In vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment
In vitro fertilization (IVF)
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an assisted reproductive technology. Drugs are used to stimulate the female ovaries to promote the maturation of follicles, and then the eggs are surgically removed; at the same time, male sperm is collected. In a specific culture dish in the laboratory, a suitable environment is created for the eggs and sperm, allowing the sperm to penetrate the eggs and fertilize them, forming fertilized eggs and cultivating them into early embryos. Finally, the embryos are transplanted back into the female uterus to allow them to implant and develop, and achieve pregnancy.
Who is suitable for in vitro fertilization?
- Women whose fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged on both sides, affecting their ability to conceive.
- Women with severe endometriosis who have difficulty conceiving.
- The male partner has problems such as low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or abnormal appearance.
- Couples who have been trying to conceive for more than 3 years without success.
- Couples who have not conceived after artificial insemination (IUI) through ovulation induction.
- Couples with a family history of chromosomal problems who want to screen for healthy embryos.
IVF Steps
- During egg retrieval, the doctor uses ultrasound guidance under anesthesia to enter the ovaries through the vagina with a puncture needle, select mature follicles and extract eggs. This process takes about 30 minutes to complete. After egg retrieval, women need to receive vaginal medication or hormone injections to improve the condition of the endometrium.
- The egg and the optimized sperm are combined in a specific culture system, and the fertilized egg is continuously monitored after formation, with the division observed for about two days, and the egg develops into an early embryo on the second day.
- Embryo transfer is performed 3-5 days after egg retrieval. This process does not require fasting or anesthesia. The embryo is delivered into the uterine cavity through a transfer tube, which takes about 15-30 minutes.
Embryo transfer stage
Embryo transfer can be performed at different times:
- Blastocyst transfer is a new technology for infertile couples. The embryo is cultured in vitro until about 5 days after fertilization. At this time, the embryo develops to the blastocyst stage and has a stronger ability to implant. It is then placed back into the uterus to increase the chance of pregnancy.
- The third day embryo transfer is to culture the embryo in vitro until about 3 days after fertilization. When it divides into 6-8 cells, the embryo is reinserted into the uterus to allow it to implant and develop.
Pregnancy test time
In vitro fertilization takes 4 to 6 weeks to complete. About two weeks after the embryo is transplanted into the uterus, the doctor will arrange a blood test to measure hCG and other indicators to determine pregnancy and provide a basis for subsequent diagnosis and treatment.
Preparation
- Female
The doctor will first comprehensively evaluate her physical condition and confirm that she is suitable for starting ovulation induction treatment. Then, with the help of ultrasound and blood tests, he will guide her to inject ovulation induction drugs in a standardized manner every day. The entire ovulation induction cycle is generally 8-12 days, and the specific duration will be flexibly adjusted according to the individual's physical response. After the injection of the egg-stimulating injection, 3-4 follow-up visits will be arranged to closely monitor the development of the follicles through ultrasound and blood tests, and then accurately adjust the drug dosage. When the eggs are mature and of appropriate size, egg retrieval will be arranged. - Male
On the day of egg retrieval, sperm must be provided for ICSI technology operation as required. To ensure the quality of sperm, abstinence is required for 3-5 days before ejaculation. The collected sperm will go through a series of strict screening processes in a professional laboratory to select high-quality sperm for use.
