It is reasonable to be concerned about the possibility of pain with any medical treatment, including fertility treatments. Although this is understandable, pain free fertility treatments are the norm. Below, we will take a look at what has the potential to cause pain during fertility treatments, as well as what steps doctors take to keep patients comfortable during treatment.‍

What Causes Pain During Fertility Treatments‍

The fertility treatments which are most likely to cause pain are those which involve invasive procedures or surgery. For example, procedures which require the doctor to access the uterus through the cervix, such as IUI and embryo transfer, are only mildly uncomfortable because the size of the catheter used is small. Other procedures, such as hysterosalpingogram (HSG) or hysteroscopy (HSC) use a larger catheter or require dilation of the cervix and can be more uncomfortable.  Directly collecting sperm from the testicles, or testicular sperm extraction, also has the potential to be uncomfortable. Some pain can be associated with using injectable medications.

The majority of fertility treatments, like oral medication, do not cause pain. Even with treatments that are likely to cause discomfort, doctors have a responsibility to take steps to ensure that the patient remains as comfortable as possible throughout the procedure.

How Doctors Minimize Pain During Fertility Treatments

There may be slight discomfort associated with certain fertility treatments. However, doctors can take steps to help ensure pain free fertility treatments, such as:

• Using less invasive options - Your doctor will recommend the least invasive fertility treatments, including pain free fertility treatments like oral medication, before recommending treatments that require medical procedures.
• Using sedation and anesthesia - For procedures where pain is likely, your doctor will administer local anesthesia and sedation to help keep you comfortable during the procedure and keep you from remembering it. If you are placed under sedation, you will not be able to drive for the next 24 hours, but you can return to other activities as soon as you feel ready to do so.
• Using the smallest needles appropriate - Many patients need to give themselves injections at home during IVF. Injections can sting while you get them, but with proper injection technique and a small enough needle, you should not feel much pain during your injections.

If you are worried that you will feel pain or anxiety during a procedure, be sure to talk to your doctor before the procedure. Your doctor can give you more information about what to expect and make recommendations about how you can stay comfortable during the procedure. Dr. Randy Morris would be happy to meet with you about treatment for your infertility. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call IVF1 at (630) 357-6540.