What are the steps of IVF technology
IVF technology, also known as in vitro fertilization technology, is an assisted reproductive technology, which is widely used to treat infertility symptoms and help couples who cannot conceive naturally achieve their reproductive aspirations. The success of IVF technology involves many steps and medical means. The four aspects of IVF technology are described in detail below. 1. Ovulation induction therapy
The first step of IVF technology is to use ovulation induction therapy to help women ovulate multiple eggs. In this process, doctors usually use hormone injection to stimulate ovarian development and promote follicles to produce multiple eggs. Doctors will regularly monitor the growth of follicles and determine the best time for fertilization.
Once the ovaries are fully developed, doctors will use fine needle puncture technology to extract the follicles. This process is usually carried out in the operating room and under the guidance of ultrasound. In this way, doctors can collect a certain number of eggs.
The whole ovulation induction treatment usually takes several weeks, and the specific course of treatment may vary from individual to individual.
2. In vitro fertilization
After obtaining eggs, doctors need to collect sperm, and combine eggs with sperm for in vitro fertilization. Spermatozoa can be obtained either by natural means or by sperm extraction, depending on the specific circumstances of the case.
In the process of in vitro fertilization, the doctor will put the sperm and egg in the same culture dish and let the sperm and egg combine by themselves. This process may take hours or days. Once fertilization is successful, the histologist will observe the development of the fertilized egg to determine its quality.
In vitro fertilization is usually carried out in the laboratory to ensure a clean and sterile environment and provide proper nutrition for the growth of the fertilized eggs.
3. Embryo culture
After in vitro fertilization, the doctor will transfer the fertilized egg to the embryo culture dish for culture. Embryo culture usually uses special medium and incubator to simulate the human uterus environment.
The doctor will regularly check the development of the fertilized egg. Usually, the fertilized egg will go through multiple stages of development, from single cell to multi cell, and finally develop into a blastocyst.
Doctors usually choose the blastocyst with the most development potential for implantation. This selection is based on factors such as the appearance of the blastocyst, the rate of proliferation, and the quality of the embryo.
4. Embryo implantation and pregnancy
After the embryo culture is completed, the doctor will choose the best time to implant the blastocyst into the mother's uterus. The implantation process usually uses the external vaginal glass mirror technology, and the doctor will accurately implant the blastocyst into the uterus.
The implantation process is usually very simple and does not require general anesthesia. After implantation, women need to rest and take appropriate drugs to help blastocyst implantation and embryo implantation.
After about two weeks, the doctor will conduct a blood or urine test to confirm the pregnancy. If pregnancy does occur, the doctor will give necessary medical and preventive measures to ensure the smooth progress of pregnancy.
To sum up, IVF technology includes multiple steps such as ovulation induction therapy, in vitro fertilization, embryo culture, embryo implantation and pregnancy. Each step is very critical and requires precise operation and careful care by doctors. The success of IVF technology is inseparable from the progress of modern medicine and the full cooperation of professional doctors. The emergence of IVF technology has brought hope and joy to those couples who cannot conceive naturally.
