Procedure of IVF
IVF is a kind of assisted reproductive technology, which is used to help couples who cannot conceive in a natural way to realize their reproductive dreams. The procedure of IVF will be described in detail below.
1. Physical examination and consultation
Before deciding to carry out IVF, both husband and wife need to have a comprehensive physical examination and consultation. This process usually includes interview and consultation with reproductive specialists, comprehensive physical examination of both spouses, and some necessary laboratory tests. The doctor will ask the couple about their birth history in detail, and assess the causes of their birth problems and possible solutions.
At the same time, doctors may also require women to undergo gynecological examinations, including ultrasound examinations of the uterus and ovaries, to assess the condition of their reproductive organs. The purpose of this stage is to ensure that couples have the basic conditions for IVF.
Finally, doctors will provide couples with detailed information about IVF, including procedures, risks and success rates, to help them make decisions.
2. Ovulation induction and oocyte collection
Once IVF is decided, women need to receive ovulation induction treatment. This usually includes injecting a drug to stimulate the ovary to produce more follicles and control the growth and development of follicles. Doctors often test the ovarian response to determine the optimal stage of follicular development.
When the follicle reaches the appropriate size and number, the doctor will collect oocytes through pelvic puncture technology. This process is usually carried out in the operating room. The doctor collects mature oocytes by puncturing the uterine wall and guiding a fine needle into the ovary.
Oocyte collection usually requires local anesthesia and strict aseptic operation. The collected oocytes will be immediately sent to the laboratory for further processing.
3. Fertilization and embryo culture
In the laboratory, after the preparation of eggs and sperm, doctors will select the healthiest and most active sperm and eggs for in vitro fertilization. This can be achieved in two ways: traditional in vitro fertilization (IVF) or embryo culture (ICSI).
In IVF, doctors put sperm and eggs in the same Petri dish and let them naturally combine. In ICSI, doctors use microinjection needles to inject individual sperm directly into eggs.
After fertilization, the eggs will continue to be cultured in the laboratory until they develop into embryos. Doctors will select the best embryos for transplantation according to the quantity and quality of embryos.
4. Embryo transfer and pregnancy testing
Embryo transfer is the last step in the process of IVF. The doctor will place the embryo through a catheter in the proper place in the female uterus. This is a very simple process, usually without anesthesia.
After transplantation, women need to wait for a period of time for pregnancy testing. This is usually done by measuring the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the serum. If the hCG level is positive, the woman may be pregnant.
If the pregnancy is successful, women will continue to receive regular prenatal care and monitoring. Otherwise, the doctor may need to reassess the situation and discuss whether to make further attempts.
Summary
The procedures of IVF mainly include physical examination and consultation, ovulation induction and oocyte collection, fertilization and embryo culture, as well as embryo transfer and pregnancy testing. These steps need to be carried out under the guidance of professional doctors and completed under the medical laboratory. The development of IVF technology provides a new reproductive option for couples who cannot conceive through natural means.
