Process required for IVF
Test tube baby is an application of assisted reproductive technology, which is often used to treat infertility and other problems. Next, we will introduce the process of IVF from four aspects.
First consultation and evaluation
The first step in IVF treatment is to consult and evaluate with a doctor. Patients need to choose reliable formal hospitals, such as Peking Union Medical College Hospital or People's Hospital. The doctor will know the patient's physical condition, medical history and the cause of infertility in detail, and may require a series of examinations, including blood testing, ultrasonic examination, endocrine function examination, etc., to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
After the first consultation and evaluation, the doctor will formulate a personalized treatment plan according to the specific situation of the patient, and provide the patient with necessary treatment suggestions and precautions to ensure the smooth progress of the treatment.
Ovulation induction and egg collection
The second step of IVF treatment is to promote ovulation and collect eggs. According to the specific conditions of patients, doctors will give ovulation promoting drugs to promote ovarian development and produce multiple follicles. During this process, doctors will regularly conduct ultrasonic examination and blood testing to monitor the size and number of follicles, as well as changes in hormone levels.
When the follicle develops to an appropriate size, doctors will use ultrasound guided fine needles to collect eggs from the ovary. This is a minimally invasive surgical process, which often requires general anesthesia. The collected eggs will be immediately sent to the laboratory for processing.
Sperm processing and in vitro fertilization
In the laboratory, the eggs collected will be processed and fertilized in vitro with matching sperm. First, sperm will be separated and prepared to improve the success rate of fertilization. Then, a single sperm will be injected into the egg, or multiple sperm and eggs will be cultured together in the petri dish to promote fertilization.
After successful fertilization, the fertilized eggs will continue to be cultured in the laboratory for several days. Doctors and laboratory experts will closely monitor the development of the fertilized eggs and select the most promising embryos for transplantation.
Embryo transfer and pregnancy
Embryo transfer is the last step in IVF treatment. Before transplantation, doctors will discuss with patients about the optimal number of embryos, usually 1-3. Embryo transfer is usually performed through the vagina without surgery. The doctor will use a thin tube to place the embryo in the uterus to help the embryo implant.
After embryo transfer, patients need to rest and observe within a certain time. If the embryo is successfully implanted and there are signs of pregnancy, the patient will enter the normal pregnancy process. Usually around seven weeks of pregnancy, the doctor will conduct a pregnancy localization ultrasound examination to confirm whether there is a fetus in the womb.
Summary
IVF needs to go through the processes of first consultation and evaluation, ovulation promotion and egg collection, sperm treatment and in vitro fertilization, embryo transfer and pregnancy. These processes need to be carried out in a formal hospital and operated by a professional team throughout the process. The continuous progress of IVF technology has enabled many infertile couples to realize their dreams of childbearing.
