Director and choreographer Farah Khan has often been vocal about her journey with in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), shedding light on the challenges and triumphs associated with it. In a conversation with actor Debina Bonnerjee on her podcast, she opened up about the physical and emotional toll of the process, sharing that she had to take multiple injections daily to prepare her body for egg retrieval. She said, “Basically, people don't understand that in preparing the egg retrieval I had to take 5 injections a day… you know, to just make the stomach lining proper, to make sure the ovaries are working properly. There is a hormone called Pregnyl, you have to give it directly to the stomach, to the thigh. So it's painful and I hate injections. But when you are thinking of a baby, I suggest visualising one cute little angel. To do all this, your mental, emotional… there is a lot of hormonal imbalance as well. So, suddenly you start crying, you get very moody, you get all those things, and I think having an understanding husband is very important during this phase.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Debinna Bonnerjee Show (@thedebinnabonnerjeeshow) While IVF offers hope to those struggling with infertility, it also demands immense mental, emotional, and physical resilience. Understanding the nuances of this process can help women and men prepare better and make informed decisions. Common side effects of the hormonal treatments involved in IVF Dr Vinutha G, director obstetrics and gynaecology and women health expert at Athreya Hospitals, tells indianexpress.com, “In vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatments often involve hormonal therapies to stimulate the ovaries and prepare the body for embryo implantation.” These hormonal treatments, she says, while essential, can cause a variety of side effects, including: Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): This condition occurs when the ovaries become swollen and painful due to the overstimulation from hormones like FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone). Symptoms include bloating, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Mood Swings and Emotional Imbalance: Hormonal fluctuations are the root cause of the mood swings, irritability, and emotional distress often experienced during IVF cycles. The hormone levels fluctuate dramatically, causing a hormonal imbalance that can affect neurotransmitters in the brain. Injection Site Reactions: Daily injections often lead to pain, redness, or swelling at the site of administration. These are typically localised and can be managed by rotating injection sites and applying ice. Fatigue and Headaches: These are common due to the increased hormone levels and physical strain of the procedure. Dehydration and lack of sleep can exacerbate these symptoms. Strategies or lifestyle changes to help individuals cope with the emotional and mental stress of IVF treatments Undergoing IVF can be emotionally challenging due to the physical demands and the mental strain of hoping for a successful outcome. “To cope, stress management techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can promote relaxation and boost mood. Therapeutic support, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or counseling, offers tools to navigate anxiety and depression during the journey. Light exercise, like walking or swimming, can reduce stress and improve circulation, while a strong support system of friends, family, or fertility groups can provide comfort and alleviate feelings of isolation,” states Dr Vinutha. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
