How harmful is IVF to the body?
Test tube baby technology is an important progress in modern medicine, which has helped many infertile couples realize their reproductive dreams. However, compared with natural pregnancy, IVF has certain physical hazards. The following is detailed from four aspects.
1. Side effects of hormone therapy
In IVF, women need hormone therapy to stimulate their ovaries to produce multiple eggs. This treatment may lead to side effects such as mood swings, headache, nausea and discomfort such as breast pain. Because the hormone dose is large, sometimes it can also cause ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which is a serious side effect, and may lead to abdominal distension, chest tightness, abdominal pain, dyspnea and other serious symptoms.
In addition, hormone therapy may increase the risk of chronic diseases such as endometriosis and breast cancer. The study also found that long-term use of hormones may increase the incidence of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, thrombosis and other diseases.
2. Operation risks and complications
In the process of IVF, the taken eggs are fertilized with sperm in the laboratory, and then the fertilized eggs are implanted into the female uterus. This process requires surgical operation, which may lead to some risks and complications.
First, the operation itself may lead to infection, bleeding and organ damage. Secondly, the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and ovarian rupture also exists during ovarian stimulation and ovum retrieval. In addition, complications such as ectopic pregnancy and multiple pregnancy may occur after the implantation of fertilized eggs in the uterus.
3. Risk of genetic defects and birth defects
Although IVF technology is conducive to pregnancy, it cannot eliminate the risk of genetic defects and genetic diseases. Some genetic diseases may be determined by parents' genetic genes, and have nothing to do with the way of pregnancy. In addition, during in vitro fertilization, the genome of the fertilized egg may also be mutated or damaged, resulting in some defects at birth.
Studies have shown that babies born in vitro are slightly more likely to suffer from certain congenital malformations and genetic diseases than those born naturally. However, this risk is still small, and with the careful operation of professional hospitals, this risk can be minimized.
4. Psychological pressure and social impact
IVF may also have a certain impact on the physical and mental health of couples. First of all, IVF treatment may require multiple attempts, and the failure may bring great psychological pressure and disappointment to couples. At the same time, infertility and the choice of test tube babies may also cause tension within the family.
In addition, the high cost and uncertain success rate of IVF may also put some couples under economic and social pressure. Many people may not be able to bear the cost of IVF treatment due to economic reasons, or they may feel frustrated after failure due to over expectation of treatment results.
summary
As a modern medical technology, IVF is harmful to the body. Hormone therapy may lead to side effects and risk of chronic diseases, surgery may lead to complications, and the risk of birth defects and genetic defects is slightly increased. In addition, the psychological and social pressure of IVF on couples should not be ignored. Nevertheless, the fine operation and scientific management of professional hospitals can minimize these risks and help couples achieve their reproductive aspirations.
