The whole process of IVF
IVF is an assisted reproductive technology, which helps couples who cannot conceive naturally to achieve their reproductive aspirations through in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. The IVF process usually includes the following steps:
Step 1: Ovulation guide
Ovulation is the first step of IVF. Help women produce multiple eggs through drugs or treatment. Generally, women only release one mature egg per month, but in order to increase the probability of successful pregnancy, IVF will use drugs to regulate hormone levels and promote the growth of multiple follicles, so as to collect more eggs.
Ovulatory guidance usually involves the use of drugs such as luteinizing hormone and ovulatory stimulating hormone to adjust hormone levels in women and monitor the development of follicles. Doctors will determine the best time to retrieve eggs according to the development of eggs and individual conditions.
Step 2: Take eggs
Fetching eggs is the second step of IVF, and also the most important and critical step in the whole process. In the process of egg retrieval, doctors will use ultrasound guidance and fine needles to collect mature eggs from women's ovaries. This process is usually carried out in the operating room, and patients will generally be anesthetized or sedated.
The doctor will puncture through the vaginal wall, insert a fine needle into the ovary, and suck out the eggs in the follicle. The process of egg retrieval usually takes a few minutes to half an hour, and the obtained eggs will be immediately sent to the laboratory for subsequent processing.
Step 3: In vitro fertilization
After taking eggs, female eggs and male sperm will be fertilized in vitro in the laboratory. First, the sperm sample will be prepared, and then put together with the egg in the petri dish to create an environment simulating natural fertilization. Observe the fertilization within a certain period of time. If the fertilization is successful, the egg will develop into an embryo.
Sometimes, when the number of sperm is insufficient or the quality is poor, single sperm injection (ICSI) technology may be required, that is, single sperm is injected into the egg for fertilization.
Step 4: Embryo transfer and pregnancy
After the embryos are cultured and observed for a period of time, doctors will choose the healthiest and most promising embryos for transplantation. Embryo transfer is the last step in the process of IVF, which is usually completed by placing the embryo into the female uterus.
Embryo transfer is usually a simple non-surgical process without anesthesia. With the help of a vaginal catheter, the doctor carefully transfers the embryo into the uterus. The whole process usually lasts for several minutes, and most women feel very slight discomfort.
After embryo transfer, women need to rest for a period of time and receive supportive treatment to improve the probability of embryo implantation and pregnancy. If the embryo is successfully implanted and developed, pregnancy will begin.
Summary
The whole process of IVF includes ovulation, oocyte retrieval, in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. This process requires close monitoring and operation to ensure the quality and health of eggs and embryos and improve the probability of successful pregnancy. IVF technology provides a way for couples unable to conceive naturally to achieve their reproductive aspirations, but it also requires patients to actively cooperate and carry out relevant examinations and treatments under the guidance of doctors.
