Diversity of assisted reproduction modes
Assisted reproduction refers to the process of assisted reproduction through medical means. The traditional IVF may be the most familiar assisted reproduction method, but there are many other assisted reproduction methods besides IVF. This article will elaborate on these assisted reproduction methods from four aspects: artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, frozen embryo transfer and genetic screening before embryo transfer.
1. Artificial insemination
Artificial insemination is the process of injecting sperm directly into a woman's uterus to combine with the egg to form a fertilized egg. This method is applicable to the condition that the quality of male sperm is poor or the female reproductive system is not suitable for natural pregnancy. The usual methods of artificial insemination are intrauterine insemination and vaginal insemination.
Intrauterine artificial insemination is carried out by injecting semen into the uterine cavity and operated in the assisted reproduction center of the hospital. Intravaginal artificial insemination is to inject semen into a woman's vagina, so that sperm can swim to the cervix by itself. This method is relatively simple, does not need special medical equipment, can be carried out at home.
2. In vitro fertilization
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the most common assisted reproductive methods. It refers to taking out female eggs, conducting in vitro fertilization with male sperm in the laboratory, and then cultivating the fertilized eggs to a certain stage of development before implanting them into the female uterus, so that they can be implanted and developed in the uterus.
In vitro fertilization is applicable to situations where natural pregnancy cannot be achieved due to a variety of reasons, including fallopian tube obstruction, male sperm quality problems, ovulation problems, etc. Through in vitro fertilization, many couples who are unable to conceive have successfully realized their reproductive dreams.
3. Frozen embryo transfer
Frozen embryo transfer refers to the freezing of the surplus fertilized eggs after in vitro fertilization, and then thawing and implanting them into the female uterus at an appropriate time. In this way, even if one in vitro fertilization fails, the transfer of frozen embryos can provide many opportunities for couples.
The success rate of frozen embryo transfer is close to that of fresh embryo transfer, and it can reduce the use of stimulants during in vitro fertilization and reduce the impact on women's body. Some countries even stipulate that, in order to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancies, the number of in vitro fertilization embryo transfers per time is limited, and couples are encouraged to choose frozen embryo transfers.
4. Genetic screening before embryo transfer
Genetic screening before embryo transfer refers to genetic testing of embryos before embryo transfer to screen out embryos that may carry some genetic diseases or have chromosome abnormalities, so as to select healthy embryos for transfer. This genetic screening technology includes genetic diagnosis, chromosome detection and single gene genetic disease screening.
Genetic screening before embryo transfer can help couples choose healthy embryos and avoid the birth of children with genetic diseases. This technology is particularly important for pregnant women with high-risk genetic disease history or older women, which can improve the fertility success rate and reduce the transmission risk of some genetic diseases.
Summary
In addition to IVF, assisted reproduction also includes artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, frozen embryo transfer and genetic screening before embryo transfer. These assisted reproductive methods provide a variety of choices in different causes and circumstances, helping many couples achieve their reproductive dreams. For those couples who are unable to conceive naturally due to physiological reasons, these assisted reproductive methods have brought them new hope and opportunities.
