Introduction

A recent study conducted by researchers at Rutgers University in New Jersey has found that women who give birth after fertility treatment are more likely to suffer a stroke compared to women who conceive naturally.

Study Findings

After tracking 30 million pregnancies, the researchers discovered that women who underwent fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI) had a 1% to 66% higher risk of experiencing a stroke within one year of giving birth. These women were also more than twice as likely to develop the deadliest form of stroke, known as a hemorrhagic stroke, and 55% more likely to have an ischemic stroke.

The Impact of Pregnancy on Stroke Risk

Stroke is the leading cause of death among pregnant women, and it is believed to be caused by the physical stress that pregnancy puts on the body. Approximately 30 out of every 100,000 women experience a stroke within a year of giving birth.

Possible Reasons for Increased Risk

The exact reasons behind the higher stroke risk in women who received fertility treatments are not yet clear. However, the researchers speculate that hormone treatments used during these procedures and a potential increased risk of improper placental implantation could be contributing factors.

Understanding Fertility Treatments

IVF is one of the many fertility treatments available. It involves retrieving an egg from the ovaries and fertilizing it with sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryo is then implanted in the woman’s uterus for further development.

IUI, on the other hand, is a process where sperm is directly injected into the uterus.

Estrogen and Stroke Risk

During fertility treatment, patients are often given high levels of estrogen to stimulate ovulation and the growth of the uterine lining. However, elevated estrogen levels can damage blood vessels and increase clotting factors, leading to a higher risk of stroke.

Other Risks Associated with Fertility Treatment

Besides stroke, women who undergo IVF also face an increased risk of placenta accreta, a condition where the placenta does not attach properly to the uterine lining. This can result in high blood pressure, inflammation, and an increased risk of clotting.

Possible Contributing Factors

The researchers also suggest that women receiving fertility treatment may be exposed to other health risks, such as obesity, smoking, or alcohol abuse, which can make natural conception more difficult.

Additionally, age may play a role, as the average age of women participating in IVF was 32 years old, slightly older than those who conceived naturally in the study (27 years old).

Conclusion

This study, published in the journal JAMA Network Open, highlights the potential link between fertility treatment and an increased risk of stroke in women. Further research is needed to fully understand the underlying causes and develop strategies to mitigate these risks.

Source: Daily Mail