IVF Side Effects
We use a holistic IVF approach, employing gentle, individualized ovarian stimulation, which minimizes the likelihood of IVF side effects
Are there IVF side effects?
Over the years, we have streamlined and simplified the process of In Vitro Fertilization to minimize interference with your lifestyle.
Most patients will be able to continue their everyday routines during their treatment. Our goal is to make your conception experience pleasant, relaxed, and as natural as possible.
Physically, IVF treatment is very gentle on the patient’s body, but it can be challenging psychologically and emotionally. Unfortunately, this could be the most significant IVF side effect for many patients.
IVF treatment often represents the “end of the road” for many couples, and this realization can sometimes generate significant stress. As a result, you may decide to seek some form of emotional support.
There are many stress-reducing techniques. Some of the more popular methods associated with increased pregnancy rates are (in alphabetical order):
- Acupuncture
- Exercise
- Guided imagery
- Massage therapy
- Journaling
- Meditation
- Mindful IVF
- Mind-body groups
- Practicing relaxation
- Psychotherapy
- Support/educational groups
- Taking on fewer tasks
- Taking time off from work
- Visualization
- Walking/hiking
- Yoga
If you do not have a counselor, see our list of therapists specializing in infertility, most of whom have previously worked with Bay IVF patients.
A temporary, transient side effect of IVF treatment could be mild discomfort at injection sites. However, this should disappear within a minute or two.
Another possible source of some degree of discomfort can be ovarian hyperstimulation. This condition can result in fluid accumulation within the body, especially in the pelvic and abdominal cavities. This “water weight gain” can make you feel uncomfortable and bloated, and your abdomen can become distended.
Hyperstimulation occurs in only a small minority of patients. It peaks about a week after egg retrieval and then gradually disappears. It is a self-limiting condition, and medications can be used to minimize or even eliminate ovarian hyperstimulation.
To the best of our understanding, IVF treatment has no lasting side effects, and there is no increased risk of diseases, such as cancer, later in a woman’s life.
In summary, IVF treatment is a very gentle and safe procedure with only minimal, if any, side effects.
We look forward to meeting you at Bay IVF and, when your treatment is successful, celebrating your new pregnancy!
Years of Experience
Babies Born
Compassionate Care
Hear from Our Patients’ Journey to Parenthood at Bay IVF!
I would highly recommend Bay IVF for those wanting to build their family and needing IVF support! Dr. Polansky and the whole Bay IVF team were so supportive and welcoming while also honest and realistic. Our girl is our dream come true!
Jennifer C.-F.This clinic has been amazing to work with. All the nurses and staff made sure I was always comfortable and were there to answer questions any time I needed. We are incredibly grateful to Dr. Polansky and the team for everything they did for us.
Harpreet K.Words could never express the gratitude my husband and I will always have for Bay IVF! We did our research and decided to check out Bay IVF. We scheduled a consultation and felt an instant connection… love at first sight!
Chelsea L.Bay IVF Early Pregnancy Heartbeat
Meet Your Doctor
- Dr. Polansky received his medical diploma from Charles University in Prague, the Czech Republic, in 1978.
- After completing his OB/GYN residency at Jewish Hospital in Saint Louis, MO, he graduated from the Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) fellowship at Stanford University in 1985.
- In the same year, he co-founded the Stanford IVF Clinic.
- Dr. Polansky obtained board certification in Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1986 and became REI subspecialty board certified in 1988.
- In 1987, he left Stanford University and established Nova IVF.
- In 2011, he founded Bay IVF, where he provides advanced fertility treatments with a holistic approach, utilizing state-of-the-art techniques.
- Dr. Polansky personally performs ultrasound examinations, egg retrievals, embryo transfers, and ovarian and endometrial stimulations for his patients.
- He is deeply committed to his patients and freely shares his cell phone number, ensuring accessibility and availability 24/7.
Frank Polansky, M.D.
Dr. Polansky’s Communication With Patients
Real texts, anonymous patient names
Initial Appointment Questions
When you call to schedule your consultation, Erica will ask you a short series of questions regarding your reproductive history.
Patients’ Thank You Cards
Your Initial Visit at Bay IVF
Attending a new patient appointment at a fertility clinic can be stressful. Our primary objective is to ensure that your initial visit is friendly and relaxing. We encourage you to ask questions at every step of the process.
1 — When You Arrive
You will be welcomed by one of the clinic receptionists. One of our nurses will measure your height and weight and take your blood pressure
2 — Meet Your Doctor
Dr. Polansky will ask you a series of clarifying questions and then provide you with a summary of the factors contributing to your infertility
4 — Exam Room
One of the nurses will escort you to an examination room. Your examination will begin with listening to your lungs and heart
3 — Ask Your Questions
You will then have a discussion with him about the most suitable reproductive treatment(s) for you. During this time, you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have
5 — Ultrasound of the Ovaries
The next step is a pelvic ultrasound to examine the uterus and ovaries. This ultrasound will help determine the number of antral follicles present within the ovaries
6 — Financial Part
Following that, you will have a discussion with one of the financial advisors regarding the financial aspects of your treatment, including potential treatment financing options
8 — Support 24/7
If you have any questions after leaving the clinic, please feel free to reach out to us via phone call, text, or email. Open and discreet communication is an integral part of the care we provide at Bay IVF
7 — What About Time?
Your entire visit is expected to last approximately one hour
Schedule Your Initial Consultation With Dr. Polansky
Online or In-Person
You can also complete the form below to request your initial consultationStill Have Questions?
We know this is a big decision. It is important for us that you feel really comfortable.