What is IVF?
What is IVF:
IVF (in vitro fertilization) is a type of artificial reproductive technology that involves combining sperm and eggs outside the body to create an embryo, which is then transferred to the uterus. It is generally divided into three generations as below:
1. First-generation IVF
In the first generation of IVF, medication is used to stimulate the mother's ovulation, and then retrieve eggs. The eggs are then combined with sperm outside the body to create an embryo, which is then cultivated in a test tube before being transferred to the mother's uterus for pregnancy. This method is mainly suitable for female-related infertility, such as endometriosis or blocked fallopian tubes etc., and also for mild cases of weak or abnormal sperm in men.
2. Second-generation IVF
The eggs will be retrieved after they are matured and the best-quality and most active sperm will also be selected. The sperm is then injected into the egg to form an embryo, which is then cultivated in a test tube before being transferred to the mother's uterus to develop into an embryo. This method is mainly suitable for male-related infertility, such as moderate to severe cases of weak or abnormal sperm, irreversible obstructive azoospermia, or immune infertility in men.
3. Third-generation IVF
It is similar to the second generation but with the difference that genetic screening and testing, including gender, single gene inherited diseases, and chromosomal disorders, are performed on the embryos before transfer. The third-generation IVF allows gender selection, which is usually only permitted when the offspring's sex chromosome is at risk of abnormality and may lead to serious consequences. The third-generation IVF is more suitable for patients with hereditary diseases, as it can help produce relatively healthy babies.
The indications for IVF include:
1. Female gamete transport disorder due to various reasons, such as blocked fallopian tubes, severe adhesions in the pelvic cavity, or severe adhesions caused by endometriosis.
2. Ovulation disorders, or pregnancy is not achieved after repeated conventional treatments for refractory ovulation disorders, such as repeated stimulated ovulation or combined artificial insemination.
3. Pregnancy is not achieved after conventional drug treatment for endometriosis or combined artificial insemination.
4. Male infertility due to sperm deficiency, weakness, or malformation, which has not been achieved after artificial insemination, or the severity of the male factor is not suitable for artificial insemination.
5. Immunological infertility or unknown causes, after repeated intrauterine artificial insemination without achieving pregnancy.
The contraindications for IVF include:
1. Bearing any severe mental illness, acute inflammation of urinary or reproductive system, or sexually transmitted disease, in either the males or females.
2. Bearing genetic diseases that are not suitable for childbirth, or that the prenatal diagnosis is currently not possible, or that genetic diagnosis before embryo transfer cannot be determined.
3. People who have serious bad habits such as drug addiction, or those who have come into contact with teratogenic radiation, toxins, drugs, and are still under their effects.
4. Women whose uterus does not have the function of pregnancy, or serious physical diseases that cannot tolerate pregnancy.
IVF Process:
1. Consultation Appointment Consultation
Before determining to undergo the IVF, it is crucial to make an appointment and then conduct consultation. You may consult our IVF experts from BringaBaby through phone, online platforms, or face-to-face. During the consultation, we are happy to provide you with detailed explanations regarding the IVF procedure, success rates, time duration needed, and costs etc.
2. Physical Examination
Prior to IVF treatment, a series of physical examinations are necessary to ensure that your body condition is suitable for IVF. These examinations include routine assessments (such as blood pressure monitoring and electrocardiograms), gynecological evaluations (including b-ultrasound and cervical smear tests), as well as AMH testing and chromosome analysis etc.
These examinations serve to provide insights into your physical condition for doctors to evaluate your fertility potential and pre-assess the success rate of IVF. Meanwhile, based on these examination results, personalized IVF plans will be tailored by medical professionals.
3. Ovulation Stimulation and Follicle Monitoring
During the course of IVF treatment, ovulation stimulation and follicle monitoring play vital roles. In the ovulation stimulation phase, doctors will develop customized medication regimens aiming at inducing ovarian ovulation. Additionally, follicle growth progress will be monitored using methods such as b-ultrasound and hormone level assessments etc.
In the follicular monitoring stage, doctors will closely monitor the follicle development to ensure the normal maturation and subsequent ovulation. Should any irregularities arise during this process, timely adjustments to medication plans along with appropriate measures will be taken by doctors.
4. Surgical Procedures & Postoperative Care
Throughout the course of IVF, surgical interventions include egg retrieval and embryo transfer. During the egg retrieval, vaginal ultrasound imaging needles are used to extract eggs from ovaries while sperm is prepared in advance followed by embryo cultivation. Afterwards, doctors will implant the fertilized embryo into uterine cavities.
Post-surgery rest entails maintaining a supine position while avoiding strenuous activities or fatigue, as well as adhering to healthy dietary habits coupled with moderate exercise to promote recovery. Around 14 days after the embryo transfer, serum HCG testing will be performed to confirm pregnancy status. If it is confirmed being pregnant, tocolysis and routine prenatal examination need to be conducted by following doctors’ guidance.
5. Other Tips
It is advised to follow the below suggestions during the IVF process:
a. Maintaining emotional stability: the emotional stability has a significant impact on the success rate of IVF, therefore, it is advised to maintain a positive and optimistic mindset and avoid excessive stress and anxiety.
b. Illness prevention: illnesses such as cold may affect the process and success rate of IVF, therefore, it is advised to pay special attention to preventing colds and other illnesses.
c. Adherence to medical advice: it is advised to strictly adhere to prescribed treatments alongside scheduled check-ups during the IVF.
d. Nutritional supplementation: during the IVF, it is important to pay attention to nutrient supplementation, especially the intake of nutrients such as folic acid and vitamin D.
e. Avoidance of harmful exposures: during the IVF, it is important to avoid exposure to harmful substances such as radiation and chemicals.
f. Frequent communication with doctors: during the IVF, you should reach out to your doctor at any time when you have any questions or discomfort.
