Definition and background of IVF
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a kind of assisted reproductive technology that combines eggs with sperm and cultivates them to a certain stage of development during IVF, and then implants the fertilized eggs into the mother's uterus to realize the further development of the embryo and the final pregnancy. The emergence of IVF technology has effectively helped those families with fertility difficulties to achieve their fertility aspirations.
IVF technology first appeared in Britain in the 1970s. After continuous development and improvement, it has become one of the common reproductive technologies worldwide. Its success rate and security are getting higher and higher, and more and more couples benefit from this technology.
Indications for IVF
IVF technology is applicable to many different situations, including:
1. Fallopian tube factors: Fallopian tube trauma, obstruction or loss of function, leading to fertility disorders.
2. Male factors: poor sperm quality, abnormal semen or azoospermia.
3. Egg factor: poor egg quality or multiple failures of IVF.
4. Other factors: such as endometriosis, fertility disorder caused by disease treatment, etc.
Specific operation process of IVF
IVF technology is a complex process, which is generally divided into the following steps:
1. Ovulation promotion: promote the ovary to produce more eggs through drug treatment.
2. Egg retrieval: take out the mature eggs through ultrasound-guided ovarian puncture or laparoscopic surgery.
3. Fertilization: combine the extracted eggs and sperm in the laboratory for in vitro fertilization.
4. Embryo culture: culture the fertilized eggs in the appropriate medium to allow them to develop to the embryonic stage.
5. Embryo transfer: Place the well developed embryos into the mother's uterus through hysteroscopy or painless egg retrieval.
6. Pregnancy test: pregnancy test shall be carried out about two weeks after transplantation.
Advantages and limitations of IVF technology
Advantages:
1. Solving fertility problems: IVF technology provides an opportunity for couples with fertility difficulties to realize their fertility aspirations.
2. Improve the fertility success rate: The success rate of IVF technology has increased year by year, which can realize the dream of healthy babies for couples.
3. Observation of embryo status: Through embryo culture, the development of embryos can be observed, and well developed embryos can be screened for transplantation to improve the success rate.
Limitations:
1. High cost: IVF technology costs are high, which may be unaffordable for some couples with poor economic conditions.
2. Psychological pressure: The process of IVF requires a long time of treatment and waiting, and couples are under great psychological pressure.
3. Low success rate: Although the success rate continues to improve, there is still a certain risk of failure.
summary
As an assisted reproductive technology, IVF has become an important tool to help couples with reproductive difficulties. Through a series of complex operation steps, couples can realize their desire to have children. Although the technology has been continuously developed and improved, there are still some limitations. At present, IVF technology has been widely used worldwide, and many families have realized their dreams.
