How long does IVF take?
IVF is an assisted reproductive technology that helps couples who cannot conceive naturally realize their reproductive dreams. This process needs to go through multiple steps, so the cycle length will vary depending on individual differences and hospital implementation plans. The IVF cycle will be described in detail from four aspects.
1. Diagnosis and preparation stage
Before the IVF cycle begins, doctors will first make a comprehensive diagnosis and evaluation. This includes examining the reproductive system functions and hormone levels of both parties, determining the cause of infertility, and evaluating the suitability of IVF procedures.
Once it is determined that IVF can be carried out, doctors will develop personalized treatment plans according to individual conditions. This stage also includes giving women drugs to stimulate ovarian development and promote the maturation of multiple eggs. Usually, this stage needs to last 10 to 14 days, and is carried out under the whole process monitoring.
The diagnosis and preparation stages may vary depending on individual differences, and generally take weeks to months.
2. Egg collection and sperm extraction
During ovarian stimulation, doctors will determine the maturity of eggs through ultrasound guidance and blood monitoring. Once the egg is mature, the doctor will arrange an ovarian puncture to suck the egg through a needle.
At the same time, men need to provide semen samples in order to extract sperm. Semen samples can be collected by masturbation or using special equipment. If men have difficulty in sperm extraction, such as azoospermia, they can choose sperm extraction surgery.
The process of egg collection and sperm extraction is usually completed in a short operation, lasting about 15 minutes to 1 hour.
3. Fertilization and embryo culture
After the eggs are collected, they are fertilized in vitro with the extracted sperm. This means that sperm is injected directly into the egg to promote fertilization.
The fertilized eggs will be cultured in the laboratory. The culture process usually lasts 3 to 5 days, during which the doctor will regularly evaluate the development of the embryo and select the best one or more embryos for transfer.
In some cases, doctors can also choose to carry out extra steps such as embryonic genetic screening or gender screening to improve the success rate of transplantation.
4. Embryo transfer and subsequent observation
After the embryo culture is completed, the doctor will select the most ideal embryo for transfer. This process is similar to endometrial stimulation, that is, drugs are used to promote the growth and preparation of endometrium. At the right time, doctors will transfer embryos into the mother's uterus to promote the occurrence of pregnancy.
After about 10 to 14 days, a blood or urine test can determine whether the pregnancy is successful. If the result is positive, women will conduct more observation and testing to ensure the stability and health of pregnancy.
The whole process from diagnosis to embryo transfer may take 6 to 8 weeks, but the specific cycle length will vary depending on individual differences and hospital strategies.
Summary
The length of IVF cycle varies with individual differences and hospital strategies. It usually includes diagnosis and preparation stage, egg collection and sperm extraction, fertilization and embryo culture, as well as embryo transfer and subsequent observation. The whole process may take 6 to 8 weeks, but the duration of each stage will vary depending on individual differences and hospital measures.
