Steps of IVF
IVF is an assisted reproductive technology that helps couples who cannot conceive naturally realize their desire to have children. The whole process is mainly divided into the following four steps:
1. Ovulation promotion stage:
The first step in IVF process is to promote women to ovulate more and increase the chance of pregnancy through drugs. This may require the use of a drug called gonadotropin to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple follicles. This drug is usually used by injection, together with regular ultrasound examination and blood testing to monitor the development of follicles.
When the follicle develops to the appropriate size, the doctor will give the patient an injection of ovulation promoting drugs. The drug will guide the release of eggs from the ovary after about 36 hours.
2. Egg taking and sperm collection stage:
Thirty six hours before the eggs are discharged, women need a brief general anesthesia. The doctor enters the ovary through the vagina through a slender catheter (called the intrauterine ultrasound probe) to collect mature eggs. This process is usually guided by ultrasound to ensure accuracy. At the same time, the man provides a semen sample so that laboratory personnel can combine sperm with eggs.
3. In vitro fertilization and embryo culture stage:
Laboratory professionals put eggs and sperm together for in vitro fertilization. Two common methods of IVF can be used: in vitro fertilization (putting mature eggs and sperm in the same culture dish) or single sperm injection (injecting single sperm into eggs). The laboratory will use genetic technology for precise fertilization process.
Once fertilization is successful, the embryo will be cultured in the laboratory for several days until it develops into a blastocyst suitable for implantation in the mother. The culture conditions will be closely controlled to ensure the healthy development of embryos.
4. Embryo implantation stage:
On the third to sixth days of the embryo culture process, the doctor will implant one or more blastocysts into a woman's uterus. This process usually does not require general anesthesia and can be completed by inserting a thin tube into the uterus. After successful implantation, women need to continue taking oral or injectable hormones in the next few days or weeks to maintain pregnancy.
Precautions
In the process of IVF, several aspects should be noted:
1. Hospital selection:
It is very important to choose a hospital with credibility, complete equipment and rich experience. When selecting a hospital, it is necessary to consult the hospital's success rate, professional team and related costs.
2. Psychological counseling:
The process of IVF may exert some pressure on the couple's psychology. Therefore, it is very helpful to receive psychological guidance in the whole process, which can reduce pressure and increase the chances of success.
3. Lifestyle adjustment:
During the process of IVF, women need to change some living habits, such as quitting smoking, limiting caffeine intake, and avoiding excessive exercise. The doctor will give relevant suggestions according to personal conditions.
4. Diet conditioning:
A balanced diet is essential for the health of the ovaries and uterus. It is suggested to increase the intake of protein and vitamins and reduce the intake of high salt and high sugar foods.
Summary
The process of IVF mainly includes four steps: ovulation induction, egg retrieval and sperm collection, in vitro fertilization and embryo culture, and embryo implantation. There are many matters needing attention in choosing hospitals, receiving psychological counseling, adjusting lifestyle and diet, etc. Through correct operation and professional team, IVF technology provides an opportunity for couples who cannot conceive naturally to realize their reproductive dreams.
