How long does the whole process of IVF take?
IVF technology is a kind of assisted reproductive technology, which aims to help couples who cannot conceive naturally realize their reproductive dreams. The whole process requires precise planning and operation, including female ovulation guidance, oocyte retrieval, fertilization, embryo culture and transplantation. The following will elaborate on the whole process and time required for IVF from four aspects: ovulation guidance, transfer cycle, embryo culture and waiting results.
1、 Ovulatory catheter
Ovulation guidance is the first step of IVF, which aims to adjust the endocrine system of women through drug intervention to promote ovulation. This process usually starts from the third day of the menstrual period, and the ovulation guidance injection is injected every day for 7-14 days. During this period, doctors will regularly check the development of follicles and adjust the drug dosage according to the inspection results. When the follicle is mature, make an appointment for egg retrieval.
The ovulation process usually requires 2-3 cycles, each lasting 3-4 weeks. If the patient has poor response to hormone drugs, more cycles may be required. In general, the ovulation process takes about 6-12 weeks.
2、 Migration cycle
Within one to three days after the female egg retrieval operation, the doctor will fertilize the fresh sperm with the egg, or inject the sperm into the egg (ICSI technology). The fertilized embryos will be cultured in the laboratory to monitor their development and quality. The transfer cycle is usually three to five days after the eggs are taken, and doctors will choose the most suitable embryos for transfer.
The transplantation operation is very simple, without general anesthesia, just put the embryo in a thin tube and insert it into the female uterus through the uterine laparoscopy. The whole operation can be completed in a few minutes. After that, women need to rest for a period of time, usually 24-48 hours. The whole transfer cycle includes embryo culture, selection and transfer, and does not exceed two weeks.
3、 Embryo culture
Embryo culture is a key link in the process of IVF, which needs to ensure the normal development of embryos and evaluate their quality. Embryos will be incubated in an in vitro incubator until embryo evaluation and selection before transplantation. Generally speaking, the embryo will be stored in the incubator for 3-5 days, during which the doctor will regularly check the morphology and development of the embryo.
The embryo culture cycle is generally 3-5 days, and different hospitals and patients may have different conditions. During this period, doctors will evaluate the quality and quantity of embryos and select the most suitable embryos for transplantation. Therefore, the length of embryo culture cycle is related to the quality and quantity of embryos.
4、 Waiting for results
After embryo transfer, patients need to wait about 10-14 days for blood progesterone test to confirm whether they are pregnant. This waiting time will make patients full of anxiety and expectation, but they need to maintain a positive and optimistic attitude.
The whole IVF process takes about 6-12 weeks, including ovulation induction, transfer cycle, embryo culture and waiting for results. However, the situation of each patient will be different, which may require longer cycles and more time. Carrying out IVF in a real hospital is a professional and complex process, which requires the cooperation and understanding of doctors and patients to help couples realize their desire for children.
In a word, the whole process of IVF needs time and patience. No matter how hard you go through, there is always hope for ultimate success. With the support of modern medical technology and professional teams, IVF has become the gospel of many couples and realized their family dreams.
