History and background of IVF
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a medical method to assist infertile couples to achieve fertility through IVF. This technology was first successfully implemented in the UK in 1978, and then widely used worldwide. The success rate of IVF is increasing, which has become a blessing for many infertile couples.
The implementation of IVF usually needs to be carried out in a normal physiological cycle, which may need some adjuvant treatment. The specific methods of IVF will be introduced in detail from egg retrieval, sperm quality testing, in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer.
Egg retrieval: one of the key steps
The first step of IVF is to take eggs from the woman's body. In order to increase the production of eggs, hormones are usually used in women's menstrual cycle to stimulate the development of multiple follicles. These follicles are regularly examined by ultrasound to determine their development.
Once the follicle develops to the proper size, the doctor will take the eggs in the operating room. This process uses a slender catheter guided by fluoroscopy or ultrasound to draw eggs directly into the test tube through vaginal puncture. Usually, the egg retrieval operation can be completed in about 20 minutes, and the postoperative observation will be several hours.
Although there are certain surgical risks in the process of egg retrieval, due to the continuous progress of medical technology, the operation of egg retrieval has reached a higher safety under the operation of qualified hospitals.
Sperm quality detection: the key to ensure success
In the process of IVF, sperm quality is very important. If the sperm quality is poor, it will affect the success rate of fertilization and the quality of embryos. Therefore, doctors usually evaluate and test semen samples before in vitro fertilization.
Generally speaking, semen samples will be sent to professional laboratories for analysis. The experimenter will evaluate the quantity, activity and morphology of sperm to determine its quality. If sperm quality is poor, special techniques such as intracytoplasmic injection (ICSI) can be considered to increase the success rate of fertilization.
Sperm quality testing is an important part of IVF success, which ensures the smooth process of fertilization.
In vitro fertilization: the combination of egg and sperm
After the female's egg is taken out, the doctor places the egg and sperm in an in vitro culture dish for in vitro fertilization. Usually, eggs and sperm are placed in the same culture dish to make them naturally combine.
The process of in vitro fertilization needs to be carried out in a professional laboratory, and the laboratory personnel are responsible for closely observing the development of the embryo. Normal developing embryos will continue to be cultured for several days to reach the appropriate development stage.
One or more embryos of the highest quality are usually selected for transfer after the embryo has reached the appropriate stage of development. Multiple embryo transfer can increase the chance of successful pregnancy. The remaining embryos can be frozen for future use.
Embryo transfer: the last key step
Embryo transfer is the last and most critical step in the process of IVF. Before embryo transfer, the doctor will check the uterus of the woman to ensure that the endometrial status is suitable for pregnancy. Generally, the woman does not need anesthesia, and the embryo transfer process is similar to endometrial examination, which is relatively simple.
The doctor will guide the embryo into the uterus through a slender tube and gently place the embryo into the uterus. The whole process usually takes only a few minutes and does not cause intense pain. After the operation, the woman needs to rest for a period of time so that the embryo can be implanted smoothly.
After embryo transfer, it is necessary to wait several days or weeks for maternal blood HCG test to confirm whether the pregnancy is successful.
summary
IVF assists infertile couples to achieve fertility through egg retrieval, sperm quality testing, in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. This medical technology has made great progress in the past decades, and the success rate has been increasing. Modern hospitals use advanced equipment and professional teams to operate IVF, so that more couples have happy families.
