Requirements and limitations of IVF
IVF, the artificial conception method under assisted reproductive technology, is widely used in many couples who are eager to have children under different backgrounds and circumstances. However, IVF is not applicable to everyone, and there are some specific requirements and restrictions.
Age and health
Before choosing IVF as the birth mode, the age and health status of both spouses are the primary factors for doctors to consider.
First of all, the age of the woman should be within the range suitable for pregnancy, generally between 20 and 40 years old. As female ovarian function declines with age, the quality and quantity of eggs may decline at a higher age, leading to a lower success rate.
Secondly, both husband and wife need to be healthy, without suffering from diseases or chronic diseases. Healthy couples will have more stable hormone levels and treatment responses during IVF, thus improving the success rate.
In addition, whether there are hereditary diseases between husband and wife is also a factor to be considered. Some genetic diseases may be passed on to offspring, so doctors will conduct comprehensive genetic counseling and testing for couples to understand whether there is a risk to the health of children.
Number of infants and embryo selection
In the test tube baby procedure, doctors usually transfer multiple embryos in each assisted reproductive cycle to increase the chance of pregnancy. However, the number of infants has brought a series of risks and restrictions.
First of all, multiple pregnancy will increase the complications of women during pregnancy and the health risks of babies after birth. For couples in certain circumstances, doctors may limit the number of embryos transferred to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancies.
Secondly, the selection of embryos is conditional. On the premise of minimizing adverse consequences, doctors will select suitable embryos for transplantation according to the requirements of the couple and medical judgment. Embryo quality, chromosome abnormalities and genetic diseases will affect embryo selection.
In addition, each IVF cycle can only carry out a limited number of transplant attempts. This is because each attempt requires a lot of time and money, and the success rate of transplantation will gradually decline after many attempts, so sometimes there is a limit on the number of transplant attempts.
Legal and ethical factors
IVF procedures are restricted by laws and ethical regulations in many countries and regions.
First, some countries have clear restrictions and regulations on the technology and process of IVF. For example, some countries have laws prohibiting IVF procedures for celibates or homosexuals.
Secondly, IVF involves ethical issues such as embryo freezing. Many countries and regions have clear ethical provisions on the use of embryos, limiting the scope and procedures of their use.
In addition, IVF procedures and related technologies need to be carried out in professional institutions and hospitals that meet ethical standards. These hospitals and institutions usually carry out strict review and supervision to ensure the legitimacy and ethics of the procedures.
Economic and psychological factors
Finally, before IVF, couples need to consider economic and psychological factors.
First, IVF is a relatively expensive medical procedure, which requires both husband and wife to have certain economic strength. The financial burden of IVF, including examination costs, drug costs and treatment costs, may put pressure on some people.
Secondly, IVF involves a long treatment process and uncertain results, which may have a certain impact on the mental health of couples. Therefore, before starting IVF, couples are advised to accept psychological assessment and consultation, and ensure that they have sufficient psychological preparation.
To sum up, as an assisted reproductive technology, IVF has made remarkable achievements in helping many couples realize their reproductive dreams, but there are still some specific requirements and restrictions. Age and health status, number of infants and embryo selection, legal and ethical factors, as well as economic and psychological factors all have an impact on the feasibility and success rate of IVF. Therefore, both spouses need to conduct comprehensive consultation and evaluation before making decisions.
