What are the risks of IntraUterine Insemination treatment?
Multiple pregnancy
The most important risk of treatment with intrauterine insemination in a stimulated cycle is the risk of multiple pregnancy. Approximately 1 in 4 women who become pregnant following this treatment will have a multiple pregnancy. Usually this is a twin pregnancy, although triplet pregnancies are possible and occur in approximately 1 in 20 of all pregnancies conceived as a result of this technique. We will know how many eggs are being produced by the ultrasound monitoring discussed above, and therefore this should avoid situations which you may have read about where women have four or more babies as a result of fertility treatment. If, during your ultrasound monitoring, it is shown that you have many follicles developing, then it is preferable to cancel treatment in that month rather than risk several babies being produced! It is always preferable to err on the side of caution.Ovarian HyperStimulation Syndrome
The second risk of treatment is Ovarian HyperStimulation Syndrome. As the ovaries are stimulated more than they would be in a natural cycle, they become larger and contain fluid filled structures (follicles) that hold the eggs. Rarely the ovaries can become very swollen leading to a condition called ‘Ovarian HyperStimulation Syndrome’.The symptoms of severe Ovarian HyperStimulation Syndrome include abdominal pain and swelling, shortness of breath, nausea, and possibly vomiting, and a reduction in urine output. In the presence of severe symptoms, hospitalisation may be necessary. This enables fluid, minerals and protein to be replaced and corrective measures taken to prevent further complications. The chances of OHSS developing are < 1 in 100 for patients having intrauterine insemination treatment. Although it is not possible to be certain which patients will develop Ovarian HyperStimulation Syndrome, those with the ovarian hormone abnormality called ‘polycystic ovaries’ are known to be more at risk. This condition will be assessed at the time of the preliminary consultation prior to starting treatment. However, this condition is very seldom.
