What is the long-term health impact of IVF technology?
As an important assisted reproductive technology, IVF technology has brought fertility hope to many infertile couples. However, people pay more and more attention to the long-term impact of IVF technology. This article will discuss the long-term impact of IVF technology on health from four aspects: genetic factors, mental health, physical health and social adaptability.
Genetic factor
IVF technology allows couples with inherited diseases to avoid passing on the disease to their offspring. By genetic screening of fertilized eggs, embryos with disease genes can be excluded before embryo implantation. This technology has indeed improved the health level of infants to a certain extent and reduced the incidence of some common genetic diseases.
However, IVF technology may also cause some new genetic problems. For example, multiple embryo transfer leads to a higher birth rate of multiple fetuses, and multiple pregnancy is prone to premature delivery, low weight and other health problems. Therefore, we should attach importance to the implementation of single embryo transfer in IVF technology to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancy.
In addition, the parents of IVF tend to be older, which may increase the risk of some genetic diseases. During the collection of sperm or eggs, the risk of chromosomal abnormalities or gene mutations will also increase. Therefore, even if the IVF technology is adopted, for older parents, it is still necessary to pay attention to the impact of genetic factors on the health of infants.
mental health
IVF technology is often a long and stressful process for couples. The whole process was full of anxiety, tension and expectation from the diagnosis of infertility to the process of ovulation guidance and egg retrieval. Long term treatment may increase the burden of marriage between couples, and even cause emotional problems.
In addition, the low success rate is also one of the reasons for psychological problems. Since the success rate of IVF technology is only 30% to 40%, many couples may experience many failed attempts. Such experiences often bring frustration, disappointment and psychological fatigue to couples.
In order to avoid these psychological problems, psychological counseling and support related to IVF are very important. Through professional psychological guidance, couples can better cope with the pressure and emotional fluctuations brought about by this tedious process.
good health
IVF technology requires the use of hormone drugs to regulate women's menstrual cycle and promote egg development. Long term use of these hormone drugs may cause some health problems, such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which may lead to nausea, vomiting, abdominal distention and abdominal pain.
In addition, in the process of IVF, multiple ovulation and egg retrieval operations may be required, which may cause complications such as uterine infection and uterine perforation. Therefore, before IVF technology, doctors should fully assess the patient's physical condition to reduce potential risks.
In addition, the success of IVF technology is also related to women's weight, body mass index and other factors. Obesity and underweight may affect the success rate of IVF. Therefore, maintaining proper weight and healthy eating habits is very important for the results of IVF technology.
Social adaptability
Research shows that IVF is more likely to have some behavioral and psychological problems than children who are naturally conceived. This may be related to the growth environment of IVF and the cognition of biological kinship.
IVF babies tend to grow up in special environments, and parents' expectations and pressures will be higher. This may lead to more social, academic and emotional challenges for children. At the same time, due to the lack of biological kinship, IVF may face questions and confusion about its own identity and family background.
Therefore, the parents of IVF should attach importance to the cultivation of their children's mental health and social adaptability. Providing sufficient love and care, creating a good family atmosphere, and actively participating in the growth and development of children are all important factors to promote the healthy growth of IVF.
Summary
The long-term impact of IVF technology involves many aspects such as genetic factors, mental health, physical health and social adaptability. Although IVF technology has brought fertility opportunities to infertile couples, there are also some potential health problems. Therefore, for couples preparing for IVF, taking these factors into consideration and seeking professional medical advice and psychological support will help to ensure the health and happiness of the baby to the greatest extent.
