B. Risks of Gonadotropins
As with all injectable medications, bruising, redness, swelling, or discomfort can occur at the injection site.  Rarely, there can be an allergic reaction to these drugs.  Most women experience some bloating and minor discomfort as the follicles grow and the ovaries become temporarily enlarged.  Mild hyperstimulation usually responds to bedrest. About 2% of women develop more severe Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (How To Avoid OHSS). Other risks and side effects of gonadotropins include fatigue, headaches, weight gain, mood swings, nausea, and clots in blood vessels.

Some research suggested that the risk of ovarian tumors may increase in women who take any fertility drugs over a long period of time.  These studies had significant flaws which limited the strength of the conclusions.    More recent studies have not confirmed this risk.  A major risk factor for ovarian cancer is infertility per se, suggesting that early reports may have falsely attributed the risk resulting from infertility to the use of medications to overcome it.  In these studies, conception lowered the risk of ovarian tumors to that of fertile women. 

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) (Profasi®, Novarel®, Pregnyl®, Ovidrel®) is a natural hormone used in IVF to induce the final maturation of eggs.  The timing of this medication is critical to retrieve mature eggs.  Potential side effects include, but are not limited to, breast tenderness, bloating, and pelvic discomfort.
   
Gonadotropins have been used for many years without any evidence of increase in birth defects or spontaneous miscarriage.