Infertility is a rising concern across the globe, and in vitro fertilization (IVF) is considered as a medical boon for those who are struggling to conceive.

But, along with its advantages, several concerns have been raised about the risks and potential side effects of IVF. One such concern is the potential link between IVF and child asthma. In this article, we will discuss whether IVF contributes to child asthma or not.

Why IVF is used?

IVF is a popular fertility treatment used by millions of couples worldwide. It involves taking eggs from a woman’s ovaries and fertilizing them with sperm outside of the body.

The fertilized eggs, or embryos, are then transferred to the woman’s uterus, where they may implant and grow into a baby. IVF is used in couples where the male partner has low sperm count, where the female partner has endometriosis or blocked fallopian tubes, or in cases where the reason for infertility is unknown.

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects the airways, making it difficult to breathe. Asthma symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.

The condition is caused by inflammation in the airways, which can be triggered by allergens, exercise, or other irritants. Asthma affects people of all ages, but it is more common in children.

The Link Between IVF and Child Asthma

Several studies have suggested a potential link between IVF and child asthma.

One study conducted in Denmark, which analyzed data from over 92,000 children born through IVF, found that children born through IVF were at a higher risk of developing asthma than children conceived naturally. Another study conducted in Sweden, which included over 20,000 children born through IVF, found that children born through IVF had a 27% higher risk of developing asthma than those conceived naturally.

Why Does IVF Increase the Risk of Asthma?

There is no clear scientific evidence why IVF increases the risk of asthma in children. However, some theories suggest that it may be due to the following factors:.

: 1. Genetics

Children born through IVF are more likely to have certain genetic variations. These genetic variations may make them more susceptible to developing asthma.

: 2. Epigenetics

Studies have shown that certain epigenetic changes, or modifications to DNA, can occur during IVF. These changes may affect the way genes are expressed, increasing the risk of asthma in children born through IVF.

: 3. Environmental Factors

Children born through IVF may have different environmental exposures during their early life, which may contribute to the development of asthma.

Additionally, IVF may disrupt the balance of microorganisms in the gut microbiome, which can affect the immune system and increase the risk of asthma.

Should You Be Concerned?

If you are considering IVF, you may be concerned about the potential risks and side effects, including the risk of asthma. However, it is important to note that the majority of children born through IVF do not have asthma.

While there may be a slightly higher risk of asthma in children born through IVF, the overall risk is still low.

Conclusion

While several studies suggest that there may be a link between IVF and child asthma, it is still not clear why IVF increases the risk of asthma. It is important to note that the overall risk of asthma in children born through IVF is still low.

If you are considering IVF, you should speak with your doctor about any potential risks and make an informed decision about your fertility treatment options.