In those cases, assisted hatching may be performed. This involves weakening the zona pellucida before placing the embryos within the uterus. The issue of ovarian hyperstimulation is addressed in a separate information sheet on ovulation induction with gonadotropins. ART patients also have a greater than average risk for ectopic pregnancy, even when IVF is used to achieve pregnancy. Because the fallopian tubes are bypassed in IVF, one would expect a very low risk, or no risk of ectopic pregnancy.
Ectopic pregnancy is the implantation of an embryo in a locality other than the uterine cavity.
In most cases, this is the fallopian tube. Other locations include the cervical canal, the portion of the fallopian tube that traverses the uterine wall, the ovary, and a variety of organs within the abdominal cavity. Most ectopic pregnancies can be managed with outpatient surgery or outpatient drug therapy. In some cases, ectopic pregnancy may cause significant pain and serious internal bleeding, and damage to the fallopian tube or other structures where an implantation has occurred. Because of the increased risk of ectopic pregnancy, we monitor our patients very closely early in their pregnancy.