Concept and background of IVF
IVF refers to the process in which the fertilized eggs are cultured in vitro and implanted into the mother body after they have developed to a certain extent through assisted reproductive technology to realize pregnancy and delivery. IVF technology is widely used in assisted reproduction to help couples who are unable to conceive naturally due to fertility barriers achieve their reproductive aspirations. The success rate and quality of IVF mainly depend on the following steps and technologies.
Step 1: Ovulation guide
Before IVF, ovulation should be conducted first. Ovulatory guidance is to promote female ovulation through drug or hormone injection. The doctor will determine the appropriate time and dosage of drugs according to the menstrual cycle and ovarian conditions of women. The goal of ovulation guidance is to promote ovarian development and mature enough eggs to increase the success rate of IVF.
During ovulation guidance, doctors will regularly conduct ultrasonic monitoring and blood examination to determine the growth and development of eggs, follicle size and estrogen level, so as to achieve the best time for fertilization and transplantation.
Step 2: Egg collection and sperm acquisition
When the follicle is mature, the doctor will collect eggs in the prepared operating room. Before egg collection, women will receive general anesthesia or local anesthesia to reduce discomfort. By puncturing the ovary, the doctor uses a slender needle to suck the egg, and then places it in a culture dish.
At the same time, men need to provide semen samples. Samples were obtained by manual stimulation or other pregnancy aid methods, and sperm was extracted and prepared.
Step 3: In vitro fertilization
The IVF process will begin within two to six hours after egg collection. In vitro fertilization can be divided into two methods: conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) and single sperm injection (ICSI).
IVF technology is to put eggs and sperm into a culture dish and let sperm enter eggs and fertilize themselves. ICSI technology is to inject a sperm directly into an egg to increase the success rate of fertilization.
After in vitro fertilization, doctors continue to culture the fertilized eggs into embryos. Generally, well developed embryos are selected for transplantation, and the remaining embryos can be frozen for future use.
Step 4: Embryo transfer and pregnancy
Embryo transfer is the last step in the IVF process. The doctor will introduce the embryo into the uterus through the vagina. The process of embryo transfer usually does not require anesthesia, and it is a short and painless process.
Within a few weeks after the embryo transfer, the doctor will conduct pregnancy testing and monitoring. If the embryo is successfully implanted and developed, the patient will become pregnant. Since then, pregnant women need to continue to receive health care and monitoring during pregnancy to ensure the smooth development of embryos.
summary
IVF is realized through ovulation guidance, egg collection and sperm acquisition, in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. It provides a birth choice for many couples who cannot conceive naturally. However, the IVF process involves multiple steps and complex technology, which requires professional doctors and equipment to ensure the success rate and pregnancy quality. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a formal hospital and professional doctors.
