Risks and side effects of IVF
As a kind of assisted reproductive technology, IVF technology has brought fertility hope to many infertile couples. However, IVF is not without risks and side effects. The risks and side effects of IVF are described in detail in the following four aspects: IVF, drug therapy, pregnancy complications and psychological stress.
1、 Risks and side effects of in vitro fertilization
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the key steps in the IVF program, which includes intrafallopian fertilization (IVF) and preimplantation genetic screening (PGD). However, in vitro fertilization also has certain risks and side effects.
First, there may be complications during egg retrieval, such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and follicle perforation. OHSS is caused by ovarian swelling and fluid accumulation due to local over stimulation in the fallopian tube, which may endanger life in serious cases. Follicle perforation may lead to ovarian bleeding or infection.
Secondly, in vitro fertilization may lead to multiple pregnancies. In order to improve the success rate, doctors will implant multiple embryos in the uterus, thus increasing the possibility of pregnancy. However, multiple pregnancy increases the risk of premature delivery, birth defects and so on.
In addition, in vitro fertilization may also lead to abnormal embryonic development. Due to the uncontrollability of the IVF program, there is a certain probability that the embryo will stop developing, chromosome abnormalities, etc., which increases the possibility of embryo transfer failure.
2、 Risks and side effects of drug treatment
IVF treatment requires a series of drugs to control ovulation, promote follicular development and maintain early pregnancy. However, there are also some risks and side effects during the use of these drugs.
First, drug use may lead to drug allergy or other adverse reactions. For example, ovulation promoting drugs may cause headache, nausea, abdominal distension and other discomfort. In addition, some women may have allergic reactions when using human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).
Secondly, drug use may cause ovarian hyperstimulation. In order to promote the development of follicles, auxiliary ovulation promoting drugs need to be used, and overuse or improper use may lead to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). OHSS symptoms include abdominal distension, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, etc., which may endanger life in serious cases.
In addition, the use of certain drugs may increase the risk of abnormal embryonic development. For example, there is a risk of chromosomal abnormalities in embryos during the use of drugs that promote follicular development, leading to a decline in the quality of embryos.
3、 Risk and side effects of complications during pregnancy
After the success of IVF, pregnancy may still face some risks and side effects.
First, multiple pregnancy may lead to an increase in pregnancy complications. Multiple pregnancy increases the risk of premature delivery, abortion, placental abruption and other risks, and also increases the risk of death of both mother and baby.
Secondly, pregnant women may face a higher risk of pregnancy complications. Because IVF pregnancy mostly occurs in older women, they may face higher risks of pregnancy induced hypertension, gestational diabetes, and polyhydramnios.
In addition, after IVF pregnancy, anticoagulants may be required to prevent thrombosis, which increases the risk of bleeding and thrombosis.
4、 Risks and side effects of psychological stress
The uncertainty and high expectations in the process of IVF often bring great psychological pressure to both spouses.
First, economic burden is a kind of psychological pressure. IVF treatment needs a lot of financial support, including diagnosis and treatment costs, drug costs, and later rearing costs. Economic pressure may bring anxiety and tension to both spouses.
Secondly, psychological pressure during treatment is also a common phenomenon. Most of the time in the IVF process requires medical operations, such as blood sampling, egg retrieval, etc. These operations may bring physical discomfort and anxiety to both spouses.
In addition, the fear and expectation of IVF success will also exert pressure on both spouses' psychology. Worry about the success rate of pregnancy, embryo quality and other issues may lead to anxiety and tension.
Summary
Test tube baby is a complex reproductive technology. Although it brings new fertility hope to infertile couples, it is also accompanied by certain risks and side effects. From the perspective of in vitro fertilization, drug therapy, pregnancy complications and psychological pressure, IVF may face complications in the process of egg retrieval, risks of multiple pregnancy, adverse drug reactions, pregnancy complications and psychological pressure faced by both spouses. Therefore, when choosing IVF technology, couples need to fully understand the risks and side effects, and fully communicate and negotiate with doctors to ensure safety and success.
