The process of IVF
IVF is an assisted reproductive technology that helps couples who cannot conceive naturally achieve their reproductive aspirations. The whole process has gone through several key steps, involving the operation and precise control of medical experts. The four key aspects of the IVF process are described in detail below.
1. Embryo culture and selection
The first step in the IVF process is to collect and process eggs and sperm. Usually, eggs will be collected after ovulation in the woman's body, and sperm will come from the man's semen. Then, through in vitro fertilization, the sperm and egg are combined together.
Next, the embryos will be cultured in the laboratory. This process takes some time, usually 3-5 days. In the process of embryo culture, doctors will carefully observe the development of the embryo and evaluate its quality and potential success rate.
At the end of the culture period, doctors will select the most promising embryo for successful implantation according to the appearance of the embryo, cell division and other relevant factors. Generally, select the best 1-2 embryos for transfer.
2. Embryo transfer
Embryo transfer is the next key step in the IVF process. In this step, the selected embryo will be placed in the woman's uterus to promote its implantation and development.
Embryo transfer is generally carried out via vagina, which is a simple painless process for most women. A specially trained doctor will use a slender catheter to send the embryo directly into the uterine cavity.
After embryo transfer, it is necessary to wait for a period of time to observe whether the implantation is successful. If the embryo is successfully implanted, the woman may have a pregnancy test a few weeks later to confirm whether she is pregnant.
3. Selection and application of assisted reproductive technology
In the process of IVF, doctors may also choose and apply other assisted reproductive technologies according to the specific situation to improve the success rate. These techniques include embryo freezing, egg or sperm extraction and freezing, embryo sex screening, etc.
Embryo freezing technology can save surplus embryos in liquid nitrogen for future use. This provides more options and flexibility for couples who need to try IVF multiple times or want to delay pregnancy.
Other technologies, such as the extraction and freezing of eggs or sperm, can help couples facing special circumstances (such as upcoming chemotherapy or surgery) to freeze their fertility cells for future use.
4. Follow up pregnancy monitoring and care during pregnancy
Once pregnant successfully, women need to receive regular pregnancy monitoring and care during pregnancy to ensure the normal development of embryos and pregnancy safety. This includes regular maternal examinations, blood or urine tests, and fetal ultrasound.
In addition, pregnant women often need additional psychological and emotional support, because the IVF process may be a long and emotional journey. Therefore, it is very important for couples to provide appropriate psychological guidance and support for the whole IVF process.
Summary
The process of IVF has gone through the key steps of embryo culture and selection, embryo transfer, selection and application of assisted reproductive technology, and subsequent pregnancy monitoring and care. This process requires a professional medical team and precise operation, which can help couples who cannot conceive naturally realize their reproductive dreams.
