What is IVF like?
In vitro fertilization (IVF), also known as in vitro fertilization (IVF), is an assisted reproductive technology used to help couples who cannot conceive naturally realize their reproductive dreams. The whole IVF process can be divided into four stages: preparation stage, ovarian stimulation stage, oocyte retrieval and fertilization stage, embryo transfer and achievement testing stage.
Preparation phase
Before choosing IVF, couples need to consult and evaluate with professional hospitals or doctors. The doctor will perform a physical examination to assess the patient's health and the possible causes of infertility. At the same time, doctors will also check the women's ovarian reserve to determine whether it is suitable for IVF.
Couples also need psychological counseling to cope with possible emotional fluctuations and stress. They will accept the doctor's comprehensive explanation of IVF and understand the possible risks and success rate. Once the couple has made a decision and signed the informed consent form, they will enter the next stage.
Ovarian stimulation stage
At this stage, female patients will receive medication to help their ovaries develop and produce multiple follicles. This usually involves injection of ovulatory stimulating hormone to stimulate ovarian follicle growth. Doctors will conduct regular ultrasound examinations and blood tests to monitor the size of follicles and hormone levels.
Once the follicle reaches the proper size, the doctor will inject human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) into the patient to promote follicle maturation. After that, about 36 hours later, the operation of taking eggs and insemination will be carried out.
Egg retrieval and insemination stage
This phase is usually performed in the operating room. First, the doctor will give the patient anesthesia to ensure the comfort of the operation. Then, doctors use a slender needle guided by ultrasound to extract the eggs. This process is usually fast, taking only a few minutes.
The removed eggs will be combined with the sperm of the partner or donor for in vitro fertilization or embryo freezing. During fertilization and culture, doctors will monitor the development of embryos to select the most suitable embryos for transplantation.
Embryo transfer and achievement testing stage
In the embryo transfer stage, doctors transfer the best quality embryos to the uterus of a female patient. This process is accomplished through a slender catheter, usually without anesthesia.
About two weeks after transplantation, patients will have blood or urine tests to determine whether they are pregnant. If pregnant, the doctor will continue to monitor the pregnancy of the patient and arrange for appropriate prenatal examination. If the pregnancy fails, the couple can choose to try IVF again, or consider other fertility options according to the doctor's advice.
The time of the whole IVF process varies from several months to one year depending on individual differences. This depends on the physical condition of each patient, the rate of follicular development, and the pregnancy outcome after transplantation. Although the IVF process is full of challenges, many couples have realized their reproductive dreams through this technology.
Summary
The process of IVF includes preparation stage, ovarian stimulation stage, egg retrieval and insemination stage, embryo transfer and outcome testing stage. In the preparation stage, the couple carried out medical assessment and psychological counseling. The ovarian stimulation stage promotes follicular development through drug treatment. At the stage of ovum retrieval and fertilization, the eggs were retrieved surgically and fertilized in vitro. Finally, high-quality embryos will be transferred into the uterus during the embryo transfer and outcome testing phase, and pregnancy monitoring will be carried out. The whole process needs to take several months to one year according to personal conditions and success rate. IVF technology has brought hope to couples who cannot conceive naturally.
