Possible negative health effects of IVF
The development of IVF technology has enabled many infertile couples to realize their reproductive dreams. However, the birth of IVF may also bring some potential health problems. This article will elaborate on the possible negative effects of IVF on health from four aspects, and propose ways to reduce potential risks.
1. Increased risk of birth defects
IVF babies face some special biological and environmental factors during in vitro fertilization and embryo culture, which may increase the risk of birth defects. The study found that compared with natural pregnancy, IVF is more likely to suffer from birth defects such as chromosome abnormalities, nervous system defects and congenital heart disease.
First of all, IVF mothers tend to be older, and the increase in female age is associated with an increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities. Secondly, in vitro fertilization and embryo culture may lead to chromosomal abnormalities. In addition, IVF mothers usually need to receive ovulation promoting drugs and hormone therapy, which may have a negative impact on the development of embryos.
In order to reduce the risk of birth defects, it is first necessary to carry out comprehensive genetic counseling and gene screening, and select healthy embryos for transplantation. At the same time, for older women, it is recommended to carry out more careful prenatal examination and care. In addition, reducing the intervention of in vitro fertilization and embryo culture on embryos is also an important measure to reduce risks.
2. Increased risk of reproductive system diseases
IVF may face an increased risk of reproductive system diseases. The study found that the development of uterus and ovary of IVF women may not be as healthy as that of naturally conceived women, and there are risks of reproductive system diseases such as hysteromyoma, polycystic ovary syndrome and endometriosis.
In order to reduce the risk of reproductive system diseases, IVF women need to carry out regular gynecological examinations to detect and treat potential problems as soon as possible. In addition, the risk of reproductive system diseases can be reduced by correctly selecting a suitable IVF hospital and accepting the assisted reproductive technology in the whole IVF process under the guidance of professional doctors.
3. Possibility of mental health problems
Parents of IVF babies often experience long-term infertility and economic and psychological pressure, which may lead to mental health problems during their children's growth. IVF babies themselves may also face problems of self-identity, doubt the unique reproductive mode, and increase the risk of mental health problems.
In order to reduce mental health problems, parents of IVF should seek psychological counseling and support as soon as possible. It is also important to make psychological preparations in advance and understand the reproductive process of IVF for explaining the reproductive mode of IVF to children and helping them establish good self-identity.
4. Transmission risk of genetic diseases
Test tube babies may carry the genetic disease genes of their parents, increasing the risk of transmission of genetic diseases. Even if some obvious genetic diseases are excluded through gene screening, there may still be risks of other recessive genetic diseases.
In order to reduce the risk of transmission of genetic diseases, IVF patients and doctors should conduct comprehensive genetic counseling and gene screening, and select healthy embryos for transplantation. At the same time, actively participating in genetic counseling and family history investigation of genetic diseases can better understand the genetic risks of individuals and families.
summary
The development of IVF technology has brought good news to infertile couples, but there may be some negative effects behind it. IVF may face the risk of birth defects, reproductive system diseases, mental health problems and transmission of genetic diseases. In order to reduce these potential risks, individuals need to conduct comprehensive genetic counseling and gene screening, select healthy embryos for transplantation, and accept the guidance and supervision of professional doctors. In addition, it is recommended that parents of IVF infants seek psychological support as early as possible to help them cope with possible mental health problems.
