Patient's question:
I recently don't know what's wrong with my lower body, it's very uncomfortable, and I'm not getting morning erections anymore. How long does it take to do in vitro fertilization?Doctor's answer:
Hello friend, after the eggs are retrieved, they are co-cultured with sperm in a test tube, with each egg requiring approximately 100,000 sperm. After fertilization, the zygote divides to form an early-stage embryo, typically at 2-8 blastomeres, when it can be transferred (ET). This usually occurs about 48 hours after egg retrieval, though this timing may be adjusted slightly, such as delaying by one day, which may be more beneficial for selecting the best embryo. If it is done too early, the uterine environment may actually be unfavorable for embryo acceptance.Generally, a trial transfer is performed in the outpatient clinic before the stimulation cycle to assess the uterine position, the angle between the cervix and the body of the uterus, and the length of the uterine cavity, as well as to slightly dilate the cervix.
During the transfer, the external genitalia are disinfected, and the speculum is used to expose the cervix, which is then cleaned. The cervix and fornix, as well as the cervical canal, are rinsed again with culture medium, and the mucus in the cervical canal is removed as much as possible. The procedure should be performed gently to minimize stimulation of the uterine muscles. A special transfer catheter is used to inject the embryo into the uterine cavity, with the embryo being deposited 0.5 cm away from the fundus. After waiting for 1 minute, the catheter is rotated 90° to shake off a drop of liquid that did not drip, and then the catheter is slowly removed. After removal, the catheter should be examined under a microscope to ensure no embryos are left behind.
After the transfer, the patient can lie down with their hips elevated. If the uterus is highly anteverted, a prone position may also be used to help the embryo remain in the upper part of the uterine cavity. The patient should remain resting for about 3-6 hours, during which time urination is allowed to avoid urinary retention. On the day of the transfer, HCG 5000 IU and progesterone 30 mg are administered intramuscularly. Progesterone is then given daily, and if the urine HCG test is negative after 14 days, the injections are stopped. If pregnancy is confirmed, the injections continue until a fetal heartbeat is visible on ultrasound, after which the dosage is gradually reduced. HCG is not recommended for patients at risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome due to excessive follicle development.
7. What does the husband need to do when undergoing IVF?
Several months before starting IVF, the husband should quit smoking and drinking, maintain a regular lifestyle, and treat any reproductive system infections actively. During the treatment cycle, typically on the 8th day of the patient's menstrual cycle, the husband is required to provide a semen sample, which is then sent to the reproductive center for testing. After this, abstinence is maintained until the day of egg retrieval. Prolonged or insufficient time for sperm to remain in the body can affect sperm quality.
Starting from the 8th day of the menstrual cycle, the husband begins taking prednisone, with half a tablet in the morning and one tablet in the afternoon, until the day of egg retrieval. Additionally, he should take ciprofloxacin for 3-5 days. For female infertility patients, after the eggs are retrieved, the husband can provide a semen sample. First, wash hands, penis, and external genitalia with clean water, and dry them with a sterile towel or gauze. Then, collect the semen through masturbation, ensuring the sterile glass cup provided is not touched at the rim or inside.
If masturbation for semen collection is difficult, inform the doctor. If collection is unsuccessful, IVF cannot proceed. It is advisable to practice masturbation for semen collection before the treatment cycle to avoid failure due to excessive stress. Currently, egg freezing technology has not yet been fully developed for clinical use, so a failed semen collection would result in abandoning the cycle.