Risks associated with IVF
IVF is a method to realize in vitro fertilization and embryo cultivation through assisted reproductive technology, and transfer healthy embryos to the mother's uterus. Although IVF technology has brought hope to many infertile couples, this method also has some risks. In the following article, we will elaborate from many aspects.
Risk of in vivo egg retrieval
The first step of IVF is for women to undergo in vivo egg retrieval. This operation can stimulate the ovary to produce multiple follicles, and collect the eggs in the follicles specifically. However, this kind of operation also has certain risks.
First, in vivo egg retrieval may lead to the risk of infection. The surgical procedure requires puncture in the ovarian region, which increases the possibility of infection. Secondly, the ovum retrieval operation may damage the ovary or other surrounding tissues, causing bleeding or pain.
In addition, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) may also be caused by ovum retrieval surgery. This is because the drugs that stimulate follicular development may cause ovarian hyperstimulation, which may lead to abdominal distention, nausea, vomiting and other adverse reactions.
Risk of embryo transfer
After taking eggs and obtaining healthy embryos, the next step is to transfer the embryos into the mother's uterus. However, there are some risks in this process.
First, embryo transfer may lead to endometriosis. This means that the embryo is implanted outside the uterus, such as in the fallopian tube. This situation may lead to ectopic pregnancy, which requires surgical intervention to solve the problem.
Secondly, embryo transfer may also fail. Even if a healthy embryo is obtained, its successful implantation into the mother's uterus cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, the number of repeat transplants during IVF may increase, which also increases the cost and psychological pressure.
In addition, the risk of abortion may occur after embryo transfer. The cause of abortion may be abnormal embryonic development, or it may be that the maternal immune system has adverse reactions to the embryo.
Risk of multiple pregnancies
IVF technology usually transfers multiple embryos into the mother's uterus to increase the success rate. However, it also increases the risk of multiple pregnancies.
Multiple pregnancy has certain risks to both mother and fetus. First of all, multiple pregnancy will bring greater physiological and psychological burden to the mother, and increase the incidence of complications during pregnancy, such as hypertension during pregnancy.
Secondly, multiple pregnancy will also increase the risk of premature delivery. Premature infants face higher mortality and risk of stunting. At the same time, the space of multiple fetuses in the uterus is limited, which may also lead to limited development.
Risk of genetic mutation
IVF technology may increase the risk of genetic mutation. This is because assisted reproductive technology usually requires manipulation and treatment of eggs and sperm, which may lead to changes in genetic material.
The most common risk is chromosomal abnormality. In the process of IVF, chromosome examination of embryos is very important to exclude embryos with abnormal chromosomes for transplantation. However, even after screening, embryos with chromosomal abnormalities cannot be completely excluded.
In addition, other genetic mutations are also possible, such as gene mutation or gene recombination. These mutations may lead to genetic diseases, and further genetic counseling and intervention are needed.
Summary
To sum up, although IVF provides a reproductive option for infertile couples, it also has some risks. In vivo egg retrieval may lead to infection, bleeding, OHSS and other risks; Embryo transfer may cause endometriosis, failure and abortion; Multiple pregnancy increases the risk of mother and fetus; IVF technology may increase the occurrence of genetic mutations. Therefore, when choosing IVF technology, patients need to fully understand these risks and make decisions under the guidance of doctors.
