Is egg retrieval harmful to women's bodies?
Disease description:
Due to health reasons, I'm unable to conceive naturally and need to undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF). I'd like to ask, is there significant harm to a woman's body from egg retrieval?
There are indeed certain health risks associated with egg retrieval in women:
1. Pelvic infection: During the egg retrieval process, the needle passes from the vagina into the pelvic cavity, which may introduce vaginal bacteria into the pelvis and lead to pelvic infection, posing a threat to women's reproductive health.
2. Intra-abdominal bleeding: Improper technique during the procedure may damage structures such as the ureter or intestines, or cause multiple wounds in the ovary, resulting in intra-abdominal bleeding. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be required.
3. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): To obtain more eggs, women usually undergo ovulation induction treatment, which may cause ovarian enlargement and extreme sensitivity, leading to OHSS. This condition can disrupt the normal menstrual cycle and even result in irregular menstruation.
Given these potential risks, women should fully understand the related information before deciding on egg retrieval and must undergo the procedure under the guidance of a qualified physician.