Pros And Cons Of In Vitro Fertilization

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the assisted reproduction technology techniques. It allows couples to overcome fertility problems. Male and female infertility are among the major barriers for couples that want children. Depending on the definition of infertility, the number of infertile couples worldwide may vary from 48.5 million to 72.4 million (Mascarenhas et al. 9). Among other assisted reproduction technology techniques aimed at reaching pregnancy, IVF shows the highest effectiveness rate. According to Van Voorhis, in 2003 there were more than 100,000 IVF cycles in the USA, almost half of which were successful (379). Although the IVF procedure has some disadvantages, it is a major step in overcoming some fertility problems.
The
first baby conceived through IVF was born in 1978. Robert Edwards and his colleague Patrick Steptoe have successfully developed a method that allowed fertilizing eggs in a laboratory (Brian). The procedure was publicly controversial, expensive, and with low success rate of around 12%. However, IVF quickly became popular among infertile women (Brian). The difficulty of IVF has significantly decreased since its early days, but it still is a sophisticated multiple steps process. Firstly, there is a special preparation before the treatment that increases couples’ chances for successful pregnancy. Doctors advice patients to improve their lifestyle and quit unhealthy habits, such as smoking and alcohol drinking (Mahmoud, Punukollu, and Mahmood). Medical preparations usually include general screening against common diseases and assessment of reproductive organs. Next, the IVF cycle begins. The female eggs are retrieved once it reaches its optimal condition, then they are fertilized by male semen. Embryos are transferred into uterus 2 or 3 days after a successful fertilization (Mahmoud, Punukollu, and Mahmood). There are several factors affecting the efficiency of the procedure, such as female age, number and quality of eggs, duration of infertility, female body weight, and others. The IVF cycle is successful approximately 25% of the time (Brian). Nevertheless, it remains among the most popular assisted reproduction technology techniques.
Despite its effectiveness, IVF has several disadvantages.
One of the major drawbacks of the procedure is the risk of multiple pregnancies. This stems from the transfer of more than one embryo. Although the chances of pregnancy increase, so do the risk of multiple pregnancies that often lead to unhealthy infants (Van Voorhis 382). Another risk is a child with birth defects. According to several studies, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal birth defects occur more frequently among the infants conceived through IVF than among the naturally conceived ones (Van Voorhis 383). There are also several potential health hazards for a female. They include infections, allergic reactions, complications during birth, and others. Finally, there have been some claims that IVF infants are more vulnerable to genetic and developmental illnesses (Mahmoud, Punukollu, and Mahmood). However, those statements are not backed by scientific researches. Apart from medical aspects, the usage of IVF has been a topic of major disputes. The public acceptance has considerably increased since 1980s. Nonetheless, the term “test-tube baby” associated with IVF conceived infants has not lost its negative connotation yet (Brian). Consequently, a couple should carefully weigh the benefits and risks before turning to this
procedure.
The usage and popularity of IVF has increased dramatically. Since 1978 more than 5 million babies were born as a result of this procedure (Brian). IVF cycle involves retrieving and fertilizing a female egg in a laboratory and then implanting it to the uterus. Currently the success rate of the procedure is around 25%, and there is a number of potential negative ramifications. Nevertheless, this treatment helps many couples to overcome their fertility problems every year. This method of assisted reproduction technology has achieved a lot in less than 40 years. Consequently, it is difficult to underestimate the significance of the IVF.