Is IVF Painful? What to Expect at Every Stage 

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most effective fertility treatment available, helping hundreds of thousands of people build their families each year. But the process is complex and requires many procedures, leading many prospective patients to ask, “Is IVF painful?” 

While IVF can involve some mild discomfort, most people find the process much less painful than they feared or expected. With modern techniques, anesthesia, and personalized care, IVF is usually described as intermittently uncomfortable rather than painful. 

Below, we’ll walk through what to expect in terms of your physical experience at each stage of IVF, explain which parts might cause discomfort, and share tips to help minimize pain along the way. 

How Painful Is IVF Overall? 

Most people describe IVF as being mildly to moderately uncomfortable, not acutely or overly painful. 

The discomfort level can vary depending on your pain sensitivity, how your body responds to medication, and what procedures you are undergoing. 

On average: 

• Medication injections may cause brief stinging or bruising at the injection site.  

• Egg retrieval is performed under sedation and is not painful during the procedure. 

• Post retrieval, some mild soreness and bloating are common.  

• Embryo transfer feels similar to a Pap smear. There is some slight pressure, but no pain. 

Overall, when under the care and following the guidance of skilled specialists, physical discomfort is usually very mild and considered a small investment in light of the reward of growing your family.  

Is Egg Retrieval for IVF Painful? 

Because egg retrieval entails the use of a thin ultrasound-guided needle to gently remove eggs from the ovaries through the vaginal wall, many people wonder if this procedure is painful.  

The short answer is, no, egg retrieval is not painful.  

The procedure takes about 15–30 minutes and is performed under light sedation or anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain while it’s happening.  

One study of 124 women undergoing egg retrievals—which is usually the most uncomfortable procedure for most people—found that the women’s anticipated pain (before surgery) was significantly higher than their actual pain during the procedure.  

Many of the women in the study reported that they “would have accepted significantly more pain than they experienced.”

After the procedure, some people experience: 

• Mild cramping (similar to period cramps) 

• Bloating or pressure from enlarged ovaries 

• Light spotting for a day or two 

Most people feel comfortable returning to normal activities within 24–48 hours. Over-the-counter pain relievers, rest, and hydration can ease any lingering soreness. 

Are the Injections Painful? 

During the ovarian stimulation stage of the IVF process, you’ll self-administer daily hormone injections for 8–14 days.  

The purpose of these medications is to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs. The more mature eggs that are retrieved, the higher the likelihood of producing multiple embryos, which ultimately increases your chances of getting pregnant and bringing home a baby.  

The needles used are very thin, and the injections go into the fatty tissue of your abdomen or thigh. During the stimulation phase, you may feel: 

• A small pinch or sting when the needle enters 

• Mild soreness or bruising at the injection site 

• Temporary bloating or sensitivity as follicles grow 

Tips to reduce injection discomfort: 

• Rotate injection sites daily 

• Apply an ice pack for a few seconds before or after 

• Take slow, steady breaths to relax your muscles 

• Have your partner help if you’re nervous 

Your clinic nurses will teach you techniques to make the process as easy and comfortable as possible. 

Risks and Pain Associated with OHSS 

Though rare, one of the potentially painful side effects of IVF is Ovarian Hyperstimulation (OHSS).  

This occurs when the ovaries respond too strongly to fertility medications, producing too many follicles and becoming swollen. 

Mild OHSS can cause bloating, pressure, and abdominal discomfort. These sensations are similar to menstrual cramps or gas pain and usually resolve within a few days.  

In moderate to severe OHSS, affecting fewer than 2–5% of IVF cycles), pain can become more intense. The abdomen may feel distended, and in rare cases, fluid can accumulate in the abdomen or chest, leading to nausea, shortness of breath, and severe abdominal pain.

Is the Embryo Transfer Painful? 

The embryo transfer is usually quick, painless, and requires no anesthesia. It’s done using a thin, flexible catheter inserted through the cervix to place the embryo directly into the uterus. 

You may feel: 

• Slight pressure when the speculum is inserted 

• A mild cramp or pinch as the catheter passes through the cervix 

Most people compare it to a Pap smear and can resume normal activity right after. 

What About Progesterone Shots? 

Some clinics prescribe progesterone in oil injections to help support the uterine lining after transfer.  

These intramuscular shots can be the most uncomfortable part of IVF for some patients, since the oil-based medication is thicker and the needle is longer. 

To ease discomfort: 

• Warm the vial or syringe in your hand before injecting 

• Massage the area afterward to help absorption 

• Use a heating pad to relax the muscle 

• Alternate sides daily 

If the shots become too uncomfortable, ask your doctor about switching to vaginal suppositories or oral progesterone options. 

Emotional and Physical Support During IVF 

While mild physical discomfort is common, many patients find that IVF can create more intense and challenging emotional feelings and physical sensations.  

The stress and anxiety of uncertainty, having to wait for various tests and outcomes, shame about not being able to conceive without assistance, and the frustration and grief of failed cycles and hormone fluctuations can all take a psychological toll. 

Here are some ways to care for yourself during the process: 

• Schedule rest days after retrieval and transfer 

• Use meditation, yoga, and acupuncture to manage stress 

• Prioritize building a support system with your partner, and get involved in support groups. 

• Ask your clinic for fertility counseling recs and mind–body programs 

The Bottom Line: Is IVF Painful? 

Typically, IVF is not acutely painful, but it can be physically and emotionally demanding. With modern sedation, thin needles, and personalized care, most people experience only mild discomfort at specific points in the process. 

If you’re feeling nervous about pain, talk with your fertility team. They can tailor your medication plan, offer techniques that can make you more comfortable, and support you every step of the way. 

Ultimately, most patients say the brief discomforts of IVF are well worth the reward: a chance to grow your family.