Detailed process of IVF
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a kind of fertility technology, which is applicable to some couples who cannot conceive by natural means. The process of IVF can be divided into four key steps: ovulation guidance, egg collection, in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer.
Ovulatory catheter
Ovulation guide is the first step of IVF program. By using drugs to promote female ovarian development and ovulation, multiple eggs can be produced in the body. The doctor will determine the appropriate dosage of drugs according to the age and physical condition of women, and monitor the growth of follicles and the development of eggs through regular observation of ovarian ultrasound and blood examination.
Generally, the ovulation process lasts 10 to 14 days until the follicles develop to maturity.
Egg collection
When the egg develops to a mature state, the doctor will perform an egg collection operation. This operation is usually performed in the operating room of the hospital and lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. Under anesthesia, doctors use ultrasound guided slender needles to puncture the ovary and collect eggs through the fallopian tube.
The eggs collected will be immediately sent to the laboratory for the subsequent in vitro fertilization process.
In vitro fertilization
In vitro fertilization is one of the core processes of IVF. In the laboratory, doctors will take out freshly collected eggs and fertilize them in vitro with the sperm of patients or donors.
Two commonly used IVF techniques are conventional IVF and microinjection. Conventional in vitro fertilization is to put the egg and sperm in the same culture dish and let the sperm naturally combine with the egg for fertilization. Microinjection is to inject a single sperm into an egg by using a very thin injection needle. This technology is often used when the quality of male sperm is poor or test tube babies have failed for many times.
After a period of culture, the fertilized egg will develop into an embryo.
embryo transfer
Embryo transfer is the last critical step in the IVF program. Generally speaking, after 3-5 days of culture, the embryo will become capable of certain development and ready to be transplanted into the female uterus.
Embryo transfer is usually a simple operation, which can be carried out in a doctor's office or a special operating room. Doctors will use a slender tube to send the embryo into the uterus. The whole process usually takes only a few minutes, without anesthesia.
After transplantation, women need to rest for a period of time to recover. The doctor will check regularly to confirm whether the pregnancy is successful.
summary
The process of IVF includes key steps such as ovulation guidance, egg collection, in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. In this process, doctors will use drugs to regulate the ovarian function, collect mature eggs, fertilize eggs and sperm in vitro in the laboratory, and transplant well developed embryos into the female uterus. The success rate of IVF depends on many factors, including age, ovarian function and uterine condition. For those couples who cannot conceive through natural means, IVF is a choice that hopes to realize their reproductive dreams.
