Health after IVF

Safety of IVF

The health of IVF babies

Millions of babies have now been born through IVF and most studies are reassuring. There is evidence that people who have trouble conceiving may already be at higher risk of having children with health issues. This may be related to the underlying reasons IVF is required.

IVF pregnancies have a slightly higher risk of preterm birth and low birth weight.

There are rare but serious genetic conditions, called imprinting disorders, that might be linked to IVF. These conditions are very rare, even in IVF children, and current research is still not clear if the risk is increased with IVF.

Long term evidence about the subsequent growth and development of IVF/ICSI children is reassuring and, so far, there is no evidence of any increased risk of adult disease.

Cancer Risk

The research around the safety of IVF medication is reassuring.

Studies looking at the risk of breast cancer after IVF have not found any increase in risk. 

Some studies have suggested a small increase in the risk of ovarian cancer in later life, while other studies have not found any effect at all.  Infertility itself may increase the risk of ovarian cancer.

The risk of long-term health problems after using fertility drugs for IVF appears to be very low, including for people who may have to go through multiple rounds of treatment.