Basic Concept and Historical Origin of IVF
Test tube baby refers to the baby that combines eggs and sperm through in vitro fertilization technology, then cultivates embryos in the laboratory, and finally transfers the embryos to the mother's uterus. The emergence of this technology provides a promising reproductive choice for couples who cannot conceive by natural means.
The history of IVF technology can be traced back to the 1950s, when the pathologists Edwards and gSteenborn successfully cultivated mouse embryos for the first time in Britain, which is considered the beginning of IVF technology. In the following decades, scientists continued to improve technology, from mice, rabbits to monkeys, and finally successfully applied IVF technology to humans.
With the rapid development of technology and the continuous accumulation of clinical practice, IVF technology has gradually become a recognized effective fertility assistance technology, and is widely used in hospitals and reproductive centers around the world.
Operation process of IVF
The operation of IVF is generally divided into five main steps: ovarian stimulation, egg collection, sperm treatment, fertilization and embryo culture, and embryo transfer.
Ovarian stimulation and egg collection
Before the IVF procedure, women need to inject ovulatory stimulating hormone to stimulate ovarian development and promote the maturation of multiple follicles. Followed by ultrasound monitoring and blood testing to determine the size and maturity of follicles.
Generally, when the follicle develops to a certain size, the doctor will inject the female with follicle stimulating hormone and collect the eggs about 36 hours later. Egg collection often uses local anesthesia, and doctors take out mature eggs through vaginal puncture.
Sperm treatment, fertilization and embryo culture
Before egg collection, men need to provide fresh semen samples or conduct sperm extraction. The sperm sample is processed, and the most active and healthy sperm is combined with the egg to be fertilized through in vitro fertilization technology. After successful fertilization, the fertilized eggs will be cultured into embryos in the laboratory.
The process of embryo culture usually lasts for 3 to 5 days, and the embryo will gradually develop and divide in the culture dish. Doctors will regularly check and evaluate the quality and development of embryos, and select the healthiest embryos for transplantation.
embryo transfer
After culture and evaluation, the doctor will select one or more embryos with the best development for transplantation. Embryo transfer is usually carried out without anesthesia. Doctors carefully place the embryo in the mother's uterus through the vagina.
After transplantation, patients need to have a period of rest and observation until a pregnancy test is conducted to determine whether pregnancy is successful.
Success rate and risk of IVF
The success rate of IVF technology is related to many factors, including age, egg and sperm quality, patient's physical condition, etc. Generally speaking, young couples and high-quality eggs and sperm have higher success rates.
However, IVF technology also has certain risks. Common risks include the risk of multiple pregnancies, the risk of early miscarriage, and lower birth weight. In addition, attention should also be paid to the risk of infection or damage to the uterus and ovary during the operation.
Summary
Through in vitro fertilization and embryo culture technology, IVF technology provides a hope for couples who cannot conceive in a natural way. This technology has been widely used in hospitals and reproductive centers around the world and has made continuous progress. However, while enjoying the joy of IVF, we should also pay attention to the limitations and potential risks of the technology itself to ensure the safety and effectiveness of IVF technology.
