Long-Term Maternal Outcomes of Assisted Reproductive Technologies: Cardio Metabolic, Mental Health and Reproductive Implications
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70749/ijbr.v4i1.2819Keywords:
Assisted Reproductive Technologies, Maternal Health, Cardiometabolic Outcomes, Mental Health, Reproductive Outcomes, Long-Term Effects, Infertility Treatment, Postpartum Health.Abstract
Assisted reproductive technologies (ART), including in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection, have revolutionized infertility treatment, enabling millions of women to achieve pregnancy; however, concerns regarding their long-term impact on maternal health have grown in recent years. This study aimed to investigate the long-term maternal outcomes of ART, focusing on cardiometabolic, mental health, and reproductive domains. A quantitative research approach was adopted, analyzing data from observational and cohort studies that reported maternal health outcomes beyond the immediate postpartum period. Cardiometabolic outcomes, including hypertension and diabetes mellitus, were assessed using Chi-square analysis, revealing that women who conceived via ART had a significantly higher prevalence of these conditions compared to those who conceived naturally. Long-term mental health outcomes, such as anxiety and depressive symptoms, were evaluated through regression analysis, which demonstrated that ART exposure was significantly associated with elevated psychological distress, with maternal age and time since delivery influencing symptom severity. Logistic regression was used to examine reproductive outcomes, showing that ART was significantly associated with menstrual irregularities and secondary infertility, although gynecological complications were not significantly affected. These findings highlight the multidimensional impacts of ART on maternal health and emphasize the importance of integrated long-term follow-up, including cardiovascular monitoring, mental health support, and reproductive care, for women who undergo ART. Overall, the study underscores the need for evidence-based strategies to mitigate potential risks and improve quality of life for mothers following fertility treatments, while informing clinicians, patients, and policymakers about the long-term implications of assisted reproduction.
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