IVF treatment process
IVF technology, also known as in vitro fertilization embryo transfer (IVF-ET), is an assisted reproductive technology used to treat infertility. The IVF treatment process will be described in detail below, including evaluation and diagnosis, egg collection and fertilization, embryo culture and selection, as well as embryo transfer and subsequent monitoring.
Evaluate diagnosis
First, both husband and wife need to see a professional reproductive medical center. Doctors will conduct a comprehensive physical examination of men and women, including reproductive system functions, hormone levels, semen analysis, etc. At the same time, the doctor will also learn about the infertility history and treatment history of both the husband and wife, and evaluate the causes of infertility. Based on the diagnosis results, doctors will develop personalized treatment plans.
If the woman has tubal obstruction or abnormal function, she can choose IVF technology. If the quality of the man's semen is poor, we can consider combining egg and sperm assisted technology, such as egg donation or sperm donation.
In the evaluation and diagnosis stage, doctors will also conduct psychological counseling for both spouses to understand their psychological status and expectations, help them make decisions and cope with possible psychological pressure.
Egg collection and fertilization
Before the start of the treatment cycle, the woman needs ovulation induction treatment to increase egg production. Ovulation promotion treatment is usually achieved through drugs, and doctors will monitor the growth of follicles to determine the best time for collection.
Egg collection is usually carried out when the eggs are mature enough. This is a minimally invasive operation, performed under local anesthesia. Through vaginal puncture, doctors use ultrasound guidance to introduce the egg collector into the ovary and extract the eggs. The egg collection process usually lasts about 20-30 minutes.
The collected eggs will be immediately combined with the sperm of the partner or donor for fertilization. The fertilized eggs are cultured, usually in a petri dish for 24 to 48 hours.
Embryo culture and selection
In the process of embryo culture, doctors will regularly assess the development and quality of embryos. High quality embryos have higher implantation rate and success rate.
During the culture process, doctors use different evaluation criteria, including embryonic cell division, cell uniformity, etc. In the incubator, doctors can also conduct embryonic genetic testing to exclude chromosomal abnormalities or genetic diseases. Through genetic screening, healthy embryo transfer can be selected to reduce the risk of pregnancy complications.
Normally, embryos cultured for 3-5 days will be transplanted into the mother's uterus.
Embryo transfer and follow-up monitoring
Embryo transfer is the last step in IVF treatment. Doctors insert high-quality embryos into the uterus through thin tubes, which is a simple and painless process.
After embryo transfer, women usually need to take progesterone and other hormone drugs to support endometrial development and improve the success rate of embryo implantation. A blood test was performed about two weeks after transplantation to determine if she was pregnant.
If the test result is positive, the woman will continue to take supportive drugs. About ten days later, the doctor will conduct the first pregnancy ultrasound examination to confirm whether the heartbeat of the fetus is found.
In summary, the IVF treatment process includes evaluation diagnosis, egg collection and fertilization, embryo culture and selection, as well as embryo transfer and subsequent monitoring. This technology provides an opportunity for infertile couples to realize their reproductive dreams.
Summary
The IVF treatment process is a complex and sophisticated assisted reproductive technology, which can help many infertile couples achieve their reproductive aspirations. The treatment process mainly includes evaluation and diagnosis, egg collection and fertilization, embryo culture and selection, as well as embryo transfer and follow-up monitoring. Through professional medical team and advanced technical means, IVF technology is constantly improving, providing more opportunities for infertility patients to succeed.
