Risks and side effects of IVF
In vitro fertilization (IVF) has become an effective way for many couples who cannot conceive naturally to achieve their reproductive aspirations. However, IVF also has certain risks and side effects. This article will elaborate on the risks and side effects of IVF, egg collection, embryo transfer and pregnancy.
1. In vitro fertilization
In vitro fertilization is the first step of IVF technology, which involves the artificial combination of eggs and sperm. However, there are the following risks and side effects during IVF:
First, the egg collection process may cause abdominal pain, abdominal distention, nausea, vomiting and other uncomfortable symptoms. These symptoms are usually temporary, but in a few cases may lead to serious complications such as infection or bleeding.
Secondly, implantation failure may occur during in vitro fertilization. Even after many attempts, it may still be impossible to successfully combine eggs and sperm. In this case, the couple may need to conduct in vitro fertilization again or consider other fertility methods.
In addition, hormone drugs used in IVF process may cause various side effects, such as headache, mood fluctuation, muscle pain, etc. These side effects are usually temporary, but in some cases may lead to more serious complications, such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
2. Egg collection
Egg collection is a key step in IVF technology, which can stimulate ovarian polycystic development and then take eggs. However, there are the following risks and side effects during egg collection:
First, ovarian stimulation may lead to the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), whose typical symptoms include abdominal distension, chest tightness, vomiting, abdominal pain, etc. This complication is usually temporary, but in some cases may lead to serious complications, such as ovarian torsion or thrombosis.
Secondly, ovarian stimulation may also lead to the maturation of multiple eggs, increasing the risk of multiple pregnancies. Multiple pregnancy has risks to the health of pregnant women and fetuses, such as premature delivery, bleeding, placental abnormalities, etc.
In addition, there are risks of bleeding, infection and organ damage during egg collection, but the incidence of these complications is relatively low.
3. Embryo transfer
Embryo transfer is the last step of IVF technology, which involves the implantation of fertilized eggs into the uterus of women. However, there are the following risks and side effects during embryo transfer:
First, embryo transfer may lead to implantation failure, that is, the embryo cannot be successfully implanted into the endometrium. In this case, couples need to consider embryo transfer or other fertility methods again.
Secondly, the risk of multiple births and multiple pregnancies may occur after embryo transfer. The risks of multiple pregnancy to maternal and fetal health have been discussed in the egg collection section.
In addition, the process of embryo transfer may cause abdominal pain, abdominal distension, vaginal bleeding and other uncomfortable symptoms, but these symptoms are usually temporary and will not cause serious health impact.
4. Pregnancy
After successful IVF pregnancy, compared with normal natural pregnancy, there are still some special risks and side effects:
First, IVF pregnancy has an increased age-related risk. Female age is an important factor affecting the success rate of IVF. Older women have a higher risk of abortion and pregnancy complications.
Secondly, IVF pregnancy may also cause more pregnancy complications, such as premature delivery, pregnancy induced hypertension, gestational diabetes, etc. These complications need close monitoring and timely intervention.
In addition, IVF pregnancy may experience higher pressure and psychological burden during pregnancy and childbirth, which often requires more physical strength and energy to cope with.
Summary
The risks and side effects of IVF technology cannot be ignored. There are certain risks in every stage from in vitro fertilization, egg collection, embryo transfer to pregnancy. These risks and side effects include ovarian stimulation syndrome, multiple pregnancy, implantation failure, pregnancy complications, etc. Although there are certain risks, IVF technology has been widely used in many hospitals, bringing new hope for couples who cannot conceive naturally.
