In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an advanced assisted reproductive technology that involves cultivating fertilized eggs to the embryonic stage and then selecting high-quality and healthy embryos for transfer into the uterus, with the aim of achieving pregnancy. It offers hope for individuals or couples facing difficulties conceiving.

So, are there any risks and complications for women undergoing IVF in the United States?

Reproductive experts state that, in principle, undergoing IVF in the United States should not pose harm or complications for women. Let’s explore the potential risks for women during different stages of the IVF cycle.

Key stages involving safety concerns for women in the IVF process include ovarian stimulation and embryo transfer. During ovarian stimulation, factors such as the type of medication used (and its potential side effects), medication dosage (whether it’s excessive or insufficient), and the process of egg retrieval (whether the follicles are developing mature eggs and whether the egg retrieval is performed correctly) can impact the woman’s body. This may lead to conditions such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and pelvic infection. In the embryo transfer stage, if the embryo quality is suboptimal, there may be an increased risk of pregnancy loss, miscarriage, and birth defects. Improper embryo placement could result in ectopic pregnancy, posing a risk to the mother and baby.

To address these concerns, IVF procedures in the United States benefit from advanced technology, comprehensive medical equipment, and experienced reproductive specialists. With a success rate exceeding 80%, the process is not only highly successful but also ensures the safety of the individuals involved. Specialists tailor personalized fertility plans based on the individual’s health, and with the use of cutting-edge third-generation IVF technology, they meticulously oversee each step of the process to safeguard the woman’s health.

IVF experts in the United States utilize advanced techniques to support fertility while prioritizing women’s physical and mental well-being.

1. Ovarian Stimulation

Women naturally develop a batch of ovarian follicles each month, but only one egg matures and is released after hormonal regulation. Other follicles may undergo atresia or degenerate during growth. IVF specialists in the United States customize ovarian stimulation plans based on individual factors such as age, baseline follicle count, and hormone levels. This helps ensure the development of multiple follicles, improving the chances of obtaining a sufficient number of healthy eggs.

The ovarian stimulation medications used by U.S. fertility specialists are FDA-regulated and undergo rigorous quality control. These medications have no side effects on the body and are typically metabolized and eliminated within one menstrual cycle, posing no harm to women. Throughout the medication period, specialists monitor changes in the woman’s body through real-time ultrasound and blood tests, adjusting the medication as needed to ensure both optimal follicle development and the woman’s overall health.

Once mature follicles are confirmed through ultrasound and blood tests (e.g., 1-2 follicles with a diameter of 18-20 mm), specialists administer a trigger injection (HCG/Lupron) and retrieve the eggs 36 hours later. The egg retrieval procedure, performed under general anesthesia, involves using a thin puncture needle guided by ultrasound through the vagina to collect the follicular fluid. This procedure, completed in approximately 10 minutes, ensures a safe and painless egg retrieval, obtaining high-quality mature eggs.

2. Scientifically Transferring Healthy Embryos

Transferring embryos with poor quality (chromosomal abnormalities or carrying genetic pathogenic genes) increases the risk of implantation failure, pregnancy loss, and miscarriage. Even if the pregnancy progresses, there is a higher probability of birth defects related to chromosomal issues, for which there are currently no definitive medical treatments.

To address this, U.S. reproductive specialists utilize third-generation IVF technology to conduct genetic testing on blastocysts. This advanced reproductive technique screens the embryos for the number and structure of chromosomes or diagnoses the presence of genetic pathogenic genes. After screening, only high-quality, healthy blastocysts are selected for transfer, ensuring the health of the newborn and achieving optimal outcomes.

Embryo transfer simulation technology takes into account the woman’s vaginal structure to measure the appropriate length, rotation angle, and force for the transfer catheter. This helps identify the optimal implantation site. U.S. IVF specialists use this technology to locate the suitable implantation point in the uterine cavity. When the endometrial thickness reaches 8-12 mm, they position the blastocyst in the right place, effectively preventing ectopic pregnancies, reducing the risk of miscarriage, and realizing the desire for parenthood.