Background and current situation of IVF
IVF refers to in vitro fertilization embryo transfer (IVF-ET) in assisted reproductive technology, that is, eggs and sperm are fertilized and cultured in the laboratory, and then appropriate embryos are transferred to the mother's uterus for development. Since the world's first test tube baby was born by Dr. Rutherford in 1978, the technology of test tube baby has gradually become an effective method to solve the problem of infertility.
However, IVF is not entirely without problems. According to statistical data, the success rate of IVF in the world is about 40% to 60%. This means that many couples cannot conceive successfully in their first attempt. Therefore, improving the success rate of IVF has become the direction of joint efforts of many doctors and scientists.
Relevant technologies for improving the success rate of IVF
In order to improve the success rate of IVF, the medical community is constantly researching and experimenting with various related technologies. The following will be introduced from four aspects.
1. Optimize the ovarian stimulation scheme
Ovarian stimulation is a key step in IVF. Early ovarian stimulation programs mainly use human chorionic gonadotropin (hMG) and human chorionic luteinizing hormone (hCG), but this program is prone to cause side effects such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Nowadays, safer and more accurate ovarian stimulation schemes have been introduced, such as individualized stimulation dose and ultra short term ovarian stimulation, which make the ovarian stimulation effect more accurate and reasonable.
2. Optimize embryo culture technology
Embryo culture technology is also an important factor affecting the success rate of IVF. Traditional embryo culture usually uses in vitro medium and artificial incubator, but this method is limited by environmental factors and technical level. Modern embryo culture technologies, such as continuous culture system (CCS) and time camera monitoring system, can more accurately simulate the maternal uterine environment, provide better conditions for embryo culture, and thus improve the quality of embryo development.
3. Reduce the risk of embryo transfer
The improvement of the success rate of IVF also needs to reduce the risks in the process of embryo transfer. Common risks include the location of embryo implantation and the state of endometrium. To reduce these risks, doctors can use three-dimensional ultrasound technology to evaluate the internal structure of the uterus, and use minimally invasive technology for embryo transfer. In addition, pretreatment of endometrium (such as progesterone) can also improve the success rate of IVF.
4. Comprehensive treatment plan
As a complex medical process, IVF needs a comprehensive treatment plan. This includes developing personalized treatment plans according to the specific conditions of different couples from the perspective of etiology. The success rate of IVF can be further improved by means of behavioral adjustment, psychological counseling and appropriate lifestyle changes.
Prospects for improving the success rate of IVF
With the continuous advancement of science and technology and the deepening of medical research, the success rate of IVF is expected to continue to increase. More advanced and innovative technologies will continue to emerge to address some of the constraints and challenges in IVF.
In addition, the research on IVF in the medical community will also be more and more in-depth. Through the research on the early embryonic development mechanism and the application of gene editing technology, it is expected to solve some infertility problems at the gene level, providing hope for more couples to realize their fertility aspirations.
Summary
As an assisted reproductive technology, IVF has played an important role in solving the problem of infertility. In order to improve the success rate of IVF, the medical community has carried out a lot of research and experiments, including optimizing the ovarian stimulation scheme, optimizing the embryo culture technology, reducing the risk of embryo transfer and comprehensive treatment scheme. With the continuous development of technology and research, the success rate of IVF is expected to continue to increase, bringing hope for more couples to realize their reproductive dreams.
