Types of IVF
IVF technology is a kind of assisted reproduction technology. The fertilized eggs are artificially cultivated in the laboratory, and then healthy embryos are transferred to the female uterus. According to different treatment needs and methods, IVF can be divided into the following types:
1. In vitro fertilization embryo transfer (IVF-ET):
In vitro fertilization embryo transfer (IVF-ET) is the most common IVF technology. It first stimulates female ovarian ovulation through hormone therapy, then collects mature eggs from female bodies, and fertilizes them in vitro with male sperm in the laboratory to form fertilized eggs. After the fertilized eggs are cultured in the laboratory for a few days, healthy embryos are selected and transferred to the female uterus to promote the occurrence of pregnancy.
In recent years, IVF-ET technology has been greatly developed, including embryo quality assessment, embryo cryopreservation, single embryo transfer and embryo screening. The development of these technologies has greatly improved the success rate of IVF, and also reduced the risk of multiple pregnancy and pregnancy complications.
2. Preimplantation diagnosis (PGD):
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) is a technology used to screen embryos with defined genetic characteristics. In the IVF process, a small number of cells can be extracted from the embryonic cells in culture, and then the genetic composition of the embryo can be detected by biotechnology to screen out the embryos with genetic diseases or chromosome abnormalities.
The application of PGD technology can help couples with genetic diseases to choose healthy embryos for transplantation and avoid the inheritance of genetic diseases. In addition, PGD technology can also improve the success rate of pregnancy patients and reduce the risk of abortion in IVF treatment.
3. Post implantation diagnosis (PGS):
Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS) is a technology used to screen embryo chromosome abnormalities. PGS technology is mainly used to accurately detect the chromosome number and structure of embryos through a single cell, so as to improve the accuracy of selecting healthy embryos.
PGS technology is particularly important for older women or patients with multiple abortions. Through PGS, doctors can exclude the transfer of embryos with chromosomal abnormalities, thus improving the success rate of IVF pregnancy and reducing the risk of abortion.
4. Centralized culture and micro implantation (Blastocyst transfer):
Centralized culture and micro implantation (Blastoyst transfer) is an extension and improvement of IVF technology. The traditional IVF embryo transfer is to transfer the embryo into the uterus 3-5 days after fertilization, while the Blastocyst transfer is to transfer the embryo at the blastocyst stage (about the 5th to 7th days of embryo development).
By delaying the time of embryo transfer, doctors can better evaluate the quality and development potential of embryos, select more fertile embryos for transfer, and thus improve the success rate of pregnancy.
Progress in IVF technology
With the continuous development of science and technology, IVF technology is also constantly innovating and improving. The following are some recent developments in IVF technology:
1. Complementary and adjuvant treatment:
Complementary and adjuvant therapy refers to the combination of traditional drug therapy and Chinese herbal medicine therapy to improve the success rate of IVF pregnancy. Studies have shown that Chinese herbal medicine can improve the blood circulation of endometrium and improve the ability of endometrium to accept embryos.
In addition, some new adjuvant therapies, such as acupuncture, artificial cycle simulation and adjuvant immunotherapy, have also been widely used. The development of these therapeutic methods provides more choices and opportunities for IVF treatment.
2. Frozen embryo preservation:
In recent years, frozen embryo preservation technology has made great progress. Through frozen embryo preservation, unused healthy embryos can be used in the future, which reduces the need for women to accept egg collection surgery again and greatly reduces waste.
The development of frozen embryo preservation technology not only improves the flexibility of IVF treatment, but also reduces the number of admissions and operations, reducing the economic burden of patients.
3. High throughput screening technology:
High throughput screening technology is a method that can quickly detect chromosomal abnormalities in embryos. Through this technology, doctors can simultaneously detect dozens or even hundreds of chromosome abnormal markers, and quickly determine the number and structure of chromosomes in the embryo.
The application of high-throughput screening technology improves the accuracy and efficiency of embryo screening, helps to select high-quality embryos for transplantation, and thus improves the success rate of IVF.
Summary of IVF technology
As an important assisted reproductive technology, in the development of different types and technologies, IVF technology provides an opportunity for couples who cannot conceive naturally to achieve their reproductive aspirations.
IVF-ET technology is the most common IVF technology. Through the diagnosis technology before and after embryo implantation, we can screen the genetic characteristics and chromosomal abnormalities of embryos, improve the success rate of pregnancy, and avoid the inheritance of genetic diseases.
At the same time, with the development of technology, complementary and adjuvant therapy, frozen embryo preservation and high-throughput screening technology, the success rate and application scope of IVF technology have also been significantly improved.
In general, the continuous progress and innovation of IVF technology provide more choices and opportunities for infertile couples, and bring hope for them to realize their reproductive dreams.
