Specific operation steps of IVF
IVF is an assisted reproductive technology, which combines sperm and eggs through in vitro fertilization, cultivates high-quality embryos, and then implants them into the mother's uterus to promote fertility. The specific operation steps of IVF will be introduced in detail below.
1. Superovulation
In the process of IVF operation, superovulation is the first step. Through the injection of growth hormone and ovarian stimulating hormone, the ovary is stimulated to discharge multiple follicles, increasing the chance of fertilization. The doctor will regularly check the growth of the follicle. When the follicle reaches a certain size, the ovarian terminator will be given to terminate it to control the time of fertilization.
Next, we need to collect eggs. Doctors will puncture the ovaries and collect the eggs one by one with fine needles guided by ultrasound after the ovaries are mature. The eggs collected will be immediately sent to the laboratory for subsequent operations.
2. Sperm treatment and in vitro fertilization
In the laboratory, the collected eggs are treated with sperm. First, the sperm is centrifuged to separate the sperm with strong activity. Then, the selected sperm and eggs are placed in a culture dish for in vitro fertilization. Generally, the sperm and egg are co cultured for 18-24 hours, and then observed to select the best quality fertilized egg.
In the process of in vitro fertilization, artificial assisted fertilization is used, that is, eggs and sperm are put into the same culture dish, and appropriate culture medium is added to maintain temperature and humidity, so as to provide a good growth environment for fertilization and improve the success rate of fertilization.
3. Embryo culture
After in vitro fertilization, the successfully fertilized eggs continue to be cultured in the laboratory until they develop into embryos. Embryo culture usually takes 3-6 days. During this period, doctors will regularly check the development of the embryo to assess the quality of the embryo.
For high-quality embryos, doctors can choose to carry out embryo chromosome testing to screen healthy embryos. This can improve the success rate of IVF and reduce the risk of abortion and malformation caused by abnormal embryos.
4. Embryo transfer
After the embryo culture is completed, the doctor will decide the best transfer time according to the development of the embryo and the mother's uterus. There are two common ways of embryo transfer: fresh embryo transfer and frozen embryo transfer.
Fresh embryo transfer refers to the direct transfer of cultured embryos into the mother's uterus, while frozen embryo transfer refers to the freezing and preservation of cultured embryos, and then transfer after thawing when necessary.
Embryo transfer is simple and requires no anesthesia. Doctors will use a catheter to gently place the embryo in the endometrium to help the embryo implant and grow. After transplantation, women need to take appropriate rest and recovery, and continue to receive adjuvant treatment with progesterone and other drugs to improve the implantation rate.
Summary
These are the specific operation steps of IVF: superovulation, sperm processing and in vitro fertilization, embryo culture and embryo transfer. Through these steps, we can help those couples who cannot conceive naturally realize their desire to have children. The gradual development and improvement of IVF technology has brought hope to many couples.
