Detailed explanation of the whole IVF process
In vitro fertilization is a high-tech fertility technology mainly used to treat infertility caused by various reasons. This technology is relatively complex and requires multiple steps to be successful. Let’s learn more about the entire process of in vitro fertilization.
Step one: Provide a suitable internal environment for embryonic development
The first step in IVF is to stimulate the ovaries to produce more eggs. Doctors will perform ultrasound examinations and blood tests after each menstrual period to determine the days when pregnancy is most likely to occur. When cervical mucus becomes thicker, GnRH drugs are injected to encourage ovulation in the ovaries. After this, hCG hormone will be injected into the body to greatly increase the number of eggs in the follicles. After 12 to 14 days, the doctor will remove the mature eggs, which is the basis for the next step.
Step 2: Obtain eggs and sperm
The eggs are removed from the body and the sperm comes from a sample of the man\’s semen. Doctors will carefully prepare the two biological substances and connect them in a closed laboratory, waiting for the egg to be fertilized.
Step 3: In vitro controlled embryonic development
The entire process is done in the laboratory. When the sperm grasps the egg, the sperm and egg undergo nuclear fusion. This process is naturally accelerated until the embryo reaches the appropriate stage of development. At the same time, the doctor will check the quantity, quality and development of the embryos to ensure that the embryos meet the requirements. After the well-developed embryo is selected, the doctor will transplant it intact into the prepared mother. This is the next step.
Step 4: Embryo transfer and follow-up
Embryo transfer is the final step, in which doctors manually implant the prepared embryos in the woman\’s uterus. The woman needs to rest for a few days after the transfer to allow her body to properly accept the embryo. If the embryo implants successfully, periodic checks must be carried out during the pregnancy test phase.
Introduction to IVF examination schedule
IVF treatment takes time, so a detailed schedule must be developed. The following is a brief introduction to the IVF examination schedule:
Two weeks before starting treatment
Every woman needs to do some preparation during this period. Doctors will need to learn more about her medical condition, including tests for bacterial infections and blood tests if surgery is needed. At this time, you must stop using any contraceptive tools, and a gynecological examination will also rule out infertility.
Week 1-2
The body\’s fertility cycle needs to be regulated. At this moment, the doctor will observe some liver function, pancreatic islet, and thyroid function indicators to ensure that all data are normal. It can also be used to stimulate the ovaries to produce follicles.
Week 2-3
At this time, the doctor will update the previous test results and confirm that there are appropriately growing follicles. Ultrasound examinations are performed regularly every day during this process.
Week 3
After the eggs are produced, the doctor will tell the woman to have another injection to promote egg maturation. After two days, the sperm and eggs can be retrieved.
Weeks 3-5
During this time, the fertilized eggs develop in the laboratory, and doctors monitor their development.
Week 5
After five days of cultivation, the fertilized egg will successfully implant at this time. As hormones change, doctors will perform regular checks to make sure the fertilized egg is developing smoothly.
Week 6
At this time, the embryo continues to grow and develop smoothly within the mother\’s body. The doctor will continue to determine when to perform the test and perform other tests to ensure that the environment in the mother\’s body is good.
Introduction to the risks of IVF
IVF treatment comes with certain risks. In addition, if you try to cultivate a group of cells with skewed information, the probability of abnormal genetic mutations will also increase. Here is a detailed introduction to the risks of IVF:
Multiple pregnancy
The IVF process can easily increase the risk of multiple pregnancies due to the transfer of hormones and embryos.
Bleeding from the genital area
Genital bleeding may occur during transplantation and requires prompt treatment.
Error probability and male and female children
Processes such as genetic abnormalities, bloating, vomiting, and fatigue affect the chances of pregnant women and fetuses respectively. In addition, the risk of cellular mutations is higher in IVF than in a natural pregnancy. Cultivating in a glass test tube may have an impact on the genes of fertilized eggs, causing problems when the newborn is born.
Mental impact
Many IVF patients will suffer great psychological pressure during the waiting process, and many people\’s psychological pressure may have adverse effects on their bodies.
Conclusion
In vitro fertilization technology can indeed help many infertile patients to have healthy children, but it is a technical operation itself. Due to its complicated process, there may be some risks when performing this operation compared with natural methods of childbirth. , once failure occurs, the risk may be more significant. Patients should undergo treatment under the guidance of their doctor, fully understand their fertility status, and ensure their own safety.
