How to allocate embryos in IVF hospitals
IVF technology has enabled many infertile couples to realize their dream of childbirth. In IVF hospitals, embryo distribution is a key and complex process. Hospitals usually consider multiple factors, such as embryo quality, matching degree, medical history, etc., to decide how to allocate embryos.
1. Embryo evaluation and selection
Before embryo distribution, IVF hospitals will first evaluate and select embryos. Common evaluation indicators include embryo morphology, cell division and chromosome status. These indicators can help hospitals judge the quality and development potential of embryos.
Considering the individual differences of different patients, the hospital will select the most suitable embryo according to the patient's medical history and special needs. For example, if the patient has a family history of genetic diseases, the hospital may choose embryos that do not carry related gene mutations.
In addition, the hospital also needs to evaluate the patient's physical condition and uterine condition to determine whether it is suitable for embryo implantation. All these evaluations and selections are aimed at improving the success rate of pregnancy and the birth rate of healthy newborns.
2. Matching degree and success rate
Matching is another factor that needs to be considered in embryo allocation. The hospital usually matches the embryo with the patient's age, health status and genetic background. This is because young embryos are more likely to be successfully implanted and developed, and the patient's physical condition and genetic background will also affect the success rate of pregnancy.
The matching degree not only considers the patient's own factors, but also considers the matching degree between patients or sperm donors. When the patient cannot provide high-quality eggs or sperm, the IVF hospital will match with the person or donor to improve the pregnancy success rate.
The improvement of matching degree will directly affect the success rate of IVF and the pregnancy possibility of patients. Therefore, the hospital will fully consider the matching degree and pregnancy success rate when allocating embryos.
3. Principle of priority allocation and fairness
In embryo allocation, hospitals also need to consider the priority and fairness principle of allocation. Normally, hospitals give priority to the health and survival of infants. If there are multiple embryos to choose from, the hospital will try to choose the most promising and high-quality embryos.
At the same time, hospitals also need to follow the principle of fairness to ensure that every patient has a fair opportunity to obtain embryos. This usually means that hospitals need to strictly follow the distribution rules and not take sides.
In addition, the hospital will also consider the patient's treatment history and waiting time. If patients have received IVF treatment for many times but failed, the hospital may give them priority to improve their fertility opportunities.
4. Disposal of abandoned embryos
In the process of embryo distribution, sometimes the embryo will be abandoned. This may be due to poor embryo quality or the patient's decision not to continue treatment. Hospitals usually follow strict ethical principles to deal with these abandoned embryos.
A common treatment is to donate abandoned embryos to other patients so that they can have the chance to realize their dream of reproduction. The hospital will keep these embryos frozen and stored, waiting for patients in need. At the same time, the hospital will also negotiate with patients and dispose of abandoned embryos according to their wishes.
Summary
When distributing embryos, IVF hospitals will comprehensively consider factors such as embryo evaluation and selection, matching degree and success rate, priority and fairness of distribution, and disposal of abandoned embryos. These comprehensive considerations aim to improve the success rate of pregnancy and the birth rate of healthy newborns, while ensuring fairness and equal opportunities among patients.
