Effects of IVF on Reproductive System
IVF is a method of transferring embryos to the mother after in vitro fertilization through assisted reproductive technology to promote infertility or infertile couples to achieve pregnancy and fertility. Although IVF technology has brought great breakthroughs and hopes in medicine, it may also have some effects on the reproductive system, including hormone levels, uterine environment, pregnancy risks and genetic problems.
1. Hormone level
In the process of IVF, the regulation of hormone level is very important. First, women need hormone therapy to promote egg development. These hormones may cause ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), abdominal pain, swelling and dyspnea. Secondly, during the embryo transfer phase, women may need to receive progesterone or other hormone drugs to support pregnancy. These hormones may affect the balance of hormones in the body, thereby affecting the reproductive system.
In addition, men may experience additional hormone treatment during sperm extraction to improve the quality and quantity of sperm. However, how to accurately regulate hormone levels to achieve ideal fertility results still needs further research and optimization.
2. Uterine environment
Test tube baby embryos are transferred to the mother's uterus after developing in a culture dish for a period of time. However, there are differences between this external environment and the intrauterine environment during natural pregnancy. For the mother, the preparation of endometrium is very important for embryo transplantation and implantation. Inappropriate intrauterine environment may affect embryo implantation and pregnancy success rate.
In addition, in the process of IVF, additional hormone therapy may be required for the endometrium to help it better cope with embryo transplantation and implantation. This treatment may lead to some side effects, such as breast pain, emotional fluctuations, etc., which may have a certain impact on the reproductive system.
3. Pregnancy risk
The risk of IVF pregnancy may increase relative to natural pregnancy. First, IVF may increase the risk of multiple pregnancies. Multiple pregnancy increases the risk of premature delivery, low birth weight, dystocia and other complications. Secondly, IVF may increase the risk of early abortion. Due to the limitations of IVF embryo quality and implantation technology, the pregnancy success rate is low, so the risk of abortion is relatively high.
In addition, IVF pregnancy may increase the probability of pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes mellitus and pregnancy induced hypertension. These complications may have adverse effects on the mother and fetus, and need to be closely monitored and managed during pregnancy.
4. Genetic problems
Although IVF technology itself does not cause genetic problems, it increases the risk of genetic diseases. If one or two fathers suffer from genetic diseases, they may choose to select healthy embryos for transfer through IVF technology screening or genetic testing. In this way, IVF can reduce the spread of some genetic diseases, but it cannot completely eliminate the possibility of genetic problems.
In conclusion, IVF may have certain effects on the reproductive system, including hormone levels, uterine environment, pregnancy risks and genetic problems. Nevertheless, with the development of science and technology and the accumulation of clinical experience, the medical community is constantly striving to improve the IVF technology to minimize the adverse effects on the reproductive system and bring more hope and joy to infertile couples.
