Sperm retrieval process of IVF
IVF uses assisted reproductive technology to complete fertilization and embryo culture in the laboratory, and then transfer healthy embryos to the mother's womb for development. The sperm extraction process of IVF is an important part of the successful implementation of IVF. The following is a detailed introduction of IVF semen retrieval process from four aspects: judging indications, testing semen samples, semen extraction, and sperm quality assessment.
Judge indications
In the process of IVF sperm retrieval, it is necessary to first judge the indications and determine whether assisted reproductive technology is needed. Indications usually include male sperm abnormality, female fallopian tube blockage, multiple artificial insemination failures, etc. In some cases of unexplained infertility, IVF can also be tried. After the indication is confirmed, the patient can go to the regular hospital for semen extraction.
In China, well-known IVF medical institutions include Grade III A hospitals and specialized hospitals, such as Beijing Maternity Hospital and Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine. When selecting a hospital, it is recommended that patients consult in many ways to understand the relevant equipment of the hospital, the experience and success rate of doctors and other information, so as to select a formal and reputable hospital.
Detection of semen samples
Before IVF, semen samples need to be tested to determine whether they are suitable for assisted reproductive technology. Male patients can collect samples manually or manually in the hospital. When collecting samples, attention should be paid to ensuring a hygienic environment to avoid infection and damage to sperm quality. Sperm samples should be kept in an environment with similar temperature as far as possible, without too long delay, so as to avoid adverse effects on sperm vitality.
After taking semen samples, the doctor will conduct a series of tests, including sperm quantity, vitality, morphology and semen liquefaction time. These tests can preliminarily evaluate the quality of sperm and determine whether it is suitable for IVF. If sperm quality is found to be poor, more advanced technologies such as egg donation or sperm injection can be considered.
Semen extraction
After the semen test is qualified, the semen is extracted. Doctors usually use artificial or chemical methods to separate semen to obtain the highest quality sperm for IVF. Common semen extraction methods include centrifugation and density gradient centrifugation. Centrifuge uses a centrifuge to separate semen and obtain sperm and other components. By comparing the buoyancy of sperm in different density gradient media, density gradient centrifugation can separate high-quality sperm.
In the process of semen extraction, doctors need to strictly control operating specifications, pay attention to environmental requirements such as disinfection and sterility, and ensure that the quality of sperm is not polluted and damaged. Doctors also need to choose the extraction method flexibly according to the specific conditions of patients to achieve the best effect of semen extraction.
Sperm quality assessment
After semen extraction, doctors will evaluate the quality of sperm. The assessment includes the number, activity, morphology and DNA integrity of sperm. The quantity and activity were evaluated by calculating and observing the number and movement of sperm, and the morphology was evaluated by observing the shape of sperm under a microscope. DNA integrity assessment is usually performed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).
Through sperm quality assessment, doctors can further determine the conditions of embryo culture and strategies for selecting embryos. In case of poor evaluation results, doctors may use ICSI (single sperm injection) technology to select the sperm with the best growth potential and inject it into the egg to improve the pregnancy success rate.
Summary
In vitro fertilization is an important step in assisted reproductive technology. Judging indications, testing semen samples, semen extraction and sperm quality assessment are the key links in the process of semen extraction. Through rigorous operation and scientific evaluation, we can improve the success rate of IVF and help more infertile couples realize their reproductive dreams.
