Side effects from fertility medications
CommonWhat: Bloating, mood changes, headaches, injection-site reactions.
How risk is reduced: Discuss with specialist; some protocols have fewer side effects.
NZ-specific risk guide
Risks of fertility treatment and IVF in New Zealand
Covers fertility assessment, ovulation induction, intra-uterine insemination (IUI) and in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) in New Zealand.
Last reviewed: 2026-05-27 · how we source risk data
Who is qualified to perform this in NZ
Fertility specialists in NZ are MCNZ-registered doctors with sub-specialty training in reproductive medicine. Embryology and laboratory work is performed by trained scientists.
Risks
Risks are categorised by frequency reported in NZ + Australasian surgical college guidance. None of this is a substitute for an individual clinical assessment by a registered practitioner.
Multiple pregnancy
CommonWhat: Twin pregnancy rates are higher with fertility treatment. NZ moving toward single-embryo transfer.
How risk is reduced: Discuss embryo-transfer count with specialist.
Failed cycle
CommonWhat: IVF success rates per cycle vary heavily by age (younger ≈ 30-40%, over 40 much lower).
How risk is reduced: Honest discussion of per-age success rate; counselling support.
Psychological impact
CommonWhat: Fertility treatment is emotionally taxing. Counselling is part of NZ standard of care.
How risk is reduced: Use counselling services offered by the clinic; reach out to Fertility NZ patient-support groups.
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
UncommonWhat: Mild-moderate OHSS is common; severe OHSS requires admission.
How risk is reduced: Modern protocols and antagonist cycles reduce severe OHSS risk.
Ectopic pregnancy
UncommonWhat: Slightly higher with IVF than spontaneous conception.
How risk is reduced: Early scan to confirm pregnancy location.
Egg-retrieval complications
RareWhat: Bleeding, infection or organ injury during retrieval.
How risk is reduced: Experienced fertility specialist.
Pre-procedure checklist
- Verify the specialist is MCNZ-registered.
- Discuss public-system eligibility (Te Whatu Ora) before going private.
- Get a written cost breakdown — IVF has many add-on costs (genetic testing, ICSI, freezing).
- Discuss success rates honestly and per-age-group.
- Discuss multiple-pregnancy risk and embryo-transfer-count policy.
Red flags — stop and get a second opinion if you see these
- "Guaranteed pregnancy" claims (ASA violation).
- Pressure to add expensive treatments without clinical justification.
- No counselling support offered for a major emotional process.
Call your clinic if you notice
- · Worsening abdominal pain post-procedure
- · Heavy vaginal bleeding
- · Inability to keep fluids down
- · Fever
When to call 111 / go to ED
Severe abdominal pain post-retrieval, heavy bleeding, fever, severe nausea/vomiting — call the clinic's emergency line or go to ED.
Sources we reference
This page draws on NZ + Australasian surgical college guidance and NZ regulator publications. Full list:
- Medical Council NZ https://www.mcnz.org.nz/
- Fertility NZ https://fertilitynz.org.nz/
Next steps
This page is general guidance about the kinds of risks documented for fertility treatment and IVF in New Zealand and Australia. It is not a substitute for an in-person clinical assessment. Risk profiles depend on the specific procedure, your individual health, the surgeon\'s experience and the facility. Always discuss your specific situation with a registered practitioner before consenting to any procedure.
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