In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a complex series of procedures used to help with fertility or prevent genetic problems and assist with the conception of a child. During IVF, mature eggs are collected (retrieved) from ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a lab. Then the fertilized egg (embryo) or eggs (embryos) are transferred to a uterus. One full cycle of IVF takes about three weeks. Sometimes these steps are split into different parts and the process can take longer. The procedure can be done using a couple’s eggs and sperm. Or IVF may involve eggs, sperm, or embryos from a known or anonymous donor. In some cases, a gestational carrier someone who has an embryo implanted in the uterus might be used.,
So why is this an issue for today’s women to know? There has been a surge of infertility cases for women in Uganda and the world. Many people think IVF is a hail-Mary procedure, an easy way out of infertility problems. However, like all medical procedures, there are a lot of risks involved, and it Should only be undertaken after thoroughly comprehending the risk involved. Some of the risks include:
- Multiple births.IVF increases the risk of multiple births if more than one embryo is transferred to your uterus. A pregnancy with multiple fetuses carries a higher risk of early labor and low birth weight than a pregnancy with a single fetus does.
- Premature delivery and low birth weight. Research suggests that IVF slightly increases the risk of the baby being born early or with low birth weight.
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. The use of injectable fertility drugs, such as human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), to induce ovulation can cause ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, in which your ovaries become swollen and painful.
Symptoms typically last a week and include mild abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you become pregnant, however, your symptoms might last several weeks. Rarely, it’s possible to develop a more severe form of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome that can also cause rapid weight gain and shortness of breath.
- The rate of miscarriage for women who conceive using IVF with fresh embryos is similar to that of women who conceive naturally — about 15% to 25% — but the rate increases with maternal age.
- Egg-retrieval procedure complications. Using an aspirating needle to collect eggs could cause bleeding, infection, or damage to the bowel, bladder, or blood vessels. Risks are also associated with sedation and general anesthesia is used.
- Ectopic pregnancy. About 2% to 5% of women who use IVF will have an ectopic pregnancy — when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube. The fertilized egg can’t survive outside the uterus, and there’s no way to continue the pregnancy.
- Birth defects. The age of the mother is the primary risk factor in the development of birth defects, no matter how the child is conceived. More research is needed to determine whether babies conceived using IVF might be at increased risk of certain congenital disabilities(birth defects).
- Although some early studies suggested there may be a link between certain medications used to stimulate egg growth and the development of a specific type of ovarian tumor, more recent studies do not support these findings. There does not appear to be a significantly increased risk of breast, endometrial, cervical, or ovarian cancer after IVF.
- The use of IVF can be financially, physically, and emotionally draining. Support from counselors, family, and friends can help you and your partner through the ups and downs of infertility treatment.
IVF involves several steps: ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, sperm retrieval, fertilization, and embryo transfer. One cycle of IVF can take about two to three weeks and more than one cycle may be needed. However, after all of this, there is no guarantee of a safe gestation and conception. The chances of miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies are high and the emotional burden is great. Too many hormones running through your system can cause emotional distress, anguish, and stress.
IVF is a God send for women everywhere who are battling infertility due to various reasons. However, this medical miracle should not be misused for easier softer life or trying to have multiple births in order to save time. It should be undertaken in cases where all has failed and as a last resort for people battling fertility problems.
