What is the whole process of IVF?
IVF is a kind of assisted reproductive technology, which helps those infertile couples realize their dreams of childbirth. Next, we will elaborate on the whole process of IVF from four aspects.
1. Select suitable couples
First, couples need to go to formal reproductive centers for consultation. The doctor will make a comprehensive assessment of the couple's reproductive status, including the ovulation of the woman, ovarian function, uterine condition, and the sperm quality of the man. IVF can only be carried out by the appropriate couples after evaluation.
Next, the doctor will make a personalized treatment plan according to the couple's situation. This includes drug assisted ovulation, ovulation promotion program, embryo culture mode, etc. After the treatment plan is formulated, the couple will learn from the doctor and sign the relevant informed consent form.
Finally, couples need to carry out relevant blood tests and physical examinations to ensure their health and ensure the success rate of IVF.
2. Promote the combination of egg and sperm
After the woman's ovulation promotion treatment, the doctor will monitor the growth of follicles and determine the proper time for egg collection. This process is usually completed by ultrasound-guided ovarian puncture surgery. The collected eggs will be transferred to the laboratory for further processing and culture.
At the same time, the man needs to provide semen samples. This can be achieved by manual ejaculation, natural ejaculation or semen freezing. Laboratory technicians will separate and prepare sperm from semen samples.
Next, the doctor will combine the egg with sperm, which can be either conventional IVF (that is, eggs and sperm are cultured together) or ICSI technology (that is, single sperm is injected into the egg). After successful combination, the embryo will be further cultured in the laboratory.
3. Embryo transfer and blastocyst freezing
According to the couple's situation and the doctor's advice, the embryo can be transferred on the second or third day, or it can be cultured to the blastocyst stage and then transferred. Embryo transfer is usually carried out through vagina, and the operation is simple and painless. The doctor will carefully send the embryo into the uterus.
When embryos are surplus or unsuitable for transplantation, cryopreservation can be selected. The cryopreservation of blastocysts can be carried out after the end of the IVF cycle, and the preservation time can be up to several years, providing opportunities for couples to have a second pregnancy.
4. Post monitoring and nursing
After IVF transplantation, couples need to conduct regular blood tests and endometrial monitoring to ensure that the intrauterine environment is suitable for embryo implantation. If the transplant is successful, the woman will receive progesterone or estrogen support treatment at the beginning of pregnancy.
The couple needs to closely cooperate with the doctor's guidance, take medicine on time, and recheck at the designated time. At the same time, couples should maintain good living habits, avoid strenuous exercise and long-term work, and reduce the interference of external factors on pregnancy.
To sum up, the process of IVF includes screening suitable couples, combination of eggs and sperm, embryo transfer and blastocyst freezing, and later monitoring and nursing. This process requires the active cooperation of the couple and the professional guidance of the doctor, so as to improve the success rate of IVF and help the couple realize the dream of a healthy baby.
