Steps of IVF operation
In vitro fertilization embryo transfer (IVF-ET) is an assisted reproductive technology, which is used to help couples who cannot conceive naturally realize their reproductive dreams. The technology needs to go through many steps, including hormone therapy, egg collection, sperm extraction, fertilization, culture and embryo transfer.
hormone therapy
IVF surgery first requires hormone therapy for women to promote ovarian development and ovulation. Doctors will formulate treatment plans according to the specific conditions of patients, including the use of synthetic hormone drugs for periodic regulation and control, as well as the adjustment of ovarian function and ovulation promotion. Hormone treatment can improve the quality and quantity of eggs.
Next, doctors need to regularly check the patient's ovarian response, including the development of follicles through ultrasound and monitoring the hormone levels in the blood. Once the size and number of follicles reach the predetermined standard, the doctor will decide to conduct egg collection.
Egg collection
Egg collection is a key step in IVF surgery. In general, the doctor will take out the eggs through transvaginal ultrasound guided ovarian puncture after the patient's ovary has developed to a certain extent. The operation is usually carried out in the morning, and patients will receive anesthetic or sedative drugs to ensure the safety and comfort of the operation.
In the process of egg collection, doctors will use special slender tubes to puncture ovarian follicles to extract fluid and mature eggs. These eggs will be sent to the laboratory for the fertilization process. At the same time, the doctor will continue to check the patient's reaction to ensure the smooth operation.
Sperm extraction and fertilization
Sperm extraction is carried out simultaneously with egg collection. Male patients will be asked to provide fresh semen samples, usually through masturbation. In addition, for those patients whose semen cannot be obtained, sperm can be obtained through testicular or epididymal puncture.
In the laboratory, experienced technicians will put the obtained sperm and collected eggs in the same culture dish for culture. Such an environment is conducive to natural fertilization of sperm or assisted fertilization in the laboratory. The doctor will make a separate embryo transfer plan for the patient according to the fertilization and embryo development.
embryo transfer
Embryo transfer is the last step of IVF surgery. After culture, the embryo usually develops into a relatively mature stage within 2 to 6 days. The doctor will select the embryo most likely to have a successful pregnancy and place it into the uterus through the vagina. This procedure usually requires no anesthesia or sedation, and is relatively simple and painless.
After embryo transfer, patients need to rest for a period of time to ensure the success of the transfer. Doctors usually advise patients to follow a specific diet and lifestyle to increase the chance of pregnancy. After about two weeks, the patient can have a blood test to confirm whether the pregnancy is successful.
summary
IVF is a complex assisted reproductive technology, including hormone therapy, egg collection, sperm extraction, fertilization and embryo transfer. These steps need to be carefully planned and operated, and need to be carried out by an experienced medical team. The success of the operation depends not only on the technical level of the doctor, but also on the patient's physical condition and the degree of compliance with the doctor's orders. Through IVF, many couples have successfully realized their desire to have children, bringing them endless joy and happiness.
