What are the key steps of IVF process?
IVF technology is an assisted reproductive technology, which helps couples who cannot conceive naturally realize their reproductive dreams through in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. The IVF process involves the following key steps:
Step 1: hormone therapy
Hormone therapy is the first step in IVF, which is used to promote ovarian development and control ovulation. Generally, patients need to start hormone injection on the second or third day of menstrual period to adjust ovarian function. These hormones contribute to the growth and maturation of follicles, thereby increasing the chance of pregnancy.
In the next week to ten days, doctors will monitor the ovarian response and follicular development through regular ultrasonic examination and blood test. Once the follicle reaches a sufficient size and number, the doctor will inject the hormone that stops the follicle development to prepare for egg cell collection.
Step 2: Egg cell collection
Egg cell collection is one of the key steps in IVF. According to the sample cells under the guidance of ultrasound, determine the size of follicles and determine the best collection time. Egg cells are collected in the operating room, and local anesthesia or general anesthesia is generally used for analgesia.
The doctor will draw mature eggs through vaginal puncture and ultrasonic guided aspirator or thin tube. The collection process generally lasts 20-30 minutes, and doctors may collect multiple eggs to increase the chance of successful pregnancy.
Step 3: Sperm processing and fertilization
The collected mature eggs will be fertilized with sperm in two ways: conventional fertilization and single sperm injection (ICSI).
In routine fertilization, sperm samples and eggs are placed in a culture dish, allowing the sperm to enter the egg for fertilization. In ICSI, doctors will use microscopes and tiny glass needles to inject single sperm into eggs. This method is mainly applicable to the situation where the number or quality of male sperm is insufficient.
After fertilization, the eggs will continue to be cultured in the culture dish for several days until they develop into embryos.
Step 4: Embryo transfer and pregnancy
Embryo transfer is the last key step in the process of IVF. The doctor will select the healthiest embryo and use a thin tube to transfer it into the uterus. This process is usually painless and non-invasive and does not require anesthesia.
Generally, embryos will be transferred after 2-6 days of culture in a petri dish. After transplantation, women need to receive hormone therapy again to help fix the embryo and improve the success rate of implantation. After about 10-14 days, the patient can take a pregnancy test to confirm whether the pregnancy is successful.
summary
The process of IVF includes hormone therapy, egg cell collection, sperm treatment and fertilization, as well as embryo transfer and pregnancy. These key steps help couples who are unable to conceive naturally realize their dreams of childbirth. The development of IVF technology provides hope for many infertile patients to enjoy a healthy and happy family life.
