The process of IVF: from initial diagnosis to transplantation
IVF technology is a kind of assisted reproductive technology, which can help couples who cannot conceive naturally realize their reproductive dreams. The IVF process includes several stages, from initial diagnosis to transplantation, each stage needs to go through a rigorous screening and operation process. Here are four key aspects of the IVF process.
Initial diagnosis: understand the patient's condition and formulate treatment plan
Before IVF treatment, the doctor will make a preliminary diagnosis with the couple and understand their medical and personal background. The doctor will ask about the reproductive health history, the patient's age, fertility goals, and other relevant health issues. The purpose of this stage is to assess the reproductive health of couples and develop personalized treatment plans.
During the initial diagnosis, doctors usually carry out a series of examinations, including male semen analysis, female ovarian ultrasound, hysteroscopy, etc. These tests are designed to assess the patient's reproductive health and help doctors determine the most appropriate treatment.
Depending on the specific situation of the patient, the doctor may recommend in vitro fertilization (IVF) or injection of mature sperm cells (ICSI) and other technologies. The doctor will also explain the risks and possible side effects of the treatment, and decide the next treatment plan with the couple.
Hormone therapy and ovarian stimulation: promoting egg growth
In the next stage of IVF process, female patients will receive hormone therapy to promote ovarian growth and increase the number of eggs. Hormone therapy usually includes the use of ovulatory catheters to induce ovarian growth, and the determination of egg development through ultrasound monitoring and blood tests.
The doctor monitors the maturity of the eggs according to the condition of each patient, and determines the time of egg retrieval when reaching the best state. Generally speaking, when the follicle develops to a certain size, the doctor will inject the patient with drugs for early ovulation, and collect the eggs in the operating room about 36 hours later.
Ovarian stimulation may cause some side effects, such as abdominal distention, breast pain and mood fluctuations. Patients need to work closely with doctors, treat according to doctors' orders, and receive monitoring and guidance in experienced hospitals to ensure the safety and success of treatment.
In vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo culture: cultivating healthy embryos
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an important part of the IVF process, which is usually carried out on the same day after egg retrieval. In the process of in vitro fertilization, doctors place sperm and mature eggs in culture dishes to promote fertilization under appropriate environmental conditions.
Once fertilization occurs, the embryo will continue to be cultivated in the culture dish, and the doctor will select the best embryo for transfer according to the embryo quality and development. Embryo culture usually lasts for 3 to 6 days until it reaches the mature stage.
The process of embryo culture requires precise laboratory operation and careful monitoring to ensure the healthy development of embryos in the best environment. This stage needs to be carried out in an experienced hospital to ensure the safety and quality of embryos.
Embryo Transfer and Follow up Observation: Seeding of the Seed of Hope
Embryo transfer is a key step in the process of IVF, and it is also the most expected stage for couples. Before transplantation, the doctor will discuss with the couple about the best time for transplantation, and select the most promising embryo according to the quality and development of the embryo.
Embryo transfer is usually a simple and painless process. Doctors will use a slender catheter to transfer the embryo into the uterine cavity of a female patient. After transplantation, the patient needs to rest for a period of time to allow the embryo to be implanted safely.
About two weeks later, the patient will have a blood test to confirm whether the pregnancy is successful. If the test is positive, the last stage of IVF process will begin, namely, pregnancy monitoring and abdominal ultrasound to ensure the normal growth and development of the embryo.
In summary, the IVF process includes initial diagnosis, hormone therapy and ovarian stimulation, in vitro fertilization and embryo culture, as well as embryo transfer and follow-up observation. Each stage needs to be strictly screened and operated, and carried out in an experienced hospital. Through scientific technology and close monitoring, IVF technology has helped many couples realize their reproductive dreams.
