How long does the whole process of IVF take?
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a method of assisting pregnancy through in vitro fertilization (IVF). In recent years, more and more infertile couples pay attention to and choose IVF. The whole IVF process involves many links, including physical examination, ovulation promotion, egg retrieval, fertilization, transplantation, etc., which usually takes weeks to months. Next, we will elaborate on the whole process of IVF from four aspects: preparation stage, egg retrieval process, fertilization process and transplantation process.
Preparation phase
In the preparation stage, couples need to choose an experienced assisted reproduction hospital for consultation and treatment. First, the doctor will conduct a comprehensive physical examination of the couple, including blood examination, endocrine examination, reproductive system examination, etc., to determine whether it is suitable for IVF treatment. In addition, couples also need to complete psychological counseling to understand the risks and possible results of IVF treatment. The whole preparation phase usually takes several weeks.
Egg retrieval process
The egg retrieval process is a key link in the IVF process, which usually starts from the second to fourth days of the female menstrual cycle. First of all, doctors will stimulate ovarian ovulation by injecting gonadotropin, so that the ovary can develop multiple follicles at the same time. During this process, the doctor will conduct regular ultrasound and blood tests to determine the development of the ovary. When the follicle is large enough, the doctor will take the egg. This process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. Under the guidance of transvaginal ultrasound and local anesthesia, doctors use a thin tube to insert into the ovary and extract the eggs from the follicle. After taking the eggs, they will be sent to the laboratory for fertilization preparation.
Fertilization process
In the laboratory, the doctor will put the eggs and sperm into the culture dish for in vitro fertilization. This process is usually carried out within 24 hours after egg retrieval, and doctors will select the healthiest and most active sperm for fertilization. The fertilized egg will be placed in the culture dish for further cultivation until it reaches the appropriate development stage.
Migration process
When the embryo develops to an appropriate stage, the doctor will select the embryo with the most development potential for transplantation. The transfer process is usually carried out within 3 to 5 days after egg retrieval, and the doctor will put the embryo into the female uterus through a catheter. This process is usually simple and painless, and does not require general anesthesia. After transplantation, women need to rest and observe to improve the probability of embryo implantation. Next, couples need to wait about two weeks for a blood pregnancy test to determine whether the pregnancy was successful.
Summary
The whole process of IVF from the preparation stage to the post transplant examination takes several weeks to several months. Each stage is very important and critical, and requires the joint efforts of doctors and couples. The whole process needs to select an experienced assisted reproductive hospital to carry out a series of steps such as physical examination, egg taking, fertilization and transplantation, so as to improve the success rate of IVF. Although the process of IVF may be tedious and laborious, it is a way of hope for infertile couples who want to have their own babies.
