What are the risks of IVF test?
With the continuous development of technology, IVF technology has become the hope of many infertile couples. However, as a part of this technology, IVF testing also has certain risks. These risks are discussed from embryo selection, multiple pregnancy, infection risk and psychological pressure.
Embryonic selection
In IVF technology, embryo selection is a crucial step. Through the third generation high-throughput sequencing technology, embryos can be screened for genes to exclude embryos carrying genetic diseases. However, embryo selection also has certain risks.
First, embryo selection may lead to a decrease in ethnic and genetic diversity. Because many couples tend to choose healthy embryos, which often come from the same race or family, this may lead to the reduction of human genetic diversity.
Secondly, embryo selection may also cause moral and ethical problems. Some couples may choose to screen out embryos that carry a certain kind of embryo that may cause minor diseases, which has triggered controversy about the intervention and selection of the human genome.
Finally, because the process of examination and embryo selection is complex and expensive, couples with less financial burden are more likely to use this technology, which may further exacerbate wealth inequality.
Multiple pregnancy
In IVF technology, multiple pregnancy is a common complication. Because IVF technology usually implants multiple embryos into the uterus, the probability of multiple births is high. However, multiple pregnancy has a high risk to both mother and fetus.
First of all, multiple pregnancy will increase the probability of mothers suffering from hypertension, diabetes and other complications during pregnancy. These complications may have long-term adverse effects on maternal health.
Secondly, multiple pregnancy will increase the risk of premature delivery. After birth, premature infants may face many health problems, including dyspnea, infection and growth retardation.
Finally, multiple pregnancy will also increase the complexity of embryo selection. If multiple embryos are successfully implanted, couples may have to face a difficult decision to choose whether to keep multiple embryos or choose to reduce them.
Risk of infection
In the process of IVF examination, amniocentesis, cytogenetic examination and embryo transfer may introduce infection risk. Infection may cause serious damage to the mother and fetus.
First, amniocentesis is a common inspection method, which is used to extract amniotic fluid samples for embryonic gene detection. However, this operation may introduce the risk of bacterial or viral infection, leading to complications such as aseptic amnionitis.
Secondly, cytogenetic examination usually involves sampling process, such as taking skin cells or amniotic fluid cells. In this process, improper operation may lead to bacterial infection and cross infection.
Finally, the risk of bacterial infection and endometritis may be introduced if the operation of embryo transfer is not rigorous.
Psychological pressure
The pressure of IVF test on couples' mental health cannot be ignored. IVF technology usually requires a long time of treatment and waiting, which may cause couples to experience long-term anxiety and psychological burden.
First, infertile couples may be worried about the success of treatment. They may experience multiple examinations and embryo implantation, but most of them may end in failure. This uncertainty will increase the anxiety and psychological burden of couples.
Secondly, IVF technology may bring financial pressure to couples. The cost of examination and treatment is relatively high, and couples may have to bear a huge financial burden, which also increases their psychological pressure.
Finally, IVF technology involves decisions with unknown prospects. Couples may have to face the choice of whether to choose embryo screening, embryo selection and embryo transfer, which is a difficult decision for them and may have a negative impact on mental health.
Summary
As a part of IVF technology, IVF examination brings hope to infertile couples, but it also has certain risks. Embryo selection may reduce genetic diversity and raise ethical issues. Multiple pregnancy increases the health risk of mother and fetus. Infection may introduce complications during examination and transplantation. IVF technology also brings psychological pressure and financial burden to couples. Therefore, it is necessary to fully understand these risks and fully communicate and discuss with doctors when conducting IVF examination, so as to make wise decisions.
