Steps of IVF
In vitro fertilization embryo transfer (IVF-ET) is an assisted reproductive technology used to treat infertility. The steps of IVF will be described in detail below.
Step 1: ovulation induction
The first step of IVF is to stimulate the ovarian development of multiple follicles by injecting ovulation promoting drugs to women. Usually, women will start to inject ovulation promoting drugs on the second day of the menstrual cycle, and after dozens of days of injection, until the follicle develops to an appropriate size.
During the injection process, the doctor will regularly carry out ultrasonic inspection and blood testing according to the follicular development to determine the best time for fertilization.
Step 2: Take eggs
When the follicle develops to an appropriate size, the doctor will take the egg in the operating room. Usually, this operation is performed under local anesthesia. The doctor extracts the mature eggs from the follicle by puncturing the ovary.
This process requires ultrasonic guidance to flush the fluid to ensure that all available eggs are removed. Egg retrieval usually takes only 15-30 minutes, and requires several hours of rest and observation after the operation.
Step 3: Sperm taking and fertilization
At the same time, the spouse or donor will provide semen samples. Then, laboratory technicians will place eggs and sperm in culture dishes to create an environment similar to natural fertilization to promote fertilization.
The fertilized eggs will continue to be cultured in the laboratory, usually for 2-5 days, until they develop into embryos.
Step 4: Embryo transfer
After the embryo develops to a certain stage, the doctor will select the most capable embryo to transplant into the female uterus. At this time, the doctor will insert a thin and soft catheter into the female uterus and gently put the embryo into the uterus.
Next, women need to continue taking drugs to provide hormone support for embryo implantation, so as to increase the chance of successful pregnancy.
What is the success rate of IVF?
The success rate of IVF is affected by many factors, including age, infertility reasons and hospital technical level. According to the World Health Organization, the overall success rate of IVF is about 30-35%.
Age is an important factor affecting the success rate of IVF. The older a woman is, the lower the quality and quantity of eggs will be, thus reducing the chance of successful pregnancy. According to statistics, the success rate of IVF for women under 30 years old is about 40% to 50%, while that for women over 40 years old is only 10% to 15%.
Infertility is also one of the factors that determine the success rate of IVF. Test tube babies are usually used to treat infertility causes such as fallopian tube blockage, polycystic ovary syndrome, and male sperm abnormalities. For infertility caused by a single cause, the success rate of IVF is usually higher.
The technical level of hospitals will also affect the success rate of IVF. Choosing a hospital with experience and mature technology for IVF treatment can improve the success rate. For example, the well-known IVF hospitals in the United States include Johns Hopkins Medical College and the University of California, San Francisco, etc.
Summary
IVF is an assisted reproductive technology that helps infertile couples achieve their reproductive aspirations through in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. The success rate is affected by many factors, including age, infertility causes and hospital technical level.
Choosing the right hospital and professional team, following the doctor's advice, and actively cooperating with the treatment are all important factors to improve the success rate of IVF. In addition, maintaining a good attitude and an active lifestyle will also help increase the chances of success of IVF.
