Risks and side effects of IVF
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is an assisted reproductive technology, which helps infertile couples achieve their reproductive aspirations by fertilizing eggs and sperm in vitro and cultivating them into embryos, and then transferring the embryos back to the mother's womb. However, although IVF technology has achieved many successes, there are also some risks and side effects.
1. Uncertainty of fertility results
IVF technology is not 100% successful. The success rate is related to many factors, such as age, endometrial quality, egg and sperm quality. According to statistics, the success rate of IVF technology is usually between 30% and 40%. This means that even after many attempts, pregnancy may not be successful. In addition, abortion and other complications may occur during pregnancy.
In addition to the uncertainty of pregnancy itself, IVF technology also increases the risk of multiple pregnancies. To improve the success rate, doctors may implant multiple embryos in the uterus at the same time. However, multiple pregnancy will bring greater risks to both mother and fetus, such as premature delivery, low birth weight, birth defects, etc.
2. Physical reactions caused by surgery and drugs
The IVF process requires multiple operations and the use of ovulation promoting drugs. The operation may cause complications such as pain, infection and bleeding. The use of ovulation promoting drugs may cause side effects such as polycystic ovary syndrome, such as swelling, nausea, vomiting and mood fluctuations.
In addition, anesthetic drugs used during egg retrieval and embryo transfer may also lead to risks such as dyspnea and allergic reaction. Although these risks are small, professional guidance and monitoring by doctors are still needed.
3. Psychological and emotional pressure
Infertility couples usually experience the failure of many attempts to conceive naturally, which in itself has brought tremendous psychological and emotional pressure. In the process of IVF, couples may need to go through multiple blood drawing, surgery and treatment, which requires greater energy and emotional input.
In addition, in the process of IVF, couples may face ethical and moral problems such as choosing the sex of embryos, embryo screening and selective fetal reduction, which will also increase psychological and emotional pressure.
4. Economic burden
IVF technology is an expensive treatment, including medical costs, ovulation drug costs, surgery costs and so on. Usually, couples need to try many times to succeed, which will further increase the financial burden. For couples with limited economic conditions, this may be a risk and side effect that cannot be ignored.
Who is suitable for IVF?
IVF technology is applicable to couples in the following situations:
1. Severe infertility
If the couple has experienced at least one year of frequent sex and has failed to conceive, and there is no other treatment option or other treatment is invalid, IVF technology can be considered.
2. Fallopian tube problems
In the case of irreparable tubal obstruction or severe injury in women, IVF technology is an ideal choice.
3. Unpredictable male fertility
Some men have serious reproductive problems, such as low sperm quality or unpredictable fertility. IVF technology can be solved by sperm extraction and in vitro fertilization.
Summary
IVF technology has made remarkable achievements in helping infertile couples achieve their reproductive aspirations, but there are also risks and side effects. The main risks and side effects of IVF technology are the uncertainty of birth outcomes, physical reactions caused by surgery and drugs, psychological and emotional pressure, and economic burden. IVF is suitable for couples with severe infertility, fallopian tube problems and unpredictable male fertility problems. When considering IVF technology, couples should fully understand and accept these risks and side effects, and make appropriate choices under the guidance of doctors.
