Chances of genetic abnormalities in IVF?
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The chances of genetic abnormalities in IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) depend on several factors, including the age of the mother and the specific procedures involved in IVF.
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Age Factor: The probability of genetic abnormalities increases with the age of the woman. For women over the age of 35, about 25% of fertilizations can lead to miscarriages, often due to chromosomal abnormalities. This probability rises to about 50% for women in their early 40s. These abnormalities can include trisomies (extra chromosomes) and chromosomal deletions, which may lead to miscarriages or developmental issues in the fetus 1.
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Egg and Embryo Quality: Dr. Natalie Crawford explains that even in younger women, not all eggs will fertilize, develop into embryos, and be genetically normal. For example, if a 30-year-old woman undergoes IVF, approximately 60%-70% of the embryos might be genetically normal. During the IVF process, only about half of these genetically normal embryos will successfully implant and develop 2.
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Monozygotic Twinning: IVF is associated with a higher chance of monozygotic twinning (identical twins), increasing the prevalence from 0.3% (naturally) to around 2%-3% in IVF cases. This can add further complexity to pregnancies 2.
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IVF Procedures: Various steps in the IVF process, such as the handling and implantation of embryos, can also contribute to genetic abnormalities. For instance, the process can sometimes lead to chromosomal segregation errors, resulting in embryos with extra or missing chromosomes 1.
Understanding these risks can help in making informed decisions about IVF, potentially leading to more successful outcomes.
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