How long does the IVF process take?
IVF refers to the method of combining sperm and egg in the laboratory through assisted reproduction technology, and then transplanting the fertilized egg into the mother's uterus to help infertile couples achieve fertility. However, the IVF process is not achieved overnight, it involves many steps and time, which will be described in detail from many aspects below.
Initial diagnosis and examination (about 1-2 weeks)
The first step is for the couple to go to the hospital for initial diagnosis and necessary examinations. In this process, doctors will learn about the couple's reproductive history, disease history and possible genetic diseases. Then, the couple also needs to carry out a series of physical examinations, including inspection of the uterus, oviduct patency, male semen analysis, etc. This phase usually takes 1-2 weeks.
If the examination results are normal and no obvious problems are found, the couple can make further preparations.
Medication and ovulation induction (about 2-4 weeks)
At this stage, women need to be treated with ovulation promoting drugs to increase the number of eggs. These drugs can stimulate the ovary to produce multiple mature eggs at the same time. This process requires regular gynecological examination and ultrasound examination to monitor the growth and development of follicles. Generally speaking, this process takes 2-4 weeks.
Once the follicles are fully developed, the doctor will inject the female with follicle maturation hormone, and then take the eggs about 36 hours later.
Egg taking and fertilization (about 1 day)
Egg retrieval is usually carried out when the egg is mature enough. This operation is usually performed under general anesthesia. Doctors use ultrasound guided fine needles to puncture the ovary and suck out the eggs. This operation usually takes only a few minutes.
The eggs taken out will be sent to the laboratory immediately to combine with the sperm. In this process, sperm is usually put into a culture dish to combine with the egg, or it can be combined with a single sperm egg. The combined fertilized egg will continue to be cultured in the laboratory until it develops into an embryo.
Embryo transfer and waiting (about 1-2 weeks)
A few days after the fertilized egg develops, the doctor will select the most promising embryo in the laboratory and transplant it back to the mother's uterus. This process is usually carried out through vagina or laparoscope. The whole process does not require general anesthesia, only local anesthesia. Embryo transfer usually takes only a few minutes.
Next, couples need to wait about 1-2 weeks for a pregnancy test to determine whether they have successfully conceived. If the pregnancy is successful, the woman will enter the pregnancy period. If the pregnancy is not successful, the doctor will usually discuss with the couple whether to make a second attempt.
Summary
In the process of implementing IVF, it takes 1-2 weeks for the initial diagnosis and examination, 2-4 weeks for drug treatment and ovulation induction, 1 day for egg retrieval and fertilization, and 1-2 weeks for embryo transfer and waiting. The whole process takes about 6-8 weeks, and the specific time varies with individual conditions.
IVF is a technologically complex and time-consuming process, but for those couples who are eager to have children, it provides a way of hope. Although the process is long, many hospitals such as the General Hospital of the Chinese People's Liberation Army and Peking Union Medical College Hospital have the ability and experience to implement IVF technology, providing reliable help for patients.
