Which of the following is a potential complication of IVF cycles that is relatively less common compared to OHSS?

• A. Cycle cancellation
• B. Bleeding
• C. Ectopic pregnancy
• D. Thromboembolism

Answer: (D)

In IVF cycles, complications come from the ovarian stimulation and the pregnancy that may follow. A very common issue from stimulation is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which happens when high hormone levels trigger changes in capillary permeability and fluid shifts. This makes OHSS a frequent and well-recognized risk during IVF.

Thromboembolism, on the other hand, is a serious but much rarer complication. The risk arises from a temporary, hormone-driven tendency for the blood to clot, compounded by factors like dehydration, immobilization around procedures, and any underlying clotting disorders. Because these clot-related events occur infrequently compared with OHSS, thromboembolism is considered a relatively uncommon IVF complication despite its potential severity.

Bleeding and ectopic pregnancy can occur with IVF as part of the procedure and early pregnancy, and they tend to be more common than thromboembolism, though less common than OHSS in general.

So, while thromboembolism can happen, it is much less frequent than OHSS in the context of IVF cycles.