Risks and side effects of IVF technology

IVF technology is a kind of assisted reproduction technology, which helps infertile couples realize their reproductive dreams through in vitro fertilization, embryo transfer and other methods. Although this technology has brought hope to many couples, it also has some potential risks and side effects. The following are the common risks and side effects of IVF technology:

1. Mental and psychological pressure

Mental and psychological stress during IVF is very common for couples. Frequent visits to surgery and treatment cycles may lead to anxiety, depression and tension. Infertile couples may experience emotional ups and downs and psychological stress, especially after failed attempts. This kind of mental and psychological pressure may have a negative impact on the couple's relationship and personal happiness.

In addition, hormone therapy during IVF may lead to mood fluctuations, making patients irritable, anxious or depressed. These psychological reactions may have an impact on their daily life, and even pressure on the marital relationship of couples.

2. Physiological complications

In the process of IVF, hormone therapy is needed to adjust women's physiological cycle to promote ovarian development and produce multiple mature eggs. However, this hormone therapy may lead to some physiological complications.

First, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) may occur, which is one of the common complications of hormone therapy. OHSS can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, shortness of breath and other symptoms, and may require hospitalization in serious cases. In addition, hormone therapy may also lead to ovarian cysts and endometriosis.

In addition, IVF and embryo transfer in IVF infants have certain risks. The operation itself may cause infection or complications, such as bleeding or uterine perforation. Although these complications are uncommon, they still need to be paid full attention.

3. Risk of multiple births and premature delivery

In order to improve the success rate of IVF, it is often necessary to transfer multiple embryos in one cycle. However, multiple embryo transfer will increase the risk of multiple births.

Multiple pregnancy increases the risk of premature delivery, and premature infants may have various health problems at birth. Premature infants have a higher prevalence and may need to be treated in the neonatal intensive care unit. In addition, premature infants may face long-term health risks such as growth retardation, learning disabilities and behavioral problems.

4. Risk of genetic defects

IVF technology cannot completely eliminate the risk of genetic defects. Even if genetic screening and embryo selection are carried out, it cannot be guaranteed that all genetic defects can be detected.

In addition, some genetic diseases may not be easy to find, because they may need some technology to detect, and this technology may not be applicable to all couples. Therefore, couples need to fully understand their own genetic status and discuss possible genetic risks with doctors before using IVF technology.

summary

Although IVF technology has helped many couples realize their dreams of fertility, its use is accompanied by some risks and side effects. These risks include mental and psychological stress, physiological complications, risks of multiple births and preterm birth, and risks of genetic defects. Therefore, before choosing IVF technology, couples need to have a full understanding of these risks, and have a comprehensive discussion and consultation with doctors in order to make wise decisions.