IVF treatment cycle
IVF technology is a kind of assisted reproductive technology, which is used to help couples who cannot conceive naturally realize their reproductive aspirations. This process involves multiple steps and stages. The treatment cycle of IVF will be described in detail below.
1. Physical examination and diagnosis
The first step in the IVF treatment cycle is usually a comprehensive physical examination and diagnosis of the couple to determine the cause of infertility. Doctors may perform a variety of tests, including blood and urine tests, ultrasound tests of the reproductive system, and semen analysis of men.
Once doctors have received enough diagnostic information, they can develop personalized treatment plans and explain the possible risks and success rates. This stage also includes discussing the IVF process, costs, and possible psychological and emotional impacts with the patient.
2. Ovulation induction and egg collection
In the second stage of IVF treatment, women are injected with hormones to promote the development and excretion of eggs. These hormones are usually given by subcutaneous or intramuscular injection and under the guidance of a doctor. The goal of this process is to produce multiple healthy eggs in a cycle to increase the chance of pregnancy.
When the egg develops to the appropriate stage, the doctor will use the needle guided by ultrasound to suck the egg. This process is usually performed in the operating room, using local anesthesia or mild sedation.
The eggs collected will then be sent to the laboratory for evaluation and ready for sperm fertilization.
3. Fertilization and embryo culture
Within hours of egg collection, doctors will provide fresh sperm samples for fertilization. If the quality of male partner's semen is poor, semen donation can be used.
In the laboratory, a single egg is usually fertilized with a single sperm. After that, the fertilized eggs are placed in a petri dish and incubated for several days in a specific environment. The doctor will monitor the development of the fertilized egg and select the embryo with the most development potential for implantation.
In the process of cultivating embryos, doctors may recommend preimplantation genetic diagnosis to exclude embryos carrying genetic diseases.
4. Embryo implantation
Embryo implantation is the last step in the IVF treatment cycle. At this stage, doctors will use a slender catheter to implant the screened embryos into the woman's uterus. This process is usually performed in the operating room without anesthesia.
After implantation, patients usually need to rest for a period of time and follow the doctor's advice to improve the success rate. About two weeks after implantation, doctors will conduct blood tests to determine whether pregnancy has occurred.
To sum up, the treatment cycle of IVF includes physical examination and diagnosis, ovulation induction and egg collection, fertilization and embryo culture, and embryo implantation. This process usually requires close cooperation between doctors and patients, and may require multiple attempts to succeed. However, IVF technology has brought joy and hope to millions of couples and has become the gospel of infertility patients.
