Complications of IVF
As an assisted reproductive technology, IVF technology brings hope for couples who cannot conceive naturally. However, like other medical technologies, IVF also has some complications. The following will introduce the common complications and preventive measures of IVF in detail from many aspects.
1. Multiple pregnancy
A common complication of IVF is multiple pregnancy, that is, the patient is pregnant with two or more fetuses at the same time. Multiple pregnancy will increase the risk of pregnant women and infants. For example, multiple pregnancies increase the risk of premature delivery, low birth weight, and infant death. In addition, for pregnant women, multiple pregnancy will also increase the incidence of complications caused by premature delivery and postpartum depression.
In order to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancy, doctors can select the number of embryos to be implanted according to the patient's situation when implanting embryos. Generally, the single pregnancy rate of single embryo implantation is higher, which helps to reduce the probability of multiple pregnancy. In addition, the introduction of more accurate embryo screening technology will also help to select the embryos most likely to develop into normal infants.
Another technology is called selective embryo transfer. Doctors will select the healthiest one or two embryos for transfer in the case of multiple embryos, thus reducing the risk of multiple pregnancy.
2. Early abortion
Early abortion refers to the spontaneous death of the fetus and its expulsion from the uterus before 20 weeks of pregnancy. IVF patients may be at risk of early abortion, especially in the first few weeks after embryo transfer. This is mainly because the stimulation of endometrium may be caused during embryo implantation, leading to the occurrence of early abortion.
In order to reduce the risk of early abortion, doctors usually advise IVF patients to avoid strenuous exercise and heavy physical labor after embryo implantation, and to keep adequate rest. At the same time, it is also very important to follow the doctor's medication plan and diet recommendations.
In addition, some hospitals will also carry out special teams to provide all-round guidance and support throughout the IVF process, including psychological assistance and health counseling, to help patients relieve stress and improve the success rate.
3. Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is another common complication in IVF treatment. OHSS is a disease caused by over stimulation of the ovary to release follicles. It may cause abdominal distention, vomiting, abdominal pain and dyspnea.
In order to reduce the risk of OHSS, doctors will customize the drug dosage according to the patient's situation. In addition, doctors will closely monitor the follicular development of patients and adjust the drug dose in time to avoid excessive stimulation. If the patient has been affected by OHSS, the doctor will treat according to the severity of the symptoms, including rest, fluid replacement and surgery if necessary.
4. Genetic diseases and chromosome abnormalities
An important goal of IVF technology is to screen healthy embryos for transfer to avoid the birth of babies with genetic diseases. However, even through embryonic gene screening and gamete screening, the risk of all genetic diseases cannot be completely eliminated.
In order to reduce the risk of genetic diseases and chromosomal abnormalities, doctors will advise patients to carry out comprehensive genetic counseling and genetic testing. These tests can include spouse gene testing, embryo gene screening and lover screening. Through these tests, doctors can identify the risks of genetic diseases carried by patients and their spouses, and select the best embryos for transplantation according to the results.
Summary:
As an assisted reproductive technology, IVF has brought hope for couples who cannot conceive naturally, but there are also some complications. Common complications include multiple pregnancy, early abortion, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, genetic diseases and chromosome abnormalities. In order to reduce the risk of these complications, doctors will choose the number of embryos implanted, adjust the drug dose, conduct embryo screening and genetic counseling and other measures according to the patient's situation. At the same time, IVF patients should also actively cooperate with the guidance of doctors to maintain good living habits and mental state.
