Medical risks of IVF
IVF is a method to help couples who cannot conceive naturally through assisted reproductive technology. Although this technology has made a great breakthrough in solving the problem of infertility, the medical risks can not be ignored. This article will elaborate on the medical risks of IVF from four aspects: embryo selection, prenatal diagnosis, ovulation process and pregnancy complications.
Embryo selection risk
In the process of IVF, multiple fertilized eggs are usually cultured to different stages of embryonic development, and then the best developed embryo is selected for transfer. However, there are some potential risks in the process of embryo selection. First of all, due to the difference in physiological structure and function, the fertilized eggs in female fallopian tubes are different from the in vitro culture environment, which may lead to the variation of embryo development and implantation effect. Secondly, human factors in the process of embryo selection may also introduce some deviations, such as selecting the wrong embryo for transplantation, which leads to implantation failure or abnormal pregnancy.
In addition, the transfer technology in the process of embryo implantation also has certain risks. If the operation is careless, the endometrium may be damaged, leading to an increased risk of transplant failure or abortion. Therefore, in the process of embryo selection and transfer, strict monitoring and human intervention are needed to reduce potential medical risks.
Risk of prenatal diagnosis
In the process of IVF, prenatal diagnosis is often required to prevent the transmission of genetic diseases. Prenatal diagnosis determines whether there is genetic disease in the embryo by sampling embryonic cells or maternal blood for gene detection. However, prenatal diagnosis is not completely reliable, and there are certain risks and limitations.
First, prenatal diagnosis may cause damage to the embryo. For example, the sampling may lead to the termination of embryo development or fetal malformation, increasing the risk of miscarriage. Secondly, due to the complexity of congenital genetic diseases, the current prenatal diagnosis technology can not cover all genetic diseases, and there is a possibility of missed detection. In addition, in some cases, prenatal diagnosis results may cause unnecessary psychological pressure and interference decision-making problems.
Risk of ovulation process
The success rate of IVF is closely related to the control of female ovulation process. In order to improve the success rate, gonadotropin drugs are often used to increase the probability of ovulation. However, the use of this drug also has certain risks.
First, gonadotropin drugs may cause an overstimulation syndrome. Hyperstimulation syndrome refers to the ovarian overreaction to gonadotropin, which leads to ovarian swelling, abdominal distention, nausea and other symptoms. In severe cases, it may also lead to complications of ovarian torsion or rupture. Secondly, the use of gonadotropin drugs may also increase the risk of multiple pregnancy, and multiple pregnancy will bring a higher risk of pregnancy complications.
Risk of pregnancy complications
The risk of pregnancy complications caused by IVF is slightly higher than that of natural pregnancy. In IVF pregnancy, the risk of complications such as gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension and premature delivery has increased. These complications not only affect the health of the mother, but also may have adverse effects on the development and health of the fetus.
In addition, the success rate of IVF is not 100%, and there are also risks of implant failure or abortion. Once abortion occurs, it will not only bring physical pain to the couple, but also may have a certain impact on their mental health.
Summary
As an assisted reproductive technology, IVF helps couples who cannot conceive naturally realize their dreams of childbirth. However, there are certain medical risks. From embryo selection, prenatal diagnosis, ovulation process to pregnancy complications, we can see the source and impact of these risks. In the process of IVF, doctors and patients should pay attention to these risks together and take appropriate prevention and measures to ensure the health of the baby and the physical and mental health of the mother.
