Is IVF sexual or asexual? Can IVF lead to ectopic pregnancy?

IVF is an advanced medical method for treating infertility. So is pregnancy through IVF considered sexual or asexual reproduction? Can ectopic pregnancy occur during IVF? Let's find out together~

Is IVF sexual or asexual?

Sexual reproduction refers to a type of reproduction that requires the combination of male and female germ cells (i.e. sperm and egg) to form a fertilized egg, which then grows and develops into a new individual; asexual reproduction refers to a type of reproduction that does not require the combination of male and female germ cells and directly produces a new individual from the mother.

The process of in vitro fertilization is to extract female eggs and male sperm, allow the eggs and sperm to combine in a "test tube" that simulates the female "fallopian tube" under an artificially controlled environment in vitro to form a fertilized egg, and finally select the high-quality embryos that have been cultured early and transplant them into the female uterus for growth and development.

After reading this, I believe everyone should know that in fact, test-tube babies belong to sexual reproduction. Compared with people with normal fertility, the only difference is the way of fertilization. Natural fertilization is the combination of sperm and egg in the human body; test-tube babies are the sperm and egg taken out and combined under artificial control, but the common point is that both must have eggs and sperm.

In vitro fertilization requires the combination of egg and sperm to form a fertilized egg, and then a woman can become pregnant, so in vitro fertilization belongs to sexual reproduction.

Can IVF cause ectopic pregnancy?

Under normal circumstances, the ovaries release mature eggs, and the eggs and sperm that have already arrived meet and combine in the fallopian tube to form a fertilized egg. There is a very fine layer of cilia in the fallopian tube. The fertilized egg moves toward the uterus while splitting in the fallopian tube as the cilia swing. After about 3-4 days, it reaches the uterine cavity and successfully implants in the uterine cavity. Under abnormal circumstances, when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterine cavity, it is called an ectopic pregnancy, which is commonly known as an ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy in natural pregnancy is nothing more than the following factors:

1. Abnormal fallopian tubes. Chronic inflammation can cause adhesions around the fallopian tubes, twisting and stiffening of the fallopian tubes, and atresia of the fimbriae, which can lead to narrowing of the fallopian tube lumen, partial or complete blockage, or abnormal peristalsis, affecting the movement of the fertilized egg; there are masses outside the fallopian tubes that pull or compress, hindering the smooth flow of the fallopian tubes; after fallopian tube plastic surgery, the lumen is unobstructed and the purpose of fertilization can be achieved, but the normal function of the fallopian tube to transport the fertilized egg has not been restored or the lumen is unobstructed, and the developing fertilized egg cannot pass through; congenital dysplasia of the fallopian tubes, with diverticula or parafimbria, lack of cilia in the endometrium, and weak peristalsis of the muscular layer, which can affect the normal operation of the fertilized egg.

2. Migrant fertilized eggs. After fertilization, the eggs released from one ovary bypass the abdominal cavity and enter the fallopian tube on the other side. Because the fertilized egg moves slowly, it has the ability to implant when it reaches the opposite fallopian tube, so it develops in the fallopian tube. The fallopian tube has a thin wall and a small lumen, which is not suitable for the implantation and development of fertilized eggs.

3. Contraceptive failure. The use of intrauterine devices does not increase the incidence of ectopic pregnancy, but when conception occurs due to contraceptive failure, the chance of ectopic pregnancy increases. In vitro fertilization only moves the process of combining sperm and egg to form a fertilized egg outside the body. After the embryo is transplanted into the uterine cavity, it still takes 3-4 days to "wander" to simulate the process of fertilized egg implantation. In addition, for patients who choose IVF, fallopian tube factors account for nearly half of the proportion, and the possibility of natural ectopic pregnancy is also higher than that of natural pregnancy, about 5%.

What are the risks of test tube babies?

Many patients have questions about IVF, a way of giving birth. They are usually concerned about whether there are any risks in IVF surgery, whether such children have congenital defects, etc. In order to help everyone better understand IVF as a way of giving birth, let's analyze the possible risks of this surgery.

The operation itself is already very mature and there is no risk, but the mother will face some risks during the process. The specific risks are as follows:

1. Multiple pregnancy

The possibility of multiple pregnancies is low for normal conception, but the incidence rate is very high in IVF. As the number of fetuses increases, the fetal mortality rate and morbidity rate also increase significantly. Even if multiple premature babies survive, their physical and intellectual qualities may decline. It may also seriously threaten the safety of mother and child, such as miscarriage, fetal malformation, etc.

2Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome

The main reason for this symptom is that the patient suffers from this disease or is sensitive to some drugs. Because dozens of follicles develop simultaneously in the ovaries under the action of ovulation-stimulating drugs, the patient may experience abdominal distension, enlarged ovaries, gastrointestinal discomfort, oliguria, ascites and even pleural effusion.

3. Pelvic infection and bleeding

The in vitro fertilization operation must be performed by egg retrieval. During the follicle puncture operation, bleeding is very likely to occur. In order to avoid infection, you need to lie still for 2 hours after egg retrieval.

4. Ectopic pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy is also very dangerous. It can occur if the patient has pelvic adhesions or the fallopian tubes are blocked.

5. Miscarriage

The miscarriage rate of test-tube babies is also very high. Some pregnant women may find an empty sac without an embryo during early B-ultrasound examinations; or no fetal heartbeat or embryo development has stopped, which indicates that miscarriage is inevitable and requires uterine curettage.

6. Complications during pregnancy

Pregnant women who successfully undergo IVF may also develop obstetric complications such as gestational hypertension, premature birth, and intrauterine growth retardation of the fetus.

The above is an introduction to the risks involved in the IVF procedure. Patients should pay more attention in their daily lives to minimize the risks of IVF. After the procedure, detailed health care methods should be consulted and regular checkups should be performed to ensure the safety of mother and child.