(CNN) -- A new type of embryo testing is being offered by a growing number of fertility clinics as a way of improving the chances of a successful pregnancy.
It involves genetic testing of chromosomes in embryos created by in vitro fertilization, or IVF, and implanting only those embryos with normal chromosomes into the mother. (cnn.com by Kahn, 2002)
As a nurse who has investigated the IVF process personally, I would like to offer some insider info. The IVF process has actually come a long way. In my opinion this is not a dangerous procedure at all. Hormone intramuscular shots are given to the female for one month stimulating hyper ovulation. Ultrasound is used to determine the exact day/hour when normal ovulation should occur. Female is prepped for surgery with a Valium sedative and lidocaine injections internally at the site. Scope is passed through the vaginal wall and obtains the eggs via suction. Patient recovers shortly and is able to walk out and go home to rest.
The eggs (approx 15-25) are inspected under microscope for abnormalities. IVF occurs after the sperms are also cleaned and inspected. The gamete is inspected all along the way. Only the most viable and healthy gamete is implanted.
As a woman from a family of girls, I was only blessed with two boys myself. I wanted a girl badly. The physician offered to centrifuge the sperm prior to IVF and draw off only female sperms. This can be done because female sperms are heavier and sink to the bottom. This is a very common request and method in America. I was paying out of pocket $17,000.00, I wanted that daughter. Isn't this America? Do we just let the wind blow? Do we leave it to chance? No. We pay to "have it your way"!
Jennifer B.
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Jennifer, as a future father (although not anytime soon), I sincerely appreciate your professional insight on IVF. Although, my natural instinct is to leave the sexuality of my offspring up to fate, it's comforting to know that there exist safe IVF options in the event my spouse disagrees.
However, your insight coupled with the internet led me to a study published only two weeks ago that did happen to find some risks involved in IVF.
According to a nationwide US 2008 study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “babies conceived with Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) were between 2 and 4 times more likely to be born with certain defects than babies conceived naturally.”
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/129717.php
The study found that in single birth pregnancies, babies born by ART had “twice the risk of certain heart defects, over twice the risk of cleft lip (with or without cleft palate) and more than four times the risk of some types of gastrointestinal defects.”
Still, the study also noted that even with ART the odds that your baby will be born with birth defects are very low. For example, although ART doubled the risk of cleft lip, this meant that the odds went from 1 in every 950 to 1 in every 425.
Therefore, especially in situations where ART is the only option, it remains a godsend. Parents that have options, however, will want to consider this study in making their decision.
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