Steps and time of IVF process
IVF is an assisted reproductive technology that can help couples who cannot conceive naturally realize their reproductive dreams. The whole IVF process includes several steps, each of which has a strict schedule and procedures. The process steps and corresponding schedule of IVF will be introduced in detail below. 1. Initial assessment and preparation
First, the couple will have face-to-face consultation and evaluation with professional doctors. The doctor will ask personal and family medical history, understand the health of the couple, and evaluate the factors that may affect the success rate of IVF. This process usually takes 1 to 2 hours.
After that, the doctor will discuss with the couple about the treatment suggestions and the choice of different assisted reproductive technologies. Once both parties agree to carry out IVF, the doctor will develop a personalized treatment plan and explain the timing of the whole process.
The entire initial assessment and preparation phase usually takes one week, depending on the individual's situation and the hospital's arrangements.
2. Ovulation promotion process
The next step in the IVF process is to promote ovulation, which is to increase the number of eggs and improve the probability of pregnancy. Doctors will prescribe corresponding drugs to promote the growth and development of eggs, and monitor the size and number of follicles. This process usually takes four to six weeks.
Once the follicle has reached the proper size, the doctor will arrange an egg retrieval operation. This operation is usually performed 36 hours before the egg is discharged from the body. The whole process of ovulation induction usually takes 2 to 3 weeks.
3. Egg taking and sperm collection
On the day of the operation, women will receive general anesthesia, and doctors will take eggs through the vagina or abdominal wall. Egg retrieval usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, and then women need to rest for several hours after the operation. At the same time as the egg retrieval operation, the male will provide sperm samples for processing in the laboratory.
It is normal for women to suffer from abdominal discomfort and small amount of bleeding after egg retrieval. Generally, women need to go home and rest within 24 hours after surgery, and get further guidance from doctors.
4. Embryo transfer and pregnancy testing
After the sperm and egg combine, the professionals in the laboratory will cultivate and monitor them to ensure the normal development of the embryo. Normally, embryos are incubated in the incubator for 2 to 6 days.
At the end of the embryo culture phase, doctors will select the most likely successful embryos and conduct embryo transfer. Embryo transfer is a simple, painless process that usually takes only a few minutes.
After about two weeks, women need to have a pregnancy test to confirm whether the pregnancy is successful. This is usually done by measuring HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) levels in the blood.
summary
The IVF process includes initial evaluation and preparation, ovulation induction, egg retrieval and sperm collection, embryo transfer and pregnancy detection. The whole process usually takes 8 to 12 weeks, depending on personal circumstances and hospital arrangements. Through strict schedule and professional medical team, IVF technology provides a feasible choice for couples who cannot conceive naturally, helping them realize their dream of childbirth.
