Test tube baby: the miracle of modern technology
In vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer (ET) is a miracle of modern medicine. Through artificial assisted reproduction technology, couples who cannot conceive naturally have hope. This article will introduce the operation process of IVF in detail from patient screening, egg retrieval process, fertilization and culture, embryo transfer, etc.
Patient screening: comprehensive assessment and decision making
As a complex reproductive technology, IVF needs to be operated by a team of senior reproductive experts. First of all, doctors will conduct a lot of examinations and evaluations on the couple, including male semen analysis, female ovarian function examination, etc. Through these examination results, doctors can understand the reproductive health status of couples in order to design personalized treatment programs.
Secondly, doctors will also have a detailed understanding of the couple's birth history, including whether they have had the experience of natural pregnancy, and whether they have tried other assisted reproductive technologies. This information can help doctors better assess the needs of patients and provide targeted consultation and support.
Finally, the doctor will consider the patient's age, physical condition, psychological quality and other factors, and make a comprehensive assessment to determine whether it is suitable for IVF. This process ensures that patients can bear the risk of treatment and increase the possibility of successful pregnancy.
Egg retrieval process: precise planning and fine operation
The first step of IVF is to take eggs. In the process of egg retrieval, doctors need to regulate women's ovarian function through drugs to promote the development of multiple follicles. This step requires precise planning and fine operation.
First, the doctor will make an egg retrieval plan according to the women's menstrual cycle and monitor the growth of follicles. Once the follicle develops to the proper size, the doctor will inject a trigger agent to stimulate the maturation of the egg in the follicle.
Then, the doctor took out the mature eggs from the ovary through a needle under the guidance of vaginal ultrasound. This process requires fine manipulation and superb technology to ensure the integrity and quantity of eggs.
Fertilization and cultivation: precision control and quality assurance
After taking the eggs, the doctor will conduct in vitro fertilization of the taken eggs and the male sperm. Fertilization process can be divided into conventional IVF and ICSI.
Conventional IVF is to put eggs and sperm in a culture dish and fertilize them in a specific culture medium. This process requires strict control of environmental parameters, such as temperature and oxygen concentration, to ensure the smooth process of fertilization.
ICSI technology is to inject sperm directly into the egg to increase the success rate of fertilization. This method is suitable for fertilization disorders caused by poor quality, insufficient quantity of male sperm or other factors.
After fertilization, the embryo will continue to be cultured in a petri dish. Doctors will select the most promising embryos for transplantation or cryopreservation according to their morphology and development.
Embryo transfer: precise operation and expectation of success
Embryo transfer is the last step of IVF. In this process, doctors transfer selected embryos into the uterus of women in the hope of successful implantation.
Embryo transfer is usually carried out in the natural cycle of women, and doctors will determine the best transfer time according to the thickness of endometrium and other indicators. The transfer process is very precise, and doctors use thin tubes to slowly insert the embryo into the uterine cavity.
After surgery, the patient needs a period of rest and recovery. Then, the doctor will conduct a pregnancy test regularly to determine whether the success has been achieved.
Summary
As a miracle of modern medicine, IVF has brought hope for couples who cannot conceive naturally. Through patient screening, egg retrieval, fertilization and culture, and embryo transfer, the IVF operation process becomes more reliable and accurate. In a regular hospital, an experienced team of doctors will ensure that every step is carefully planned and operated in order to achieve the success of IVF.
