Review of IVF cycle
IVF is an assisted reproductive technology, which brings hope to couples who cannot conceive naturally due to various reasons. The IVF cycle consists of several steps, which may take some time from the beginning to success. This article will introduce the IVF cycle from four aspects.
Preliminary assessment and preparation
First, couples need to go to a formal reproductive medical center for a preliminary assessment. The doctor will know the birth history of the couple in detail and carry out various examinations to determine whether it is suitable for IVF. These tests include the evaluation of ovarian function and endometrial thickness in women, and sperm quality in men.
If the preliminary assessment results are qualified, the couple will enter the preparatory stage. At this stage, women will receive treatment such as ovulation guidance to promote the development of follicles. At the same time, men need to provide sperm samples for the subsequent fertilization process.
The length of preparation work varies according to individual conditions, usually several weeks or even months. The goal of this phase is to make full preparations for the subsequent IVF process.
Egg taking and fertilization
When the follicle develops to the proper size, the doctor will take the egg. This operation usually needs to be performed in the operating room of the hospital. During the operation, doctors will use ultrasound guided technology to probe the needle into the ovary through the vaginal wall and extract the mature eggs. This process usually takes several minutes.
After taking the eggs, the doctor will fertilize the eggs and sperm in vitro. This process can be carried out in the laboratory. Doctors put sperm and eggs together to promote fertilization. Normally, doctors will choose better quality sperm for fertilization.
Generally speaking, the process of egg retrieval and fertilization is relatively smooth, but it does not rule out the occurrence of accidents or complications. Therefore, careful monitoring and doctor's guidance are required at this stage.
Embryo culture and transfer
After fertilization, the egg will gradually develop into an embryo. Normally, doctors will evaluate the development of the embryo 48 to 72 hours after fertilization. Doctors will choose the best one or several embryos for transplantation.
Embryo transfer is the last step in the process of IVF. This process is similar to a simple vaginal examination, in which the doctor carefully places the embryo into a woman's uterus. The whole procedure usually takes only a few minutes and there is no pain. In a few days or weeks after transplantation, women need to take proper rest and maintenance.
Success rate and cycle time
The success rate of IVF is related to many factors, including the age of the couple, reproductive history, egg and sperm quality, etc. Although everyone's situation is different, according to statistics, the success rate of IVF is usually between 30% and 50%.
As for the duration of the cycle, it may take several months or more from the beginning to success. Under normal circumstances, the duration of each stage is uncertain, and the experience of each couple is also different. Sometimes, the first attempt will succeed, and sometimes it may require multiple cycles.
To sum up, the IVF cycle includes several steps, such as preliminary assessment and preparation, egg retrieval and fertilization, embryo culture and transfer. The time and result of each step may be different. Through a series of efforts and treatments, IVF technology has brought new hope and opportunities to couples who are eager to have healthy babies.
