Fertility
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Medical errors dealing with fertility issues fall into two main categories
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Infertility Treatment
Medical treatments designed to help individuals and couples who wish to have a baby but have been unable to do so
Pregnancy Prevention
Medical treatment for individuals who wish to avoid getting pregnant
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Fertility
Improper use of fertility medications can lead to high-risk multiple births. These pregnancies significantly increase the chances of premature delivery, which can result in serious complications such as cerebral palsy or other brain injuries.
Infertility
Fertility treatments are becoming more common as people delay having children. While often life-changing, these treatments can carry risks if misused. Overuse of fertility drugs like Clomid (Serophene) may result in multiple pregnancies, raising the risk of harm to both mother and babies. Other risks include injury during egg retrieval or accidental embryo mix-ups.
Sterilization and Permanent Birth Control
Failed sterilization can result in unintended pregnancy, often with significant financial and emotional consequences. Errors may occur during procedures like tubal ligation or vasectomy.
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Tubal ligation involves blocking the fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy and is expected to be over 99% effective. If it fails, evidence of surgical error may only become apparent during later procedures, such as a repeat ligation or cesarean delivery.
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Vasectomy is a form of permanent male birth control. A vasectomy requires two negative semen tests—immediately post-procedure and again after three months—to confirm success. Failure to follow this protocol can lead to unintentional sterilization failure.