What is the whole process of IVF
IVF is an assisted reproductive technology, which helps couples who cannot conceive naturally obtain the opportunity to conceive and have children through in vitro fertilization, embryo transfer and other processes. The whole process of IVF will be described in detail from four aspects.
1. Consultation and evaluation
The process of IVF begins with the appeal of couples to babies. First, the husband and wife need to find a reputable and advanced IVF hospital for consultation. The doctor will ask the couple about their birth history, health status, age and other information to understand the situation of both parties, and then make a comprehensive assessment to determine whether it is suitable for IVF.
In the consultation and evaluation stage, doctors will also introduce the principle, success rate, risks and costs of IVF technology to couples, and provide them with necessary knowledge popularization and decision-making support.
According to the couple's situation and the doctor's advice, the couple can decide whether to carry out IVF and the specific treatment plan next.
2. Pacing ovulation and ovum retrieval
Before starting the IVF process, the woman needs to receive pacing and ovulation treatment. This process stimulates ovarian ovulation by taking drugs or injecting hormones, so as to obtain mature eggs within a specified time.
Once the ovaries ovulate, they need to be removed. This process is usually carried out in the sterile operating room of the hospital, and the woman will enter the state of local anesthesia or general anesthesia. Under the guidance of colposcopy or B-ultrasound, the doctor inserts a slender straw into the ovary, extracts the eggs and collects them into a culture dish.
After taking the eggs, they will be sent to the laboratory for the subsequent in vitro fertilization process.
3. In vitro fertilization and embryo culture
In the laboratory, the doctor will fertilize the eggs obtained and the sperm provided by the man in vitro. Generally, doctors will select the best quality sperm for injection to help fertilize eggs.
After in vitro fertilization, doctors will culture the fertilized eggs in a specific culture medium to provide an environment suitable for embryo growth and development. Embryo culture usually lasts for 3-6 days. Doctors will regularly evaluate the quality and development of embryos and select high-quality embryos from them.
4. Embryo transfer and pregnancy testing
At an appropriate time after the end of the embryo culture process, doctors will transfer high-quality embryos back to the woman's uterus. This process is usually guided by hysteroscopy or guide wire to place the embryo into the uterine cavity.
After transplantation, the woman needs to undergo a recovery period and continue to receive adjuvant drug treatment to promote the realization of embryo implantation and pregnancy. After about two weeks, pregnancy test can be carried out to determine whether the pregnancy is successful.
summary
The whole process of IVF includes consultation and evaluation, pacing ovulation and oocyte retrieval, in vitro fertilization and embryo culture, as well as embryo transfer and pregnancy testing. This technology helps couples who are unable to conceive naturally realize their desire to become pregnant and have children. However, IVF is not suitable for every couple, and there are certain risks and challenges in the process. Before deciding to carry out IVF, couples should carefully understand and consider their own situation, and fully communicate and consult with professional doctors.
