Preparation of IVF
Test tube baby, also known as in vitro fertilization embryo transfer (IVF-ET), is an assisted reproductive technology. In order to ensure the success of IVF, it needs to go through a series of steps. The first is the preliminary preparation, including the preliminary assessment of patients, the detailed consultation and examination of doctors, and the interpretation of relevant legal and ethical issues.
In some countries, IVF procedures must comply with specific legal requirements. Patients need to know their rights and obligations, as well as the risks and limitations associated with IVF. At this stage, the patient needs to decide whether to continue to try IVF and sign the corresponding documents.
In addition, the doctor will perform physical examination and evaluation to determine the suitability of the patient. This includes understanding the patient's age, reproductive history, lifestyle and other factors, and eliminating potential physical problems and genetic diseases. If necessary, the doctor may advise the patient to carry out further examinations, such as blood test, endoscopy, imaging examination, etc.
In addition, patients also need psychological assessment. The IVF process may bring great psychological pressure and emotional fluctuations to patients and families. Psychological assessment can help doctors understand patients' psychological endurance and adaptability, and provide necessary support and counseling.
Ovulation induction and egg retrieval process
Once the patient has gone through the preliminary preparation, the next step is to promote ovulation and take eggs. This process stimulates the development of multiple follicles by using ovulation promoting drugs to increase the number of fertilized eggs. Ovulation promoting drugs are administered by injection or orally.
During this process, doctors will regularly monitor the growth of follicles and hormone levels. Through ultrasonic examination and blood test, doctors can determine the best time to retrieve eggs.
The process of egg retrieval is generally carried out within 36 hours after the follicle matures. This is a minimally invasive operation, usually performed under local anesthesia. Doctors will use a slender needle guided by ultrasound to puncture the ovary and extract the eggs from the mature follicle.
After the egg retrieval process, the patient may feel some discomfort, such as slight abdominal pain or nausea. Usually, these discomfort will gradually subside within one or two days.
Fertilization and embryo culture
After taking the eggs, the eggs will be fertilized in vitro with sperm in the laboratory. This can be achieved through traditional IVF or ICSI (single sperm injection) technology.
In traditional IVF, eggs and sperm are placed in the same culture dish to let them naturally combine. ICSI technology is to directly inject a single sperm into the egg. This technique is suitable for poor sperm quality or a small number of sperm.
After fertilization, the eggs will continue to be cultured in the laboratory. Doctors will select the healthiest embryos for culture, which will generally reach the embryonic stage of 2-5 days.
Embryo transfer and follow-up observation
Embryo transfer is the last step in the IVF process. The doctor will select the embryo with the best development potential and quality and transfer it to the patient's uterus.
Embryo transfer is usually a painless procedure that does not require anesthesia. The doctor will use a slender tube to place the embryo in the right place. This process usually takes only a few minutes.
After embryo transfer, patients need to have a rest for a period of time and follow the doctor's advice, such as avoiding overwork and paying attention to diet. Doctors may recommend the use of drugs such as progesterone to promote embryo implantation and maintain pregnancy.
The patient will then observe for a period of time. Usually, within 10-14 days after transplantation, the doctor will conduct a blood test to confirm whether the pregnancy is successful. If the result is positive, the patient will enter the pregnancy monitoring; If the result is negative, it is necessary to discuss the next plan and scheme with the doctor.
summary
IVF needs to go through the stages of preliminary preparation, ovulation promotion and egg retrieval, fertilization and embryo culture, as well as embryo transfer and follow-up observation. This process requires close cooperation and cooperation between patients and doctors to ensure the best results. The continuous development of IVF technology and the improvement of medical level have brought new fertility hope to those couples who cannot conceive naturally for a long time.
