Differences between IVF and natural pregnancy
IVF is a kind of assisted reproduction technology, which can realize pregnancy by artificially fertilizing and cultivating embryos in vitro, and then implanting the embryos into the mother's uterus. Compared with natural pregnancy, IVF has the following differences.
Success rate
The success rate of IVF is relatively low, while the success rate of natural pregnancy is much higher. According to the data of the World Health Organization, the success rate of IVF is only about 30% on average, while the success rate of natural pregnancy is usually about 20% to 25%. This is because IVF needs to go through multiple steps, including ovulation induction, oocyte retrieval, in vitro fertilization and embryo implantation, and each step has the possibility of failure.
Nevertheless, with the continuous progress of medical technology, the success rate of IVF has gradually improved. Nowadays, some advanced assisted reproductive technologies, such as embryo screening and single embryo transfer, have significantly improved the success rate of IVF.
Time and cost
Compared with natural pregnancy, IVF requires more time and cost. Natural pregnancy only requires the couple to have sex at an appropriate time, while IVF requires a series of examinations, treatments and operations. The whole process from diagnosis to treatment may take several months or even longer.
In addition, the cost of IVF is also high. According to different regions and hospitals, the cost of IVF may range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of yuan. This is mainly because IVF requires multiple treatment cycles and drug costs, as well as the accumulation of surgery and examination costs.
Genetic disease screening
In vitro babies can be screened for genetic diseases at the embryonic stage, thereby reducing the risk of suffering from certain genetic diseases. During in vitro fertilization, doctors can screen out some major genetic diseases, such as Down's syndrome and cystic fibrosis, by means of embryo growth, chromosome examination and gene detection.
However, to implement genetic disease screening, both spouses need to carry out gene testing to determine whether there is a risk of carrying genetic diseases. In addition, genetic disease screening is not 100% accurate, and there is still a certain misdiagnosis rate.
Psychological and emotional stress
IVF has great psychological and emotional pressure on both spouses. Because IVF needs to go through a series of medical processes and uncertainties, couples may experience emotional fluctuations and increased stress. This kind of pressure may come from the failure of treatment, the desperate mood, as well as worries about fertility and family happiness.
In contrast, natural pregnancy does not require similar medical procedures and related psychological stress. Couples can rely on a more natural way of pregnancy, reducing the psychological burden.
Summary
IVF is a kind of assisted reproductive technology. Although there are some differences between IVF and natural pregnancy, it provides hope for many infertile couples to achieve fertility. With the progress of medical technology, the success rate and accuracy of IVF are also improving. However, the time, cost and psychological pressure of IVF still need to be considered. Ultimately, the choice of natural pregnancy or IVF should be based on personal circumstances, doctor's advice and moral principles.
