In vitro fertilization is considered one of the great medical achievements of the 20th century, helping childless women and couples to have children. But it seems that the procedure is not without risk.
Data presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics annual conference shows that babies born using IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies have an increased risk of birth defects, especially the eyes, heart, reproductive organs, and urinary system.
Each year, more than 1% of children in the United States are born using various assisted reproductive technologies. The most common and widely known form is IVF - the fusion of an egg and sperm in a laboratory test tube before an embryo is implanted in the uterus.
Researchers examined data on babies born in 2006-2007 in California, the state with the highest birth rate through IVF.
In total, out of 4,795 children born using this method, and 46,025 born as a result of the natural fertilization of an egg, 3,463 children had birth defects. It turned out that among children conceived in vitro, birth defects are more common (9%) than in children conceived in the usual way (6.6%).
The risk of birth defects after other methods of treating infertility, such as artificial insemination and induction of ovulation, was very small.
“Couples should understand that most babies born after assisted reproductive technologies are completely healthy,” the study says. - "The results we obtained simply indicate that it is necessary to discuss with the doctor the possible risks in order to make an informed decision."
