Test tube baby technology: how to carry out
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is an assisted reproductive technology, which aims to help couples who cannot conceive naturally realize their reproductive dreams. IVF involves fertilizing a female egg with a male sperm in a test tube, and then transplanting the fertilized egg back to the female uterus for pregnancy. The IVF technology will be described in detail from four aspects.
Collection and culture of fertilized eggs
The first step in the IVF procedure is to collect mature eggs from women. Generally, women need to receive ovulation induction treatment for a period of time to increase the number of eggs. After monitoring, women will receive egg collection surgery at an appropriate time. This operation is usually performed in the operating room of the hospital, using local anesthesia.
During the collection process, ultrasound guided fine needles were used to aspirate the eggs in ovarian follicles. These eggs are immediately sent to the laboratory and fertilized with the sperm of the partner or donor. The fertilization process takes about 18-24 hours.
The fertilized egg will be placed in a culture dish to provide nutrients suitable for its development. Laboratory technicians will regularly check the development of the fertilized eggs, and usually select the best embryo for transfer after 2-5 days.
Embryo transfer
Embryo transfer is a key step in IVF technology. This process is usually carried out in the gynecology and obstetrics operating room. The doctor will use a thin tube to carefully send the embryo into the uterus through the woman's vagina. The transplant process takes about 15-20 minutes and usually does not require anesthesia.
After transplantation, women may need to limit their activities and avoid strenuous exercise and sexual activity to improve the success rate. In the next two weeks, women need to be supported by progesterone and other drugs to help maintain the stability of endometrium and promote the implantation and growth of embryos.
After about two weeks, women need blood tests to determine whether they are pregnant. If the test results are positive, the IVF technology is successful.
Possible risks
Although IVF technology is widely used, there are also some potential risks. The study by the University Hospital of Amsterdam, the Netherlands, found that compared with natural pregnancy, the birth risk of test tube babies was slightly higher. These may include premature delivery, low birth weight and pregnancy induced hypertension.
In addition, IVF technology may increase the risk of multiple pregnancy. In order to improve the chance of pregnancy, multiple embryos are usually transferred back to the uterus, but this may lead to multiple pregnancy, which also increases the risk of pregnancy complications.
In addition to physical risks, IVF technology may also bring psychological and emotional stress. No matter the anxiety of waiting for the result or the disappointment of facing failure, it may cause serious psychological burden on the parents. Therefore, it is very important to provide psychological support and consultation in the whole process.
The real hospital
IVF technology has been widely used in hospitals around the world. For example, Columbia University Medical Center in New York City, the United States, Pimliks Hospital in London, the United Kingdom, and Sydney IVF Center in Sydney, Australia are all hospitals that carry out IVF technology and have good reputation.
summary
By understanding the steps and risks of IVF technology, we can better understand the process and potential impact of this assisted reproductive technology. Although IVF technology has realized the birth dream for many couples, it still needs to be carried out under the guidance of professional doctors, and full consideration should be given to the risks and psychological pressure. By choosing a formal hospital and receiving relevant psychological support, couples can increase the chances of success of IVF and get better help in the whole process.
