The Trend of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is increasingly popular and advanced, offering hope to millions of couples around the world facing infertility issues.
With advancements in medical technology, IVF not only helps increase the success rate of conception but also allows doctors to perform genetic testing before embryo transfer, helping to detect and prevent potential health risks for the fetus.
Many people believe that with IVF, they can have twins and choose the gender of the fetus. (Illustrative photo).
Furthermore, new methods such as extended embryo culture techniques and the use of artificial intelligence in selecting high-quality embryos are being widely adopted, providing better chances for successful fertilization.
These advancements have led many to think that undergoing IVF will guarantee twins and the ability to choose the fetus’s gender.
However, this is not the case.
Is IVF guaranteed to result in twins and allow gender selection?
Dr. Chu Hoàng Giang (Consultant and Infertility Treatment Specialist at Minh Khang Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic) stated: Whether you conceive twins or have a singleton pregnancy depends on the examining physician’s assessment of your ability to carry twins; the risks associated with multiple pregnancies…
This includes factors such as the number of embryos, embryo quality, and the mother’s health status. The selection of the number of embryos to be transferred and decisions related to IVF are often based on consultations with specialized doctors and the specific conditions of each case. Therefore, you cannot independently decide whether you will have a singleton or multiple pregnancy when opting for IVF.
Secondly, the Vietnamese government prohibits gender selection and the disclosure of the gender of the fetus and embryos in any form. Thus, couples choosing to undergo IVF cannot request to select the gender.
Advice for Couples Seeking IVF for Twins
According to Dr. Chu Hoàng Giang, having twins may come with certain risks such as: premature birth, a higher risk of birth defects, and increased financial costs… Additionally, the primary concern is that the doctor must evaluate your body to determine if you are capable of carrying twins to proceed with the next steps.
For couples wanting IVF to achieve twins, thorough preparation in terms of health, psychology, and finances is essential. (AI-generated image).
Therefore, for couples wanting to undergo IVF to achieve twins, here are some helpful tips:
- Discuss with a Specialist: First, have a detailed discussion with your doctor about your desire for twins to understand the process, success rates, and associated risks.
- Understand the Risks: Carrying twins can increase the risk of complications for both mother and babies, including premature birth, preeclampsia, and the need for surgical intervention during delivery. Ensure you are aware of these risks.
- Consider Your Health Status: Both partners’ overall health will impact the IVF process. Undergo necessary tests and maintain a healthy lifestyle to increase the chances of success.
- Financial Preparation: IVF and the care for a twin pregnancy can be significantly more expensive than a singleton pregnancy. Prepare financially for the entire process beforehand.
- Understand the IVF Process: Familiarize yourself with the steps involved in IVF, from ovarian stimulation to embryo transfer, so you can ask informed questions and mentally prepare.
- Consider the Number of Embryos Transferred: Discuss with your doctor about the number of embryos to be transferred into the uterus. Transferring multiple embryos may increase the chance of having twins but also increases risks.
- Genetic Counseling: Gather information about genetics and potential screening tests to ensure the best health for the children.
- Post-Transfer Health Care: Strictly follow the doctor’s guidelines to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy after embryo transfer.
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