How was IVF born?
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an assisted reproductive technology that helps couples who cannot conceive through natural mating to realize their reproductive dreams through in vitro fertilization. The following will introduce the IVF process in detail from four aspects: selection of suitable population, egg retrieval process, fertilization and culture, and embryo implantation.
Select applicable population
As a kind of fertility technology, IVF is mainly applicable to the following populations:
First, couples with reproductive system diseases or infertility causes. For example, problems such as female fallopian tube blockage and poor male sperm quality can be solved through IVF technology.
Second, older women. The function of female reproductive organs will gradually decline with age, so IVF technology can help older women to successfully conceive.
Finally, some couples with genetic disease carriers. With IVF technology, embryo gene screening can be carried out before fertilization to eliminate chromosomal abnormalities or genetic diseases.
Egg retrieval process
The first step of IVF is the female egg retrieval process, which usually needs to be carried out in the hospital. Before oocyte retrieval, women will receive conditioning and ovulation induction treatment for a period of time to promote the development and maturation of follicles. After conditioning, the doctor will determine the best time to retrieve eggs according to the follicle size and hormone level.
Egg retrieval is usually carried out in a sterile environment, using the needle retrieval technique guided by transvaginal ultrasound. The doctor will puncture a special fine needle into the ovarian follicle to absorb the egg fluid. These eggs will be immediately sent to the laboratory for further processing.
The egg retrieval process may cause some discomfort, but generally the patient can recover within 24 hours.
Fertilization and culture
After egg retrieval, doctors will select high-quality sperm and eggs for in vitro fertilization. This process is usually carried out in the laboratory, which is called in vitro fertilization (IVF). By placing sperm and eggs in a Petri dish, a similar internal environment is created to facilitate fertilization.
After successful fertilization, the embryo will continue to develop in the culture dish until it reaches the stage suitable for implantation into the endometrium. Usually, during the culture process, doctors will make multiple evaluations and select the well developed embryos for implantation or cryopreservation.
The culture time is usually 5-6 days. Embryos reaching the blastocyst stage have a higher implantation success rate.
Embryo implantation
Embryo implantation is the last step of IVF technology. At this stage, the cultured embryos will be implanted into the female endometrium.
Before implantation, women may need to prepare the endometrium through drug or hormone treatment to make it reach an appropriate state. Implantation is usually painless, and doctors use special catheters through the vagina to implant embryos into the uterus.
After implantation, women need a period of rest and recovery to improve the success rate of implantation. The doctor will prescribe regular inspection and observation until the successful pregnancy is confirmed.
Summary
We can have a basic understanding of the process of IVF through the detailed introduction of four aspects: selection of suitable population, egg retrieval process, fertilization and culture, and embryo implantation. IVF technology provides an opportunity for couples who cannot conceive naturally to realize their reproductive dreams, but it also requires patients to understand the principle and scope of application of the technology, and accept the guidance and treatment of professional doctors.
