Q: Does In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Cause Birth Defects?

Ask Our Expert About In Vitro Fertilization

Q: Does In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Cause Birth Defects?

A: IVF has been a miraculous advancement in the treatment of infertility for many couples afflicted with this disorder. Tens of thousands of babies have been born as a result of this technology. It has brought hope, happiness and contentment to many patients. Of course, like any medical treatment, risk vs benefits must always be assessed and evaluated.

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, indicated a 9% risk of a birth defect in a child born through IVF vs. a 4.2% risk faced by the general population. When reading and interpreting such studies, one must be careful in making conclusions about the cause and effect of IVF treatment. For example, it may be possible the gametes (eggs and sperm) of infertile couples might be defective and the potential increased risk of birth defects may have nothing to do with the IVF procedure itself.

As a reproductive endocrinologist with nearly 15 years experience with IVF, I believe patients should be informed of the aforementioned risks regarding the potential for birth defects when using advanced technologies. However, health care providers should also balance the discussion by informing patients that there are also studies that do not show an association between IVF and birth defects.

The fundamental question becomes, will patients be willing to take this potential increased risk of 4-5% over the general population in order to fulfill their dream of parenthood? Until further research can more clearly define a cause and effect relationship between IVF and birth defects, the answer to this question must be left up to the discretion of each individual patient.

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