Have you decided to try IVF? If yes, then you might have several questions about the procedure, one of them would be “Will it hurt?” It is quite normal to worry about any pain or discomfort you might face. You might have anxiety around the treatment, as you may not know what happens exactly during each step. When you understand the entire IVF process step by step, your fear will reduce, and you will realise that the experience is quite manageable. 

Does IVF Hurt?

Honestly, IVF is not something that is severely painful. There are a series of steps involved in IVF treatment, and some women might face mild, brief discomfort at certain stages, while others might not feel anything. Your experience with IVF will depend on your own pain threshold, how your body responds to hormones, and even your emotional state.

Modern fertility centers deeply care about patient discomfort and keep the process smooth and gentle as far as possible. Doctors monitor you closely, adjust medicines if needed, and make sure you never feel overwhelmed.

Understanding Pain Levels at Each Stage of IVF

IVF has several different stages, and when you know what to expect at each stage, the experience becomes much less intimidating. Here is how each part of the process typically feels. 

Hormone Injections

The thought of getting an injection can be quite scary for some people. But do not worry, the needles of these injections are thin and are given just under the skin, typically in your tummy or thigh. You might feel a quick pinch, similar to a finger-prick test. Your skin may feel slightly tender, and some women experience bloating, a sense of heaviness, or mood swings due to the hormones. These symptoms vary from person to person, but the majority of women find this stage manageable with rest and self-care.

Ultrasound Monitoring

Ultrasound scans are an important part of IVF because they help doctors track how your follicles are growing. These scans are not painful. At most, you may feel a little pressure or mild discomfort during an internal scan, especially if your bladder is full.

Egg Retrieval

Egg retrieval is the step where you might expect the most discomfort. The procedure is performed under light sedation or anaesthesia, which means that you will be comfortably asleep and feel nothing. After you wake up, you might experience period-like cramps, bloating, or light spotting for a day or two. Take rest for a day or two and use a heating pad or pain relief medicine prescribed by the doctor for cramps. 

Embryo Transfer

Embryo transfer in IVF is a quick, simple, and gentle procedure. The procedure feels similar to a routine gynaecological exam. There is no need for anesthesia, and the whole process takes about 5-10 minutes. The only time you may feel slight discomfort is if you are asked to keep your bladder full, which helps the doctor get a clearer view during the procedure.

Is IVF More Painful for Women with Certain Conditions?

Now, another question you might have is if I have certain conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, low ovarian reserve, or a history of painful periods, then will IVF be more painful? While these conditions can sometimes make monitoring or retrieval slightly more sensitive, it doesn’t mean the process becomes painful. As these conditions impact how your body responds to hormones, you might feel a little more bloating or cramping than others.

Your doctor will be aware of your medical history and can adjust treatment plans to ensure that your body responds safely.

How  IVF Clinics Help Manage Pain and Discomfort

The best fertility clinic will help you manage both physical and emotional discomfort. Here is what you can expect from the top IVF clinics in Vizag:

• Sedation or anaesthesia during egg retrieval, so you feel no pain.
• Gentle treatment protocols to avoid overstimulation.
• A supportive nursing team that guides you through injections and helps you stay calm.
• Counselling and reassurance that make a significant difference when you are nervous or overwhelmed.

Recent research also supports the effectiveness of these modern approaches. A 2025 randomized study by US Fertility found that patients who received an improved pain-management protocol after egg retrieval reported significantly lower pain levels and needed far fewer narcotics, without affecting embryo-transfer success.

When Should You Contact Your Doctor?

Many symptoms during IVF are completely normal. You may notice mild cramps, slight spotting, bloating, changes in mood, or some sensitivity where the injections were given. These effects are usually short-lived and simply indicate your body’s response to the hormonal treatment.

However, there are certain symptoms that require medical attention. You should contact your doctor if you experience severe or increasing pain, heavy bleeding, fever or chills, difficulty breathing, or extreme bloating that gets worse instead of settling. These signs are uncommon, but it is always safer to reach out early rather than wait.

With the right guidance, a supportive medical team, and clear communication, the entire process becomes easy to navigate. The best IVF clinics will prioritise safety, comfort, and personalised care.

Are you ready to start your IVF journey? At London IVF Centre, our team ensures that every step of your treatment is gentle, personalised, and supportive. Book a consultation today.