RMFC Fertility
Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Center Colorado Springs

What are the risks associated with ART?

The assisted reproductive procedures have so far proven remarkably safe for both the would-be mother and her child, but long-term follow-up studies are not yet available. Occasionally, ovarian cysts may form in response to the Fertility drugs. Some concern has been raised that the use of Fertility medications may increase the future risk of ovarian tumor, including borderline tumors and cancer. However, this finding has not been confirmed and awaits further studies. Laparoscopy and anesthesia carry the same low risks as other surgical procedures, while ultrasound retrieval can occasionally result in a pelvic infection or bleeding. Apart from the increased chance of multiple birth, the risks of pregnancy and delivery are unchanged. With over forty thousand babies born with IVF procedures worldwide, there has been no increased risk of birth defects or abnormalities.