Principles of IVF
IVF is an assisted reproductive technology, which helps couples who cannot conceive naturally realize their reproductive aspirations through in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. The principle of IVF mainly includes the following aspects.
1. In vitro fertilization
The first step of IVF is in vitro fertilization, that is, combining female eggs with male sperm in the laboratory to fertilize eggs and develop into embryos. This process is realized through in vitro fertilization (IVF) in assisted reproductive technology.
First, women need to be treated with ovulation promoting drugs to promote ovarian development and produce multiple mature eggs. Then, at an appropriate time, doctors will obtain mature eggs from women's ovaries through ultrasound guided puncture technology. At the same time, men need to provide fresh semen samples.
After obtaining eggs and sperm, laboratory technicians combine them in a petri dish and use artificial means to promote egg fertilization. Once the egg is successfully fertilized and develops into an embryo, the next step of the embryo transfer process will begin.
2. Embryo transfer
The second step of IVF is embryo transfer, that is, transfer the developed embryo into the uterus of a woman in the hope of pregnancy and smooth delivery. Embryo transfer usually occurs three to five days after in vitro fertilization.
Before embryo transfer, the doctor will evaluate the quality and development of the embryo, and select the most promising embryo for implantation and development into a healthy baby. Then, through a minimally invasive interventional surgery, the doctor transfers the embryo to the woman's uterus.
After transplantation, women need a period of rest and observation to improve the success rate of implantation. If the embryo is successfully implanted and developed, the woman will become pregnant and have normal pregnancy and delivery.
3. Auxiliary technology and pregnancy management
IVF can not be achieved in a single success. It may require multiple attempts. Assisted reproductive technology includes not only in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer, but also a series of assisted technologies and pregnancy management methods to improve the success rate.
For example, hormone therapy can regulate women's ovarian function and increase the production of eggs; Select the best quality embryos for transplantation through embryo selection technology; The surplus embryos are preserved by freezing technology for future transplantation; Improve the success rate of implantation through reproductive immunomodulation therapy.
At the same time, during IVF pregnancy, doctors will regularly check and manage pregnant women to ensure the health of pregnant women and fetuses. This includes blood examination, ultrasonic monitoring, hormone regulation, etc., as well as prevention and treatment of possible complications during pregnancy.
4. Whether gender can be selected
Sex selection is a controversial topic in IVF technology. In some countries and regions, gender selection is strictly restricted. Only in special circumstances, such as preventing the spread of gender related diseases, can gender selection be allowed.
However, some other countries and regions, such as the United States and India, are relatively relaxed about gender selection. Clinics and hospitals in these places provide sex selection services, and couples can choose male or female embryos for transplantation.
Although the choice of gender can be achieved, it is very important to use it rationally and morally to avoid abusing and distorting the gender ratio.
Summary
IVF is an assisted reproductive technology that helps couples who are unable to conceive naturally achieve their reproductive aspirations through in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. Its principles include in vitro fertilization, embryo transfer, assisted technology and pregnancy management. Sex selection is strictly restricted in some countries and regions, but relatively loose in some places. Under the premise of correct use and management, IVF technology can help more couples realize their dreams of becoming parents.
