Adverse consequences of IVF
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a kind of fertility method that uses IVF technology to cultivate fertilized eggs in the laboratory and implant them into the mother to obtain pregnancy. Although the development of IVF technology has brought hope to many infertile patients, there are also some adverse consequences. This article will discuss the possible adverse consequences of IVF from four aspects: genetic factors, maternal and infant health, psychological factors and social pressure.
Genetic factor
One of the major risks that IVF may face is the transmission of genetic diseases. Because the selection of fertilized eggs is determined by laboratory technology, such selection may not completely exclude fertilized eggs carrying genetic defects or gene mutations. Therefore, the offspring of IVF may suffer from some hereditary diseases, including congenital heart disease, hereditary cancer, congenital blood disease, etc. These diseases have a certain impact on the quality of life and life span of children, and have brought huge psychological and economic burdens to families.
In addition, IVF may also face the risk of chromosomal abnormalities. During laboratory culture, embryos with chromosomal abnormalities may be selected for implantation, leading to pregnancy failure or abnormal embryonic development. Chromosome abnormalities may lead to the physical and mental development of the fetus at birth, such as Down syndrome and abnormal chromosome numbers.
In addition, IVF babies may also face the risk of family genetic diseases due to the nature of artificial insemination. This is because a small number of infertile patients may carry some genes of genetic diseases, and passing these genes to the next generation may lead to the outbreak of genetic diseases.
Maternal and infant health
IVF may also have adverse effects on the health of mothers and infants. First, IVF technology itself involves hormone therapy and assisted reproduction, which may increase the risk of patients suffering from gynecological diseases such as hysteromyoma and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Secondly, during pregnancy, pregnant women with IVF may face higher abortion rate and risk of premature delivery than those with natural pregnancy. This is because pregnancy complications, such as late abortion and premature delivery, may occur after the embryos generated in the laboratory are implanted into the uterus, which poses a certain threat to the health of mothers and infants.
In addition, IVF may lead to multiple pregnancy. The laboratory usually implants multiple embryos to increase the success rate of pregnancy, but this also increases the risk of multiple pregnancies. Multiple pregnancy will increase the incidence of premature delivery, low birth weight and other complications, and bring additional risks to the health of mothers and fetuses.
psychological factor
IVF may have some adverse effects on the mental health of both spouses and families. First of all, IVF treatment is a long-term and painful process, which requires patients to undergo various medical examinations and treatments for a long time and experience physical and psychological suffering. This may lead to anxiety, depression and other psychological problems of patients. Secondly, if the IVF treatment fails after many attempts, the couple may face great psychological pressure and disappointment, and even lead to the breakdown of family relations.
In addition, IVF children may face special identity problems. They may have questions about their own reproductive methods, or face prejudice and discrimination from relatives and peers. This may have a negative impact on children's self-esteem and self-confidence.
social pressure
IVF families may face additional pressure and prejudice from society. IVF is still a relatively new way of reproduction, and many traditional concepts and cultural values still exist, which may lead to discrimination or exclusion against IVF families. Families may need to deal with others' curiosity, questioning and incomprehension, which may bring psychological burden to families.
To sum up, although IVF technology has brought hope to many infertile patients, it also has some adverse consequences. From four aspects of genetic factors, maternal and infant health, psychological factors and social pressure, IVF may face many risks and problems. Therefore, when choosing IVF technology, we should fully understand and consider these potential adverse consequences, and make wise decisions under the guidance of doctors.
