Does IVF have side effects on the body?
Since the first test tube baby was born in 1978, the technology of test tube baby has become more and more popular, and has become an important means for many infertile couples to realize their reproductive dreams. However, the question of whether IVF technology will have side effects on the body has attracted much attention. This article will discuss the influence of IVF on the body from the aspects of embryo selection, risk of multiple pregnancy, trauma of women's reproductive organs and children's health.
1. Effect of embryo selection
An important part of IVF technology is the screening and selection of embryos. In this process, only high-quality embryos are often transferred to the mother's uterus. This selection process may have an impact on children's health.
First, embryo selection may lead to the transmission of congenital diseases. If parents suffer from a genetic disease, but embryo screening fails to rule out the possibility of this genetic disease, IVF may carry this disease.
Secondly, embryo selection may also lead to gender imbalance. Some couples may wish to choose the gender of their children, which may lead to the problem of gender imbalance.
Finally, embryo selection may also affect the process of embryo development. In IVF technology, embryos are cultured in vitro for a period of time before being transferred to the mother's uterus. Such culture process may be different from natural embryo development, potentially affecting the health of embryos.
2. Risk of multiple pregnancy
In IVF technology, in order to improve the success rate, multiple embryos are often transplanted in one cycle. However, multiple pregnancies pose a greater risk to both the mother and the fetus.
The risk of pregnant women suffering from pregnancy disease is significantly increased. During multiple pregnancy, the pressure on the uterus of pregnant women will increase, which will easily lead to anemia, pregnancy hypertension, etc., and increase the risk of premature delivery.
Multiple pregnancy also has a potential impact on the health of the fetus. In twin or multiple pregnancies, the probability of premature birth is higher, and the proportion of low birth weight infants is also higher, thus increasing the health problems faced by the fetus after birth.
In order to avoid the risk of multiple pregnancy, IVF technology has gradually reduced the occurrence of multiple pregnancy, so that the success rate and safety can reach a balance.
3. Trauma of women's reproductive organs
IVF technology requires the insertion of a fertilized egg or embryo into the uterus by puncturing the uterine wall. This process may cause trauma to female reproductive organs.
The uterine wall may be damaged during the puncture process, leading to endometriosis, adhesion or uterine stump disease, which will affect the fertility in the future.
In addition, the use of hormones to promote ovarian development may lead to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), leading to ovarian enlargement, ascites accumulation and other symptoms.
However, with the continuous progress of technology, the trauma of IVF technology to female reproductive organs has been greatly reduced, and the postoperative recovery time and complication rate have also been reduced.
4. Children's health
The health of IVF is one of the most important concerns of many couples. Some studies have shown that compared with naturally conceived children, IVF may have some health problems at birth.
In preterm infants, the proportion of IVF is higher, so some health problems caused by preterm birth are more likely to occur.
In addition, IVF is associated with certain genetic risks. Although adverse genetic diseases have been excluded as far as possible in the process of embryo screening, it is still impossible to completely eliminate all risks, so some children may develop certain diseases after birth.
However, it should be noted that most IVF babies can still grow up healthily. For children's health problems, scientific management and medical care can play a positive role.
summary
Test tube baby is an important reproductive technology, which has brought good news to many infertile couples. Although IVF technology has a certain impact on the body, such as embryo selection, risk of multiple pregnancy, trauma of women's reproductive organs, children's health and other aspects, with the progress of technology and the improvement of medical management, these side effects have been decreasing. When choosing IVF technology, patients should fully understand the relevant risks and make decisions under the guidance of doctors to ensure the health of the body and children.
