Fundamentals of IVF
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the process of culturing the fertilized eggs to a suitable stage of development in the laboratory through in vitro fertilization (IVF), and then transplanting them into the mother's uterus for implantation and development. The successful application of this technology has solved the problem of infertility for millions of couples, and has become an important fertility assistance technology. The success principle of IVF technology comes from the following aspects.
Aspect 1: Superovulation and egg collection
The first step of IVF technology is to help women produce multiple follicles through hormone therapy to increase the chance of fertilization. This process is called superovulation. Usually, doctors will use ovulation promoting drugs to promote follicular development on the basis of women's natural cycle, and trigger follicular emptying at the appropriate time.
After superovulation, the doctor will use a slender needle for vaginal puncture to extract the follicular fluid. In follicular fluid, doctors can find eggs. These eggs will be further processed and cultured in the laboratory.
Aspect 2: Sperm acquisition and fertilization
The second step of IVF is to obtain sperm and fertilize it. Men can collect sperm by manual ejaculation or using special equipment. The collected sperm will be processed in the laboratory.
Normally, the recipient egg and sperm will be placed in the same culture dish, allowing them to meet and fertilize naturally. If the quality or quantity of male sperm is low, doctors may choose to inject a single sperm into the egg by microinjection to increase the success rate of fertilization.
Aspect 3: Embryo culture and screening
After the fertilization process is completed, the eggs will continue to be cultured in the laboratory. They will be placed in a special medium in a petri dish to provide nutrition and adequate environmental conditions. The egg begins to divide and develop into an embryo.
During the culture process, doctors will monitor the embryos to assess their quality and development status. Usually, the best embryos will be selected and transferred to the mother's uterus to increase the success rate of pregnancy. If the egg quality is poor or there is gene defect, genetic diagnosis technology can be used to detect and screen the embryo.
Aspect 4: Embryo transfer and pregnancy
After a period of embryo culture, doctors will choose the appropriate time to transfer high-quality embryos into the mother's womb. This process is usually carried out by placing a catheter into the uterus through the vagina to accurately position the embryo.
After transplantation, women need further support from hormone drugs such as progesterone to help embryo implantation and continue pregnancy. About two weeks later, the doctor will conduct a pregnancy test to confirm whether the pregnancy is successful.
Summary
Through superovulation and egg collection, sperm acquisition and fertilization, embryo culture and screening, embryo transfer and pregnancy and other steps, IVF technology has successfully solved the problem of infertility, enabling many couples to achieve their desire for fertility. However, IVF technology still needs continuous improvement and development to increase the pregnancy rate and reduce the risk of pregnant women and infants.
It is only for information reference, and the article is only for reference. The specific implementation needs to follow the doctor's advice.
