How is IVF realized?
IVF is an assisted reproductive technology, which can help couples who cannot conceive naturally due to reproductive system problems to realize their reproductive dreams. Through artificial fertilization and embryo transfer, the success rate is high. The realization process of IVF will be introduced below.
Stage I: ovulation induction
First of all, doctors will evaluate patients and develop personalized treatment plans according to individual conditions. Before the IVF treatment cycle, women usually receive a series of hormone treatments to promote the development of follicles and ovulation.
Doctors use ovulatory drugs, such as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), to increase the number of follicles in the ovary. These drugs can promote the simultaneous development of multiple follicles and increase the chance of fertilization. At the same time, the doctor will regularly carry out ultrasonic examination and blood test to determine the development of follicles and determine the best time for fertilization.
Once the follicle is mature, the doctor will inject hCG into the patient to guide the release of the egg. Normally, the patient will go to the hospital for the next stage of operation.
Stage II: Egg taking and sperm collection
In the process of egg retrieval, doctors will use ultrasound guided fine needle puncture technology to extract the collected eggs from the ovary. This is usually done under anesthesia or sedation and in the operating room.
At the same time, sperm also needs to be ready. Sperm can be provided by self or donor. In the process of sperm extraction, donors usually provide samples, and then conduct processing and screening in the laboratory to select the best quality sperm.
After collecting eggs and sperm, laboratory personnel will combine eggs and sperm.
Stage 3: Fertilization and culture
In the laboratory, doctors put sperm and eggs together and let them fertilize naturally. If the number or quality of sperm is low, doctors can choose assisted fertilization techniques, such as oocyte microinjection (ICSI).
Next, the fertilized eggs will be placed with the culture medium in a special incubator for culture. The incubator will provide an ideal environment for the normal development of eggs. The doctor will regularly check the development of the fertilized egg to determine the best time for transplantation.
Stage 4: embryo transfer
Embryo transfer is the last step in IVF treatment. At this stage, the doctor will place the well developed embryo into the woman's uterus through a thin tube. The process of embryo transfer is usually painless and does not require anesthesia.
After transplantation, women need to follow the doctor's instructions and continue to take hormone drugs to promote embryo implantation and growth. After about 10 to 14 days, patients can have a blood test to determine whether they are pregnant.
To sum up, the realization of IVF includes three main stages: ovulation induction, egg retrieval and sperm collection, fertilization and culture, and embryo transfer. Through these steps, IVF technology provides opportunities for couples who cannot conceive in a natural way to realize their reproductive dreams.
