In the Netflix series Kohraa, actress Mona Singh portrays a woman undergoing IVF treatment. One detail that stands out in the show is her frequent nausea and vomiting.
While it may appear to be a minor physical symptom, doctors say it reflects a much deeper medical and emotional journey.
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is often discussed in terms of hope, science, and success rates.
But what is less talked about are the day-to-day physical effects women experience during the process.
Nausea is one of the most common complaints. For many women, it is not just discomfort; it is a constant reminder that their bodies are being pushed hormonally, physically, and emotionally.
IVF is not a single procedure. It is a cycle of carefully timed hormone injections, monitoring, egg retrieval, fertilisation, and embryo transfer. Each stage involves powerful medications that significantly alter hormone levels.
These changes can affect the stomach, brain, and overall well-being.
To understand why nausea is so common during IVF, we spoke to Dr. Tripti Raheja, Director – Obstetrics & Gynaecology at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi.
WHY HORMONES DURING IVF CAN TRIGGER NAUSEA
According to Dr. Tripti Raheja, nausea and vomiting are fairly common during IVF treatment, mainly due to hormonal changes and medications used in the cycle.
“One of the main reasons is the sharp rise in estrogen levels caused by ovarian stimulation injections,” she explains. “High estrogen can directly stimulate the brain’s vomiting centre, leading to nausea.”
During IVF, women are given hormone injections to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
This causes estrogen levels to rise much higher than in a natural cycle. The body reacts to this sudden surge, and the stomach is often the first organ to show signs of discomfort.
Another reason is progesterone supplementation. After egg retrieval, progesterone is prescribed during the luteal phase to support implantation.
“Progesterone slows down gastric motility,” says Dr. Raheja. “This means the stomach empties more slowly, which can cause bloating, acidity, and nausea.”
Additionally, hCG trigger injections given to mature the eggs before retrieval can temporarily mimic early pregnancy symptoms. Since nausea is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy, women may feel morning sickness–like symptoms even before embryo transfer.
EMOTIONAL STRESS CAN MAKE IT WORSE
IVF is not only a physical journey but also an emotional one. Anxiety about success rates, fear of failure, financial pressure, and social expectations can intensify physical symptoms.
Dr. Raheja notes that emotional stress during IVF can worsen gastric symptoms. Stress affects the gut-brain connection, increasing sensitivity in the digestive system. This means even mild hormonal changes can feel more intense.
For many women, nausea becomes symbolic, it reflects the emotional weight they are carrying along with the physical treatment.
HOW WOMEN CAN MANAGE IVF-RELATED NAUSEA
The good news is that in most cases, nausea during IVF is mild and manageable.
Dr. Raheja advises:
- Eat small, frequent meals instead of heavy ones
- Choose bland foods over spicy or oily meals
- Avoid overly sweet or greasy food
- Stay hydrated with water, coconut water, or oral rehydration solutions
Natural remedies like ginger and vitamin B6 supplements may help reduce mild nausea. Light physical activity, such as short walks, can also support digestion.
“If symptoms continue, doctors can prescribe antiemetic medications that are safe during fertility treatment,” she adds.
The key is not to ignore persistent discomfort. Women should communicate openly with their fertility specialist about any side effects they experience.
WHEN NAUSEA COULD SIGNAL SOMETHING SERIOUS
While mild nausea is common, severe symptoms should not be dismissed.
Dr. Raheja warns that persistent vomiting, significant abdominal swelling, reduced urine output, or breathlessness may indicate ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). OHSS is a rare but serious complication of IVF where the ovaries become swollen and fluid may accumulate in the abdomen.
“These are red-flag symptoms,” she says. “They require immediate medical evaluation.”
Early detection and treatment can prevent complications, which is why monitoring during IVF is so important.
BEYOND THE SCREEN: UNDERSTANDING THE REAL IVF JOURNEY
Mona Singh’s portrayal in Kohraa brings an often-unspoken reality to mainstream attention. Nausea during IVF is not just about a sensitive stomach, it is about the complex interaction between hormones, the brain, the gut, and emotions.
Fertility treatment is a deeply personal and demanding process. While the goal is pregnancy, the journey itself can be physically exhausting and emotionally intense.
By talking openly about symptoms like nausea, experts hope to normalise the conversation around IVF side effects.
Because for many women, these symptoms are not just temporary discomforts, they are proof of how deeply the treatment engages the entire body, all at once.
