Background and definition of IVF
IVF refers to the process of in vitro fertilization and culture to a certain stage through assisted reproductive technology, and then transfer the fertilized egg to the mother's uterus to develop into a baby. The emergence of IVF technology has brought new fertility opportunities to infertile couples. The steps of IVF will be described in detail below.
Step 1: In vitro fertilization
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the core step of IVF technology. First, women receive ovulation promoting drugs to promote the development of ovarian polycystic follicles. Subsequently, doctors use ultrasound technology to guide the removal of eggs by puncturing the ovary. At the same time, men provide sperm samples. The egg and sperm are fertilized in vitro in the laboratory, that is, the sperm is placed in a culture dish and cultured together with the egg. This process usually takes several hours, after which the doctor will evaluate the fertilization.
If fertilization is successful, the fertilized egg will be formed. Doctors will decide whether to transplant according to the quantity and quality of high-quality fertilized eggs. If there are many fertilized eggs, doctors may choose to freeze them for future use.
Step 2: Embryo culture
The culture of the fertilized egg is very important. It needs to go through a continuous culture process to ensure the development of the embryo. Usually, the fertilized eggs will continue to be cultured in an in vitro incubator. During this process, the doctor will carefully observe the development of the embryo and evaluate its quality and development degree.
The time of embryo culture is generally 2-5 days, and the doctor will judge when to carry out embryo transfer according to the situation. Generally speaking, transplanting high-quality embryos can improve the success rate of pregnancy.
Step 3: Embryo transfer
Embryo transfer is one of the key steps in IVF technology. During the transfer, the doctor will use a thin tube to carefully place the embryo in the mother's uterus. This process generally does not require anesthesia or hospitalization.
After embryo transfer, women need to rest for a period of time so that the embryo can be implanted and developed in the uterus. The doctor will determine the best time for embryo transfer according to the development of the fertilized egg and the individual condition of the patient.
Step 4: Pregnancy and delivery
After successful embryo transfer, if the embryo is successfully implanted and develops into a fetus, pregnancy will occur. Women need to receive routine prenatal examination and prenatal care as recommended by the doctor. IVF pregnancy is not very different from natural pregnancy, but it needs to closely monitor the development of the fetus and the physical condition of the mother.
When the fetus develops to the right time, the delivery process will occur. The mode of delivery depends on the specific situation, which may be natural delivery or cesarean section. After a series of steps and processes, IVF was finally born.
To sum up, IVF has gone through such key steps as in vitro fertilization, embryo culture, embryo transfer, pregnancy and delivery. In these steps, technical proficiency and doctors' experience are crucial. For couples, IVF technology represents a ray of hope. Through continuous efforts and innovation, IVF technology has been well used and promoted in regular hospitals, bringing good news to many infertile couples.
