Possible health risks of IVF
IVF (Assisted Reproductive Technology) is a method to help couples who cannot conceive naturally achieve their reproductive aspirations. Although this technology is successful in many cases, it also brings some health risks and potential side effects. This article will elaborate on the possible health risks of IVF from several aspects.
1. Risk of multiple pregnancy and premature delivery
IVF technology increases the success rate of fertility by implanting multiple embryos into the mother. However, this increases the risk of multiple pregnancies. Multiple pregnancy may lead to hypertension, anemia and other complications of pregnant women, and also cause danger to the fetus. Preterm delivery is a common result of multiple pregnancy. Preterm infants may face a series of health problems such as respiratory problems, neurodysplasia, mental retardation, etc.
In addition, multiple embryo implantation also increases the risk of miscarriage. Due to multiple embryo implantation, some or all of the embryos may not be embedded successfully, leading to abortion.
2. Risk of genetic disease transmission
IVF technology often needs to be realized through artificial fertilization or embryo transfer. If parents or donors carry the genes of certain genetic diseases, these diseases may be passed on to IVF. These genetic diseases may include spinal muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, etc. These diseases may have a serious impact on the quality of life and life span of infants.
Although genetic screening can be carried out before embryo implantation, not all genetic diseases can be screened out, resulting in the birth of babies with certain genetic diseases.
3. Mental and physical health problems
The birth of IVF is often a very exciting and joyful thing for couples, but this special birth mode may also cause psychological and physical health problems for couples. Factors such as psychological pressure during pregnancy, worries about the health of infants, and expectations for the success rate of treatment may lead to anxiety and depression in couples.
In addition, the pregnancy process of IVF may involve multiple operations, drug treatment, etc. These interventions on women's bodies may lead to some side effects and health problems, such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, intrauterine infection, etc.
4. Sequela and medical risks
After the success of IVF, babies may face some long-term health problems. According to a study, IVF infants may have a higher risk of chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular disease in adulthood.
In addition, there are certain medical risks in the drugs and procedures used in IVF technology. Drug treatment may lead to allergic reactions, drug side effects, etc. The operation may lead to infection, bleeding and other complications. Although these risks are low, they still need special attention and attention.
summary
As an assisted reproductive technology, IVF can help couples achieve their reproductive aspirations, but it may also cause some health risks. The risks of multiple pregnancy and premature delivery, genetic disease transmission, mental and physical health problems, as well as sequelae and medical risks are all problems that IVF may face. However, with the continuous progress of technology and the improvement of medical conditions, the related risks are gradually reduced.
