What is the difference between IVF and natural pregnancy?
As an assisted reproductive technology, IVF can help couples who are unable to conceive naturally achieve their fertility aspirations. Compared with traditional natural pregnancy, IVF has some obvious differences. This article will discuss the difference between IVF and natural pregnancy from the aspects of pregnancy process, treatment process, pregnant women's physical condition and medical costs.
The difference in pregnancy process
Natural pregnancy means that both men and women have sex. During pregnancy, sperm is transported to the uterus and combines with the egg to form a fertilized egg, so the embryo begins to form.
The pregnancy process of IVF is completed in vitro. First, women receive ovulation guidance therapy to produce multiple healthy eggs. These eggs are then collected through an egg retrieval operation. At the same time, men provide sperm samples and obtain high-quality sperm after sperm treatment. Then, in the laboratory, sperm and egg are combined to form a fertilized egg. Finally, high-quality embryos will be transferred back to women's uterus, looking forward to the occurrence of pregnancy.
It can be seen that the pregnancy process of IVF is more complicated than that of natural pregnancy.
Different treatment processes
Natural pregnancy does not require any treatment. It only requires the health of both men and women, elimination of contraceptive measures, and maintenance of normal sexual life. If you still do not get pregnant after one year's efforts, you can consider further examination and adjuvant treatment.
IVF requires several steps. First of all, the couple needs to undergo a series of examinations, including the semen analysis of the man and the reproductive system examination of the woman, to ensure that neither of them has serious reproductive problems. Then, make a treatment plan based on the examination results. Next, women receive medication to promote the development of multiple follicles. During the egg retrieval operation, women need to receive local anesthesia and be hospitalized for observation. Finally, after the completion of embryo transfer, it is necessary to wait several weeks for HCG detection in the blood or urine of pregnant women.
Different physical conditions of pregnant women
In natural pregnancy, pregnant women are usually healthy and have not experienced any assisted reproductive technology. Therefore, their physical condition can better adapt to pregnancy and childbirth.
Pregnant women with IVF have gone through the treatment process of assisted reproductive technology, so they may need additional attention and care. During drug treatment, some side effects may occur, such as mood fluctuation, abdominal stimulation syndrome, etc. After the egg retrieval operation, it is necessary to follow the doctor's advice for rest and recovery. After embryo transfer, attention should also be paid to the adjustment of diet and lifestyle to improve the success rate of pregnancy.
Differences in medical expenses
Natural pregnancy does not require additional medical expenses, and couples only need to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Test tube babies need to pay certain medical expenses. These costs include preliminary examination, drug treatment, egg retrieval operation, embryo culture, embryo transfer, early pregnancy detection and other links. For some couples who need to try many times, the cost may also be more expensive.
Summary
The differences between IVF and natural pregnancy are mainly reflected in the pregnancy process, treatment process, pregnant women's physical conditions and medical costs. IVF needs to go through more complicated pregnancy process, including drug treatment, egg retrieval, embryo transfer and other steps, while natural pregnancy only needs normal sexual behavior. Pregnant women with IVF babies need to be treated with assisted reproductive technology and may need additional attention and care. At the same time, the treatment process of IVF also needs to pay certain medical expenses.
In general, compared with natural pregnancy, IVF is a more complex and risky reproductive method, but it also provides opportunities for couples who cannot conceive naturally to achieve their reproductive aspirations.
