/she cannot feel bad about it.