How long does the whole process of IVF take
IVF refers to the process of fertilizing sperm and eggs in vitro through assisted reproductive technology, and implanting the fertilized embryo into the female uterus to achieve pregnancy and smooth reproduction. The whole IVF process is divided into several links, involving the participation and cooperation of doctors, patients, laboratory technicians and other roles and expertise. The whole process of IVF is described in detail from four aspects below.
Step 1: Preliminary preparation and evaluation
The process of IVF first requires patient evaluation and medical examination, including tubal patency examination, minimally invasive surgery in the gestation field, sex hormone detection, etc. Doctors will also learn about the couple's medical history, family genetic diseases and other important information, make a preliminary judgment on whether it is suitable for IVF technology, and develop personalized treatment plans.
Under the guidance of doctors, women need to conduct ovulation regulation, generally through the use of ovulation promoting drugs to adjust ovarian function and control the time of ovulation. At the same time, the man needs to provide semen samples for sperm quality inspection. The preparation of this step usually takes 1-2 months, and the specific time varies with individual conditions.
Step 2: Egg collection and sperm extraction
After the female ovulation period is determined, the doctor will schedule an operation date for egg collection. Egg collection is conducted under painless local anesthesia after precise planning and preoperative preparation. The doctor will enter the ovary under the guidance of transvaginal ultrasound, and take out the eggs through puncture technology, usually 15-20 eggs are collected each time.
At the same time, sperm samples are taken from men, and semen is generally collected by manual stimulation or using a semen collector. Then the technicians in the laboratory conduct sperm quality assessment and treatment, and select the best sperm for fertilization.
Step 3: In vitro fertilization and embryo culture
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a process in which sperm and eggs are placed in an in vitro culture dish for fertilization. Common in vitro fertilization methods include conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) and single sperm injection (ICSI). According to the patient's condition and suggestions, the doctor selects the appropriate fertilization method for operation.
After a specific period of culture, usually 3-5 days, the embryo will form. During this period, the quality of embryos will be evaluated in the laboratory, and the most promising embryos will be selected for implantation. Sometimes genetic tests are carried out to screen for genetic diseases.
Step 4: Embryo transfer and pregnancy
Once the best embryo is selected, the doctor will arrange for the embryo to be transferred to the woman's uterus. This is a minimally invasive operation. The doctor sends a catheter guided by transvaginal ultrasound into the uterus and gently puts the embryo into the uterine cavity.
After embryo transfer, women need a period of rest to avoid strenuous exercise and stress. HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) levels are usually measured in blood or urine about 14 days after transplantation to determine whether pregnancy is successful.
In general, the whole process of IVF usually takes 2-3 months, including preliminary preparation and evaluation, egg collection and sperm extraction, in vitro fertilization and embryo culture, embryo transfer and pregnancy. The specific situation of different couples and hospitals will also be different. Through scientific assisted reproductive technology, IVF provides a hope for infertile couples to realize their dream of healthy babies.
