Possible health problems caused by IVF
The continuous progress of IVF technology has fulfilled the dream of becoming a parent for many infertile couples. However, IVF may also cause some health problems, which need our attention and understanding. The following is detailed from four aspects.
1. Increased complications during pregnancy
Although the success rate of IVF has improved a lot, the risk of complications during pregnancy will also increase accordingly. First of all, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) may be caused in the process of ovarian stimulation, which may show abdominal distension, abdominal pain, vomiting and other symptoms, and may require hospitalization in serious cases. Secondly, after IVF embryo transfer, the risk of pregnancy hypertension, premature delivery and abortion will also increase. At the same time, in the process of extrauterine development, IVF may also lead to ectopic pregnancy.
In addition, in the process of IVF, women need to receive hormone therapy, which also has a certain impact on the risk of hormone related cancer. Therefore, in the process of IVF, both husband and wife should fully consult their doctors to understand the potential risks of complications during pregnancy, so as to make appropriate choices.
2. Risk of genetic defects
In the process of IVF, the genetic information of the embryo may change, increasing the risk of genetic defects. For example, chromosome abnormalities (such as Down syndrome) and gene mutations may lead to abnormal embryonic development and genetic diseases. Although embryonic genetic screening will be carried out before IVF, the possibility of genetic defects cannot be completely ruled out.
In addition, if the husband and wife have a family history of genetic diseases, it will further increase the risk of IVF suffering from genetic diseases. Therefore, before IVF, both husband and wife need to carry out detailed genetic testing and consultation, understand the possible risks, and work with doctors to develop a reasonable birth plan.
3. Mental health problems
The process of IVF is often a long and arduous journey, and couples may face tremendous psychological pressure. On the one hand, infertility itself will bring problems and challenges to the relationship between husband and wife; On the other hand, the IVF cycle requires multiple hormone treatments, surgery and embryo transfer, which are a burden for both the body and the mind.
Research has shown that the mental health problems of couples with IVF are widespread, including anxiety, depression and stress. These mental health problems will not only affect the quality of life of both spouses, but also may have a certain impact on the results of IVF. Therefore, in the process of IVF, both husband and wife should pay attention to their own mental health and actively seek support and help to cope with potential psychological pressure.
4. Reproductive organ abnormalities and dysfunction
IVF technology itself involves a variety of medical operations, such as ultrasound-guided egg retrieval, embryo transfer, etc. These operations may have a certain impact on female reproductive organs. Some studies have shown that women who have undergone IVF treatment may have problems such as fallopian tube injury, endometrial abnormalities and cervical dysfunction.
In addition, assisted reproductive technologies used in IVF, such as in vitro fertilization and embryo freezing, may also have an impact on the reproductive system. There is a widespread concern that IVF may increase the risk of gynecological diseases such as endometrial cancer and hysteromyoma, although there is no conclusive evidence to show a direct relationship between the two.
Summary
The development of IVF technology has provided a new way of reproduction for infertile couples, but there are also some potential health problems. Pregnancy complications, risks of genetic defects, mental health problems, and reproductive organ abnormalities and dysfunction are areas that we need to pay attention to. In the process of IVF, both husband and wife should fully understand and consult professional doctors, actively face potential problems, in order to achieve a smooth birth process and the birth of a healthy baby.
