IVF process
IVF is an assisted reproductive technology that helps couples who cannot conceive naturally realize their reproductive dreams. This process usually needs to go through multiple stages, including: ovulation guidance, egg retrieval, fertilization, embryo culture, embryo transfer and pregnancy monitoring. The following will introduce the IVF process in detail from these aspects.
Ovulatory catheter
Ovulation is the first step of IVF process. Doctors will use drugs to help ovulate according to women's menstrual cycle and ovarian function. The type and dosage of ovulation guidance drugs depend on personal conditions and doctor's recommendations. Drugs are usually used by injection or oral administration to promote follicular development and release mature eggs.
The whole process of ovulation usually lasts 10 to 14 days. During ovulation, doctors will determine the development of eggs and the time of ovulation through ultrasonic examination and blood test.
The purpose of ovulation guidance is to allow women to produce multiple mature eggs, so as to increase the chance of fertilization and the selection of high-quality embryos.
Egg retrieval
Fetching eggs is a key step in the IVF process. When the follicle develops to the appropriate size, the doctor will give the egg stimulating drug to urge the follicle to burst and release the egg. Usually, the egg retrieval will be carried out 36 hours after the egg develops to its mature state.
The egg retrieval operation needs to be carried out in the operating room of the hospital. During surgery, doctors will use ultrasonic probes and minimally invasive surgical instruments to remove eggs through the vagina. This process usually lasts 20 to 30 minutes. The removed eggs will be immediately transferred to the culture dish, ready to combine with sperm.
Egg retrieval is a minimally invasive operation, usually performed under general anesthesia. After the operation, the patient needs to rest for a period of time and follow the doctor's advice for recuperation and recovery.
Fertilization and embryo culture
Fertilization refers to the combination of the extracted egg and sperm. In the laboratory, the sperm will combine with the egg through natural fertilization or assisted fertilization. Assisted fertilization usually uses sperm injection into the egg.
After successful fertilization, the embryo will continue to be cultured in the laboratory. This process usually takes three to five days. Doctors will select the best embryo for transplantation according to the quality and development of the embryo.
The environment for embryo culture needs to control temperature, humidity, nutrition and other factors to provide the most suitable conditions for embryo development.
Embryo transfer and pregnancy monitoring
Embryo transfer is the last step in the IVF process. After embryo culture, doctors will select the most promising embryos and transfer them to the female uterus. This procedure is usually a simple operation without anesthesia.
After embryo transfer, women need to rest for a period of time to avoid overwork. Doctors will also give related drugs to help embryo implantation and maintain pregnancy.
About two weeks later, the doctor will conduct a pregnancy test to determine whether or not you are pregnant by detecting the level of progesterone in the blood. If the result is positive, the IVF process is successful. The patient will then undergo further pregnancy monitoring and prenatal care.
Conclusion: The IVF process has gone through many stages, such as ovulation guidance, oocyte retrieval, fertilization, embryo culture, embryo transfer and pregnancy monitoring. Each stage has its specific purpose and steps. This process needs proper time and professional medical team to operate and monitor. Through IVF technology, couples who cannot conceive naturally can realize their dreams of childbearing.
