Operation steps of test tube baby
IVF is an assisted reproductive technology that helps couples who cannot conceive naturally realize their reproductive dreams. The specific operation steps of IVF will be introduced from four aspects.
1. Ovulation induction therapy
The first step of IVF is ovulation induction therapy. Women are treated with drugs in hospitals to increase the number of eggs. The doctor will monitor the growth of the follicle and use a trigger to guide ovulation when the egg is ready to mature.
Generally speaking, women inject artificial ovulation stimulating hormone every day to stimulate the maturation of eggs. Doctors will periodically perform ultrasound examinations to determine the number and size of follicles. Once the follicle reaches the ideal size, the doctor will use the trigger agent to trigger the follicle rupture, and the egg retrieval operation will be carried out 36 hours later.
Egg retrieval is a painless surgery. Doctors use ultrasound guidance through the vagina to remove eggs. The eggs will then be sent to the laboratory for subsequent processing.
2. Fertilization and embryo culture
In the laboratory, the eggs taken out are combined with the partner's sperm to realize the fertilization process. The doctor places sperm and eggs in a culture dish and observes the result of fertilization. If fertilization is successful, the resulting embryo will be cultured for several days to ensure the quality and development of the embryo.
Culture conditions are very important to ensure that the embryo gets enough nutrients and a suitable environment. Petri dishes are usually placed in a thermostat to maintain a constant temperature and humidity to simulate the environment in the uterus. Over time, doctors will observe the growth and development of embryos.
At the end of the embryo culture period, the doctor will select the best embryo according to the quality of the embryo for transplantation into the patient's uterus.
3. Embryo transfer
Embryo transfer is one of the key steps of IVF. The doctor inserted the carefully selected embryo into the patient's uterus with a slender catheter. This process is usually carried out in the natural cycle of a woman's body.
Embryo transfer can use different technologies, such as traditional embryo transfer, frozen embryo transfer or frozen embryo synchronous cycle transfer. The doctor will determine the most suitable transplantation method according to the specific situation of the patient.
After transplantation, patients need to rest for a period of time, and doctors will further observe and adjust treatment measures to improve the success rate.
4. Pregnancy confirmation and pregnancy maintenance
After about two weeks, the patient can have a pregnancy test to confirm whether the pregnancy is successful. If the result is positive, it means that IVF transplantation has been carried out successfully. At this time, patients will continue to receive pregnancy maintenance treatment, which usually includes the use of progesterone and other drugs to support the growth and development of embryos.
The doctor will regularly monitor the pregnancy, and adjust and treat according to the specific situation of women. Once the embryo is stable and successfully pregnant, the patient will enter a normal pregnancy period and continue to receive regular prenatal examination and care.
Summary
The operation steps of IVF mainly include ovulation induction therapy, fertilization and embryo culture, embryo transfer, pregnancy confirmation and pregnancy maintenance. These steps need to be carried out under the guidance of professional hospitals to ensure the safety and success of the operation.
The development of IVF technology provides hope for couples who cannot conceive naturally. Although there may be some risks and challenges in the process, under the guidance of doctors, most patients can finally realize their reproductive dreams.
