Thromboembolism Associated with Fertility Treatment

The number of women undergoing assisted conception is increasing worldwide, with more than 60,000 procedures carried out annually in the U.K. alone. This is most commonly performed by in vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF involves ovarian stimulation, which may lead to the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). This may be associated with both arterial and venous thromboses. Venous thromboembolic disease is a significant cause of maternal morbidity and mortality and it is, therefore, important to understand the processes that lead to a prothrombotic tendency and how these risks can be reduced.