The complete details of the IVF process

In vitro fertilization is currently a more common mode of conception. Because of physical reasons, couples may not be able to conceive normally and may need the help of in vitro fertilization. For friends who want to use this method, they should have a clear understanding of the entire detailed process of in vitro fertilization so that they can be mentally prepared.

The specific process of IVF: 1. Ovulation induction treatment

When a couple who is planning to have a baby plans to have in vitro fertilization, the woman needs to undergo ovulation induction treatment first. This is because not every egg can be fertilized, and not every fertilized egg can develop into a viable embryo. Therefore, multiple eggs must be obtained from the female body to ensure that there are embryos that can be transplanted, which requires ovulation induction treatment for women.

The specific approach is that on the second day of the menstrual cycle, or when the results of reproductive hormones and uterine and ovarian ultrasound examinations meet the requirements, the woman starts taking ovulation-inducing drugs. The doctor judges the growth of follicles based on the results of ultrasound monitoring and serum hormone measurements and decides whether the dosage of ovulation-inducing drugs needs to be adjusted. When the follicles are mature, hCG injection is given to promote the final maturation of the egg. Egg retrieval is usually done 36-38 hours after hCG injection.

The specific process of IVF 2. Egg retrieval

Under the guidance of B-ultrasound, the doctor uses a special egg retrieval needle to puncture the mature follicles through the vagina and suck out the eggs. Egg retrieval is usually performed under intravenous anesthesia, so the woman does not feel any pain from the puncture.

The specific process of IVF 3. In vitro fertilization

Sperm retrieval: While the female retrieves the eggs, the male retrieves the sperm. After the semen has gone through a special washing process, the sperm and egg are placed in a special culture medium in the hope of natural combination. This is called conventional fertilization.

The specific process of IVF 4. Embryo transfer

A few days after fertilization, a very thin embryo transfer tube is used to transfer the best embryo into the mother's uterus through the cervix. The number of embryos to be transferred is determined based on age, embryo quality and previous IVF outcomes. Usually 2-3 embryos are transferred. In recent years, in order to reduce the multiple pregnancy rate, some centers have chosen to transfer a single embryo, or a maximum of 2 embryos. Because the embryo transfer tube is very thin and the doctor's movements are gentle, the patient usually does not feel any pain.

Specific process of IVF 5. Luteal support

Due to the use of GnRH agonists/antagonists and ovulation-inducing drugs, as well as the loss of granulosa cells caused by oocyte retrieval, women usually have luteal insufficiency during the oocyte retrieval cycle and need to use progesterone and/or chorionic gonadotropin for luteal supplementation/support. If pregnancy is not present, stop taking progesterone and wait for menstruation to occur. If pregnancy occurs, progesterone should be continued, usually until 3 weeks after the fetal heartbeat is seen on ultrasound.

Specific process of IVF 6. Confirmation of pregnancy

Serum HCG is measured 14 days after embryo transfer to determine whether pregnancy is present. Serum HCG is measured again 21 days after embryo transfer to understand the development of the embryo. A transvaginal ultrasound examination is performed 30 days after embryo transfer to confirm whether there is intrauterine pregnancy and the presence of fetal heartbeat.

The above is an introduction to the specific process of in vitro fertilization. From the initial ovulation induction to the final pregnancy confirmation, in vitro fertilization requires a total of six steps.