Definition and concept of IVF
IVF is a method of cultivating and fertilizing eggs in the laboratory for in vitro fertilization, embryo culture and transplantation through assisted reproductive technology to help couples who cannot conceive naturally achieve fertility. The emergence of IVF technology provides a magical opportunity for those who are unable to conceive due to physical reasons or have infertility problems between husband and wife. The specific steps of IVF will be introduced below.
Steps of IVF
1. Ovulation guidance and egg collection
The first step is to conduct ovulation guidance through hormone therapy. Doctors will monitor the development of women's ovaries and determine the optimal time for ovulation. After the egg matures, the doctor will perform an egg collection operation. This operation is usually performed in the operating room, using sedatives and local anesthesia. The mature eggs are taken out through a slender catheter.
2. Sperm collection and sperm treatment
The second step is sperm collection and processing. Usually, sperm collection can be conducted by means of masturbation or surgical sperm collection. The collected sperm will be processed in the laboratory to obtain high-quality and active sperm.
3. In vitro fertilization and embryo culture
In the third step, the eggs and sperm collected will be fertilized in vitro in the laboratory. This can be done by one of two methods: conventional in vitro fertilization or selective sperm injection. After in vitro fertilization, the fertilized eggs will be cultured in the laboratory, which usually takes 3-5 days. During the culture process, the doctor will observe the development of the embryo to select the most suitable embryo for implantation.
4. Embryo transfer and pregnancy monitoring
The last step is to transfer the cultured embryos back to the woman's uterus. This process is usually painless and carried out under the guidance of a doctor. After a period of time, the doctor will conduct pregnancy monitoring to determine whether the pregnancy is successful. If the pregnancy is successful, the couple will enter the pregnancy period and receive more medical supervision.
Hospital for the implementation of IVF
IVF technology is widely used in the world. The following are some well-known hospitals at home and abroad that implement IVF technology:
1. Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine:
Ruijin Hospital is one of the earliest hospitals in China to develop IVF technology. It has a professional technical team and advanced equipment to provide high-quality assisted reproductive technology services for infertile couples.
2. University of California, Los Angeles:
The school's reproductive medicine center is one of the earliest IVF centers in the United States. It has first-class laboratory facilities and rich clinical experience to provide professional IVF services for international patients.
3. Monash Medical Center, Melbourne, Australia:
Monash Medical Center is one of the most important IVF centers in Australia. It is famous for its excellent technology and success rate, and has attracted many patients at home and abroad to come for IVF treatment.
summary
IVF technology provides a possibility for couples who cannot conceive naturally through assisted reproductive technology. Its steps include ovulation guidance and egg collection, sperm collection and processing, in vitro fertilization and embryo culture, as well as embryo transfer and pregnancy monitoring. There are many professional hospitals around the world that provide IVF services, such as Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles in the United States and Monash Medical Center in Melbourne, Australia.
Through IVF technology, couples who cannot conceive naturally have the hope and opportunity to realize their reproductive aspirations, which has brought them great benefits.
