10 Disadvantage of IVF: An overview of IVF Risks
IVF is an assisted reproductive method that assists couples in realizing their childbearing dreams. It is one of the best options for couples unable to conceive naturally after trying for more than a year. But besides the advantages of the IVF process, there are some disadvantage of IVF also.
A fertility specialist can better judge the likelihood of success because it naturally differs from woman to woman. A positive attitude and a realistic view of your potential are essential to success.
Table of Contents
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
In OHSS Risks and adverse effects may be present. IVF is a medical procedure with a small risk of adverse effects, the most severe of which is severe ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome (OHSS)
OHSS is a particularly high ovarian response to hormone therapy. The ovaries overgrow, several follicles form, and the fluid from the follicles can enter the abdominal cavity following ovulation.
This causes bloating and pain, nausea, diarrhoea, and weight gain. Ascites, tachycardia, and shortness of breath could manifest in extreme situations.
So, to reduce the risks of multiple pregnancies, all fertility clinics must strongly maintain the policies of single embryo transfer.
Multiple Pregnancies
Multiple pregnancies are more likely with IVF procedures because more than one embryo is frequently inserted back into the uterus. About 20 to 30 per cent of IVF pregnancies can result in multiple pregnancies. Many pregnancies increase the chances of
Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic or extra-uterine pregnancy is when the embryo implants somewhere other than the uterus, like the fallopian tubes. A natural pregnancy only has a 1% probability of this occurring, compared to a 2-5% risk following IVF. This is because the fallopian tubes may get damaged during the embryo transfer into the uterus.
Birth Weight and Premature Birth Risks
There is significant evidence that excessive stimulation during IVF increases the likelihood that a baby may be born prematurely and with lower birth weight. This has been connected to the child’s long-term health issues.
According to theory, high oestrogen levels may impact the intrauterine environment. Babies born using drug-free and low-drug methods are more likely to be full-term and have higher birth weights than babies born using high-stimulation IVF associated with high oestrogen levels.
High Cost
IVF therapy is frequently a pricey operation that may be challenging to afford. This method can be expensive to manage due to the expense of medications, ultrasounds, blood tests, and embryo transfers, all of which might rise daily.
Emotional and Mental Strain
IVF therapy can be a very emotional and stressful process. It can be mentally and physically demanding for individuals to receive treatment. It can be challenging for spouses to witness a loved one go through a difficult situation. Your mental health must come first, which is also helpful for your physical health.
Miscarriage
It happens in roughly 20% of pregnancies to end in the first few weeks. Due to the possibility of them being misinterpreted for menstruation, biochemical losses are found during IVF much more frequently than they are during a natural pregnancy.
Ethical Concern
Not everyone will agree with the decision to keep certain embryos and potentially trash others. Think about your position and what would make you comfortable before beginning treatment.
We recommend you consider this subject in advance and consider the decision you are comfortable with. You can consider freezing eggs and not fertilizing them, freezing the extra embryos for future use, or donating them to infertile couples needing them.
No Guarantee
There is no guarantee that it will work. The age of a woman’s eggs and numerous other factors unique to a couple will affect a couple’s chances of becoming pregnant, although on average, just 37% of assisted reproduction cycles for women under 35 results in live babies. Age reduces one’s chances of success.
So, it’s important to discuss success rates with whatever fertility expert or facility you choose because they differ between facilities. Do not only inquire about pregnancy rates; also inquire about live birth rates.
It’s Time Consuming
Depending on how quickly your body responds to the various drugs, a full round of IVF typically takes between four weeks and two months. And you have a lot of work to do within that period.
- A daily hormone injection or nasal spray is commonly used to inhibit the normal menstrual cycle during the first round of IVF; some protocols also include hormonal birth control. In general, this lasts for two weeks.
- The next phase is ovarian stimulation, which involves taking one to three self-administered shots every day for eight to 12 days.
- Your doctor will then give you a shot to force the release of the eggs, and you will return in approximately 36 hours for the egg retrieval procedure, a quick outpatient procedure requiring IV sedation.
- Immediately after being collected, the eggs are fertilized and then given six days to develop.
Finally, a catheter is used in a non-surgical process to implant one viable embryo into the mother. Your doctor will test to see if the embryo was implanted successfully more than a week later.
It’s crucial to remember that throughout the entire process, in addition to the medications and other treatments, you will need to be closely monitored with doctor visits, blood tests, and ultrasounds.
Conclusion
Despite these disadvantages, IVF has resulted in more than 8 million babies worldwide. Over the past 30 years, fertility specialists have tried to increase the success rate of assisted fertility treatment and reduce the risks.
The best way to reduce the chance of IVF disadvantages is to select the best IVF specialist in your area, undergo all recommended preconception testing, and make the appropriate lifestyle adjustments before your IVF cycles.
