Differences between IVF and natural pregnancy
With the continuous development and popularization of IVF technology, many infertile couples can realize their desire to have children. In contrast, natural pregnancy refers to couples mating in a natural way without any auxiliary technology. There are significant differences between IVF and natural pregnancy in many aspects.
1. Physiological process
Natural pregnancy refers to the couple's mating through sexual behavior under normal circumstances, and the sperm will reach the egg through the female reproductive tract to complete the fertilization process. In IVF, sperm and egg are combined in the laboratory to form a fertilized egg through assisted reproductive technology, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracellular sperm injection (ICSI), and then the fertilized egg is implanted into the female uterus for pregnancy.
IVF technology enables many infertile couples to achieve fertility through the donation of eggs or sperm when they are unable to conceive naturally. Through assisted reproductive technology, doctors can help couples with infertility successfully conceive and give birth to healthy babies.
2. Demand for medical intervention
During natural pregnancy, couples only need to maintain healthy living habits and master appropriate sexual life time, which can generally achieve pregnancy under normal life rules. However, in IVF technology, professional medical intervention is required. The infertility specialist will determine the patient's physical condition through preliminary examination, and then formulate treatment plan according to the specific situation.
For women, doctors may recommend hormone therapy to adjust ovarian function, or egg donation or surrogacy. For men, if sperm quality is poor, pregnancy can be achieved through sperm cryopreservation or sperm donation. In addition, IVF technology may also require artificial implantation and drug treatment to increase the success rate of pregnancy.
3. Success rate and risk
The success rate of natural pregnancy depends on the fertility of the couple and the assurance of the fertility period. In contrast, the success rate of IVF is affected by many factors. First, the success of medical intervention is the key factor. Secondly, individual differences such as age, weight and fertility also affect the success rate.
In the process of IVF, there are certain risks. Implantation of multiple fertilized eggs may lead to multiple pregnancies, increasing the risk of premature delivery and pregnancy complications. In addition, some women may have side effects of hormone excess, which may have adverse effects on the ovary.
4. Psychological and economic pressure
IVF technology requires a series of examinations and treatments, and infertile couples may suffer from greater psychological pressure. Especially in the case of unsuccessful attempts, couples may feel frustrated and disappointed.
In addition, IVF technology also requires high economic costs. Medical costs, drug costs, and possible surgical and post care costs need to be considered. For some couples with poor economic conditions, IVF may be a high investment.
Summary
IVF and natural pregnancy are significantly different in physiological process, demand for medical intervention, success rate and risk, as well as psychological and economic pressure. Although IVF technology provides hope for infertile couples, it needs to be carried out under the guidance of doctors, and the possible risks and pressures should be fully considered.
