Michael Kyriakidis, MD, MSc, Gynecologist in Assisted Reproduction, Fertility Specialist
Reproductive medicine has evolved significantly in recent decades, with a primary focus on safety and effectiveness. More than 10 million babies have been born globally with the help of in vitro fertilization (IVF), and we now see approximately 500,000 births worldwide each year. Despite the extensive use and the wealth of knowledge we have gained, there are still myths surrounding the safety of IVF.
The treatment of IVF includes controlled ovarian stimulation and the surgical retrieval of eggs. Each stage has been associated with a myth of insecurity, which is being debunked daily. The treatment of infertility is an extremely safe method, and most women will not face health or pregnancy issues compared to women who have natural conception.
The first stage of IVF involves pharmacological stimulation of the ovaries. At this stage, injectable gonadotropins are used to recruit and mature the follicles to a point where we can retrieve them. Technology has advanced in the past forty years to the point where we now use biotechnological drugs that are highly effective and completely safe. Recently, the updated guidelines from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) confirm the safety of these medications. According to them, there is no evidence linking these drugs to the long-term incidence of gynecological cancer. Based on 40 years of experience, no connection has been proven or correlated between the use of these drugs and the occurrence of any form of breast, ovarian or uterine cancer. Nevertheless, various individual factors associated with infertility, such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, and nulliparity, have been linked to the occurrence of some form of gynecological cancer. Therefore, it is important to emphasize the value of reproductive medicine in addressing these risks.
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) has been a major risk of pharmacological treatment in assisted reproduction for many years. However, the evolution of therapeutic methods and the introduction of alternative medications has now rendered this risk almost negligible. The use of innovative alternatives now ensures the elimination of this syndrome.
As the process progresses, surgical retrieval of the eggs will be necessary, which is a minor procedure of short duration. Although this is a common medical practice, it has been associated with complications that could be alarming for patients. So far, global literature has confirmed that complications related to oocyte retrieval are extremely rare. Specifically, the probability of severe bleeding after oocyte retrieval is less than 1%, and as low as 0.09%, while the probability of intraperitoneal inflammation ranges from 0.03% to 0.24%. It is evident that this surgical procedure is a safe and effective process that does not affect the health of patients and is extremely friendly compared to methods from the distant past.
The birth of the first child through in vitro fertilization occurred in the late 1970s. Since then, millions of children have been born, and many more women have completed assisted treatment. As an innovative and evolving technology, it has raised concerns about safety and long-term consequences. Fortunately, all research so far has proven that our fears are unfounded. In vitro fertilization is indeed a safe journey to parenthood.
