For many individuals and couples facing infertility, in vitro fertilization (IVF) offers a powerful and hopeful path to building a family. However, for those unfamiliar with the process, it also raises an important question: Is IVF painful? As an established leader in assisted reproductive technology, we at Made in the USA Surrogacy understand that both the physical and emotional aspects of IVF treatment can seem overwhelming at first. But with clarity, compassion, and preparation, the journey becomes more manageable.
This article will guide you through each stage of IVF, addressing the types of discomfort you might experience, such as abdominal pain, mild cramping, and emotional aspects, and how to minimize discomfort with supportive care. Whether you’re pursuing IVF on your own or considering a transition to surrogacy, we’re here to help.
Understanding the IVF Procedure: What Is In Vitro Fertilization?
In vitro fertilization is a sophisticated medical procedure in which eggs and sperm are combined outside the body in a lab. Once fertilization occurs—either through conventional IVF insemination or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)—one embryo or more may be transferred into the uterus. Depending on the situation, patients may opt for fresh embryo transfers or frozen embryo transfers.
People turn to IVF for many reasons: low ovarian reserve, blocked fallopian tubes, male factor infertility requiring semen sample analysis or concentrated sperm, hormonal imbalances, or unexplained infertility. IVF is also part of the surrogacy process when a gestational carrier is involved.
IVF involves these 6 phases:
- Birth control pills to regulate the menstrual cycle
- Ovarian stimulation using hormone injections
- The egg retrieval procedure
- Fertilization and embryo development
- Embryo transfer
- Luteal phase support and pregnancy test
Let’s look at each IVF stage in more detail, along with how much discomfort to expect and how to handle it.
Is the IVF Procedure Painful? A Step-by-Step Breakdown
Ovarian Stimulation and IVF Injections
The ovarian stimulation phase begins with subcutaneous injections of fertility medications like follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) to grow mature eggs and produce multiple eggs. These daily IVF injections typically last 8–14 days.
Are IVF injections painful? While most patients report mild discomfort, some experience breast tenderness, bruising at the injection site, or temporary swelling. The discomfort can be emotional too, especially for many women managing hormone swings.
How to reduce discomfort during IVF injections:
- Use ice or a numbing agent before injecting
- Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing
- Rotate injection sites
- Get adequate sleep and follow a healthy diet
The Egg Retrieval Procedure
Roughly 36 hours after the final trigger shot, the egg retrieval process begins. During this assisted reproductive phase, a fertility specialist uses ultrasound guidance to remove multiple eggs from the ovaries with a thin needle. Sedation ensures the procedure is pain-free.
Is egg retrieval painful? While the actual egg retrieval procedure causes minimal discomfort due to anesthesia, patients may feel abdominal pain, menstrual cramps, or mild cramping afterward.
Post-retrieval recovery tips:
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 48 hours
- Use a heating pad or pain medication as advised
- Watch for signs of severe pain or ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), a rare but serious side effect from over-responding to fertility drugs
- Call your doctor immediately if you notice rapid weight gain or trouble breathing
Embryo Transfer: A Calm and Hopeful Stage
A few days after fertilization, your reproductive medicine team will select one embryo (or more) for transfer. This embryo transfer is done using a catheter and feels similar to a Pap smear.
Is embryo transfer painful? The procedure itself involves minimal discomfort, though mild cramping may follow. Most patients find it to be one of the easier steps in the IVF process.
Aftercare guidance:
- Brief rest is advised post-transfer
- Avoid intercourse and strenuous exercise
- Continue hormone support as directed
Luteal Phase and Progesterone Support
After embryo transfer, patients continue with progesterone—delivered via vaginal suppositories, pills, or injected directly into the muscle. Intramuscular injections can be especially tough on the injection site, causing soreness.
Are these IVF stages painful? This part of the process can be the most physically uncomfortable for some due to hormone injections, but it’s crucial for embryo implantation.
Comfort tips:
- Apply warm compresses
- Massage the area post-injection
- Ask your fertility doctor if switching to a different method is possible
The Two-Week Wait and the Pregnancy Test
After transfer, comes the infamous “two-week wait.” During this time, you’ll continue fertility medications and monitor for symptoms. Emotional highs and lows are common.
The outcome of your pregnancy test—usually done via blood tests—marks either the beginning of a new chapter or a return to decision-making.
Is IVF Painful? Discomfort During IVF Is Common, But Manageable
Throughout the IVF treatment, most individuals experience some form of discomfort during IVF—whether from hormonal imbalances, IVF injections, or recovery from the egg retrieval procedure. The important thing is to prepare, stay supported, and listen to your body.
Common complaints:
- Menstrual cramps
- Breast tenderness
- Mood swings
- Abdominal pain
- Severe pain or OHSS symptoms (rare)
IVF Failure: When Hope Needs a New Direction
Sometimes, despite best efforts, the IVF treatment does not result in pregnancy. Experiencing IVF failure is emotionally painful—and it’s okay to feel heartbroken.
Here’s how to cope:
- Seek support from a reproductive specialist
- Join a community or find a therapist
- Consider other paths, like surrogacy
At Made in the USA Surrogacy, we support many families who arrive after multiple failed IVF rounds. You’re not alone, and there’s a path forward.
Considering Surrogacy After IVF?
If you’ve undergone repeated IVF cycles or experienced vitro fertilization painful outcomes, surrogacy could be a path worth exploring. Surrogacy removes the physical strain of treatment while still allowing for biological parenthood.
We handle everything—from sperm collection, matching with a surrogate, legal coordination, and more—with compassion and experience.
Tips to Minimize Discomfort and Support IVF Success
Physical relief strategies:
- Use heating pads for cramps
- Maintain a healthy diet and drink water
- Incorporate relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga
Emotional care tips:
- Take breaks from TTC forums when needed
- Get outside, move gently, rest fully
- Communicate with your partner, friends, or counselor
Frequently Asked Is IVF Painful Questions
Is IVF painful overall?
The answer depends on your body, response to synthetic hormones, and tolerance. Most describe IVF as painful at times, but not unmanageable.
How painful is the egg retrieval procedure?
You won’t feel anything during retrieval itself due to sedation. Afterward, mild discomfort like abdominal pain or menstrual cramps is normal.
Can I avoid pain from IVF injections?
While some discomfort is inevitable, choosing optimal injection sites, rotating locations, and using pain management tools can help reduce discomfort.
What if I experience IVF failure?
You’re not alone. Many parents explore surrogacy after IVF doesn’t work. Learn more on our For Parents page.
Final Thoughts
IVF can be physically and emotionally taxing—but for many, the reward outweighs the temporary discomfort. Whether you’re starting IVF, recovering from IVF failure, or considering surrogacy, you deserve compassionate support and reliable guidance.
At Made in the USA Surrogacy, we walk beside you. If you’re exploring what’s next in your fertility journey, we’re here to help with trusted expertise in both IVF-informed surrogacy and personalized support.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you grow your family with care and confidence.
