What is IVF?
IVF, also known as in vitro fertilization embryo transfer (IVF-ET), is a medical technology used to treat couples who cannot conceive naturally because of male or female infertility or reproductive disorders. It combines eggs and sperm in the laboratory, develops into embryos, and then transfers the embryos to the female uterus to help couples achieve their desire for pregnancy and fertility.
The process of IVF
The IVF process usually includes the following steps:
First, women receive ovulation induction therapy to increase the number of eggs. This usually involves injecting drugs to encourage the ovaries to release more mature eggs. The doctor will regularly monitor the growth of the ovaries and decide the best collection time at the appropriate time.
Secondly, eggs are collected from women's bodies through medical operations. This process is usually carried out under anesthesia, and doctors will use specific devices, such as puncture devices or suction devices, to obtain mature eggs.
Next, men provide sperm samples. Select the most active and high-quality sperm for IVF program by manually combing, soaking or breaking sperm. In some cases, when men have sperm problems, they can use donated sperm for synthesis.
Then, the eggs and sperm are combined in the laboratory. After a period of culture, if the embryo develops normally, healthy embryos will be selected for transplantation.
Finally, doctors transplant the embryo into a woman's uterus through a simple operation. This process is usually simple, but requires strict monitoring and expertise.
Risk and success rate of IVF
IVF is a complex medical procedure, which may involve some risks and uncertainties. Some of these risks include multiple pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, premature delivery, prenatal intrauterine growth delay, etc. In addition, the success rate of IVF is also affected by many factors, such as female age, health status, lifestyle, etc.
However, with the continuous development and improvement of medical technology, the success rate of IVF has gradually increased. It is reported that the success rate of some real hospitals, such as Maine Medical Center in the United States and Monash University Reproductive Medical Center in Australia, has reached more than 50%.
Significance and enlightenment of IVF
The emergence of IVF has brought hope and opportunities to many infertile couples. It not only enables couples unable to conceive naturally for special reasons to have their own children, but also provides valuable experience for the research and treatment of infertility.
In addition, IVF also triggered people's deep thinking on reproductive rights and the origin of life. It reminds us to respect everyone's independent choice to realize their reproductive rights, and also needs to consider ethical and legal norms in the application of science and technology.
summary
Test tube baby is a medical technology that combines eggs and sperm in the laboratory and transplants them into women's uterus to help infertile couples achieve their fertility aspirations. Although there are some risks and uncertainties, with the progress of medical technology, the success rate of IVF has gradually increased. It has brought new hopes and opportunities to couples, and also triggered in-depth thinking on reproductive rights and the origin of life. IVF is not only a medical feat, but also a mirror of human concern about reproductive rights and ethical issues.
