Health risks of IVF
IVF is a method of IVF outside the laboratory through assisted reproductive technology to help couples who cannot conceive naturally achieve their reproductive aspirations. Although IVF technology is widely recognized, it also has certain health risks. The following will elaborate on the health risks of IVF in terms of genetic diseases, preterm birth and low birth weight, multiple pregnancy and mental health.
Genetic disease
IVF may inherit genetic diseases from biological parents. Since assisted reproductive technology may require the use of donor sperm or, this means that children may inherit donor related genetic diseases. In addition, embryos in IVF may also have gene mutations or chromosomal abnormalities, which may lead to some inherited diseases, such as Down's syndrome and cystic fibrosis. In order to reduce this risk, doctors usually conduct embryonic genetic screening and diagnosis to exclude embryos at risk of genetic diseases.
However, the diagnostic technique is not perfect, and there may be false negative or false positive results. In addition, some diseases may not have been found or can not be diagnosed. Therefore, genetic disease is still one of the health risks faced by IVF.
Preterm birth and low birth weight
Compared with naturally conceived infants, IVF infants are more likely to have premature delivery and low birth weight. This is because during in vitro fertilization, doctors usually implant multiple fertilized eggs into the mother to increase the success rate of pregnancy. However, it also increases the risk of multiple pregnancies. Multiple pregnancy will lead to excessive burden on the uterus and premature birth in advance, making IVF more likely to be born with low weight.
Preterm birth and low birth weight may cause IVF to face a series of health problems, such as dyspnea, weak immune system, etc. In addition, low birth weight may also affect the normal development and long-term health of infants. Therefore, doctors usually monitor and care for IVF during pregnancy to reduce these risks.
Multiple pregnancy
Multiple pregnancy in IVF is also a common health risk. Multiple pregnancy will bring certain risks to both mother and fetus. For mothers, multiple pregnancy may lead to excessive uterine burden, increased complications during pregnancy and the risk of early delivery. For fetus, multiple pregnancy increases the risk of premature delivery and low birth weight, and also increases the incidence of pre eclampsia and fetal abnormalities.
In order to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancy, doctors usually control the number of fertilized eggs during in vitro fertilization, and only implant one or two healthier embryos. However, in any case, multiple pregnancy is still a health risk faced by IVF.
mental health
The mental health of IVF is also an aspect that needs attention. Parents may feel depressed, anxious and disappointed due to years of infertility pain and the pressure of IVF process. In addition, IVF babies may face identity problems because they know that they were born in a different way from the traditional way of reproduction.
In order to reduce the risk of mental health, parents of IVF can seek psychological guidance and support. Family and social support is also very important to help them better cope with and face difficulties.
summary
In general, the health risks of IVF include genetic diseases, premature delivery and low birth weight, multiple pregnancy and mental health. Although assisted reproductive technology has brought hope to couples who cannot conceive naturally, we must recognize the existence of these risks and actively take measures to reduce risks and protect the health and well-being of IVF.
