Physical health problems caused by IVF
IVF means that the fertilized egg is cultured in vitro, and then transplanted into the female uterus to help those couples who cannot conceive naturally achieve their reproductive aspirations. Although IVF technology has made great progress in the past decades, it still has some potential health problems.
1. Transmission of genetic diseases
The acquisition of IVF eggs is derived from the genes of one or two biological parents. However, biological parents may carry some genes of genetic diseases, and these genes may be transferred to babies through IVF technology. For example, common genetic diseases such as congenital heart disease and congenital deafness may occur in IVF. These diseases will have a negative impact on the health of infants. It is necessary to reduce the risk of genetic diseases through genetic testing and consulting experts.
In addition, human error in IVF technology may also lead to gene mutation, which may lead to health problems of infants.
2. Multiple pregnancy and premature delivery
In IVF technology, multiple fertilized eggs are often implanted into women's uterus to increase the success rate of pregnancy. However, the main problem of multiple pregnancy is premature delivery. Due to the limited capacity of the uterus, multiple pregnancy will lead to premature birth of the fetus, which will have a negative impact on their physical development and the formation of the immune system.
Preterm children may need longer hospital treatment and care after birth, and may also face higher risk of development and learning disabilities. Therefore, IVF technology needs to balance the risk of multiple pregnancy and avoid the implantation of too many fertilized eggs.
3. Hormone imbalance and physical development problems
In IVF technology, women usually need hormone therapy to promote ovarian ovulation. However, this hormone treatment may lead to the imbalance of hormone levels in the body, which may lead to a series of physical development problems.
Babies growing in the womb may be affected by unstable hormone levels, resulting in growth restriction, organ development abnormalities and other problems. In addition, some studies also found that children receiving IVF technology may be more likely to suffer from certain diseases, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, although the specific reasons are not clear.
4. Mental health problems
IVF families may be at risk of mental health problems. For couples suffering from psychological stress due to infertility, IVF technology may be their last hope to achieve their reproductive aspirations. However, the pressure and expectation of IVF technology itself may bring extra mental burden to couples and increase the incidence of anxiety and depression.
In addition, after IVF babies are born, families may face different views and pressures from society, which may further affect the mental health of family members. Therefore, couples should be given full psychological support and counseling in the process of IVF to reduce their pressure.
In conclusion, although IVF technology has helped many couples realize their reproductive dreams, it has also caused a series of health problems. Transmission of genetic diseases, multiple pregnancy and preterm birth, hormone imbalance and physical development problems, as well as possible mental health problems, all need us to take seriously, and take corresponding prevention and treatment measures in the process of IVF to ensure the health of infants and families.
