Flow of IVF
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a kind of assisted reproductive technology, which involves fertilizing and culturing the female's egg and the male's sperm in vitro, and finally transplanting the fertilized egg into the female's uterus for pregnancy. Next, we will introduce the IVF process in detail from four aspects. Aspect 1: Hormone therapy
The first step of IVF is hormone therapy. The woman starts to inject ovulation promoting drugs on the third day of the menstrual cycle to promote the development of multiple follicles. During this period, doctors will regularly carry out ultrasonic examinations and blood hormone tests to monitor the growth of follicles and hormone levels.
When the follicle grows to a certain size, doctors will inject human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to guide the maturation of the egg. Egg retrieval is usually performed within 36 hours after the eggs mature.
Egg retrieval is the removal of eggs from the ovary by vaginal puncture. The operation is performed under general anesthesia and generally lasts about 20 minutes. The removed eggs will be sent to the laboratory for subsequent in vitro fertilization and culture.
Aspect 2: Sperm processing and in vitro fertilization
In the laboratory, doctors will collect semen samples from the man and improve the fertilization rate by removing inactive or abnormal sperm from the sperm. Then, sperm and egg are fertilized in vitro in a culture dish. This means that the ovulated egg and sperm are cultured together in a culture dish. Generally, about 24 to 48 hours later, the eggs will be fertilized to form a fertilized egg.
Aspect 3: Embryo culture
The fertilized eggs are cultured in the laboratory in order to develop into embryos that can be transferred into the uterus. Embryo culture is generally divided into three stages: the first day, the fertilized egg will split into two cells; The next day, the embryo continued to divide into multiple cells; On the third day, the embryos developed into 8-cell embryos.
The doctor selects one or two embryos with the most potential according to the development and quality of the embryo and transfers them into the woman's uterus. The remaining embryos can be frozen for future transplantation or storage.
Aspect 4: Transplantation and pregnancy testing
Embryo transfer refers to the placement of selected embryos into the uterus through the vagina. This process is usually carried out three to five days after egg retrieval, and a variety of techniques can be used to assist transplantation. After transplantation, the woman needs to rest and avoid strenuous activities.
After about 10 to 14 days, the woman can have a pregnancy test, usually through blood test for progesterone or urine test for pregnancy. If the result is positive, the pregnancy is successful. Thereafter, the doctor will conduct regular pregnancy checks to ensure the development of the embryo and the health of the mother.
Summary
The process of IVF mainly includes hormone therapy, sperm treatment and in vitro fertilization, embryo culture, transplantation and pregnancy testing. This technology provides many infertile couples with the hope to realize their dream of childbearing. Although the whole process may face certain difficulties and risks, with the progress of technology and the improvement of medical conditions, IVF has become a relatively safe and successful reproductive option.
