Overview of in vitro fertilization
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an assisted reproductive technology for donor IVF, which is used to help couples who have difficulties in natural pregnancy realize their reproductive dreams. This technology was first developed in the 1970s, and now it has been widely used in many real hospitals, such as Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Renji Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, etc. IVF has a set of detailed processes, including the following aspects.
Preliminary assessment and preparation
Before considering in vitro fertilization, the doctor will make a preliminary assessment of the couple to understand their reproductive history, physical condition and possible fertility obstacles. At the same time, doctors will also carry out gynecological examinations on women to ensure the normal function of their reproductive system. If all goes well, the couple will undergo a psychological assessment to ensure that they can withstand the pressure of the IVF process.
Once the assessment is completed, the couple will begin preparations. Women will be treated with ovulation promoting drugs to increase the production of ovarian follicles. These drugs need to be carefully monitored to ensure women's ovarian response and drug dosage adjustment. In addition, male semen needs to be checked and frozen for subsequent fertilization.
After all preparations are completed, the couple will enter the next stage - egg collection.
Egg collection and sperm acquisition
Eggs are usually collected within an hour before ovulation. Doctors will use ultrasound guided fine needle technology to extract the eggs from more than 20 mature follicles. This process is usually carried out under local anesthesia, without too much pain.
At the same time, men will provide semen samples. If the male has been frozen, the semen sample can be unfrozen directly. Otherwise, they can provide a semen sample in the hospital for processing in the laboratory.
Next, eggs and semen will be fertilized in the laboratory.
Fertilization and embryo culture
In the laboratory, eggs and semen will be cultured together in a petri dish to help fertilize eggs. After fertilization, the embryo will continue to be cultivated in the culture dish. The culture time is usually 2-5 days. The doctor will decide the best time for embryo transfer according to the development and quality of the embryo.
Embryo transfer is the last step of in vitro fertilization. In this process, doctors will select the best quality embryo and use a thin tube to implant it into a woman's uterus. This process usually does not require anesthesia, but is very subtle and precise.
Next, women need to rest and observe to ensure that the embryo can be successfully embedded in the uterine wall.
summary
As an assisted reproductive technology, in vitro fertilization (IVF) has brought new fertility hope to many couples who cannot conceive naturally. The whole process covers several steps such as preliminary assessment and preparation, egg collection and sperm acquisition, as well as fertilization and embryo culture. Finally, the successful embryo will be transferred to the female uterus, laying a solid foundation for couples to realize their reproductive dreams.
Although there may be some pain and discomfort in the process of IVF, it has been widely used in real hospitals and has realized their dreams for many couples. If you and your partner also have fertility problems, you can consult a professional doctor to find out whether in vitro fertilization is suitable for you.
