Differences between IVF and natural pregnancy
The development of IVF technology provides an opportunity for couples who cannot conceive through natural means, so that they can realize their dream of having healthy children. Compared with natural pregnancy, IVF is obviously different in many aspects. The following will elaborate on the physiological process, success rate, time cost and genetic characteristics.
1. Physiological process
Natural pregnancy refers to the natural combination and fertilization of male sperm and female eggs in the body, and then embedded in the endometrium beside the uterus. In contrast, IVF combines sperm and egg in vitro through in vitro fertilization, cultivates embryos in culture medium, and finally transplants embryos into female uterus for implantation and growth. Therefore, IVF needs more medical and technical support than natural pregnancy.
First of all, women need hormone therapy to promote ovarian development and follicle growth, so as to produce sufficient quantity and quality of eggs. Then, in vitro fertilization is carried out by combining sperm donated by men and eggs from women. After that, the embryos will be cultured in the incubator until they reach the optimal development state. Finally, the embryo will be transferred to the mother through the endometrium in the hope of successful implantation. The whole process requires strict monitoring and professional operation.
2. Success rate
The success rate of IVF is relatively low, usually between 35% and 45%, while the success rate of natural pregnancy varies depending on age, health status and other factors. The success rate of IVF depends on many factors, including female age, egg and sperm quality, and the time of embryo transfer.
The success rate of natural pregnancy is affected by many factors, such as ovulation cycle, timing and quality of sexual behavior. However, compared with IVF, the success rate of natural pregnancy depends more on the healthy reproductive system and normal physiological function.
3. Time cost
Compared with natural pregnancy, IVF requires longer time and energy costs. The whole process of IVF usually takes months to years. First, couples need to conduct a comprehensive physical examination to determine whether it is suitable for IVF. Then, the woman needs to receive multiple cycles of hormone therapy and oocyte collection surgery. After that, in vitro fertilization and embryo culture are required before embryo transfer.
While natural pregnancy does not require complicated medical procedures, couples only need to have sex at the right time. The time cost of natural pregnancy is relatively low and more convenient.
4. Genetic characteristics
There are some differences in genetic characteristics between IVF and natural pregnancy. Because IVF combines eggs and sperm in vitro, and then transfers the embryo to the mother, there may be some deviation between the genetic characteristics of IVF and natural pregnancy.
In addition, because IVF can carry out embryonic genetic screening and screen out some possible genetic diseases, the genetic health of IVF is relatively high, which can better ensure healthy offspring.
summary
To sum up, there are obvious differences between IVF and natural pregnancy in physiological process, success rate, time cost and genetic characteristics. Test tube babies need to go through a complex medical process, with a low success rate and high time cost, but they can be screened for genetic health. Natural pregnancy depends on normal physiological function, the success rate is affected by many factors, and the time cost is low. The choice of IVF or natural pregnancy should be based on the specific situation and needs of the couple.
