1. Confusion caused by menstrual return? The doctor's insistence has profound meaning
"Doctor, I just had my period, and my lower abdomen still hurts. Is it really okay to have a check-up now?" At the Reproductive Medicine Center, similar questions arise every day. Faced with patients 'concerns, reproductive doctors will always explain carefully: "The inspection data during this period is the core basis for us to formulate follow-up ovulation promotion plans, and we must not delay them."
One of the core ideas behind in vitro fertilization treatment is to use medical techniques to intervene in a woman’s natural ovulation cycle. This allows the follicles within the ovaries—which would otherwise undergo natural selection—to develop simultaneously. As a result, a sufficient number of mature eggs with high quality can be obtained, providing enough “resources” for subsequent embryo cultivation. The first to third days of menstruation are the ideal times to initiate this process.
,1-3?"Appropriate start signal" of follicles
From the perspective of physiological laws, the early stages of women's menstruation are equivalent to the "restart stage" of ovarian function. At this time, a batch of basic follicles with a diameter of about 2-8 mm will be stored in the ovaries. They are like "seeds" waiting to be awakened and have not yet entered an obvious growth and differentiation cycle. In the natural physiological cycle, these follicles will "compete", and eventually only one can develop into the dominant follicle and ovulate smoothly, while the remaining follicles will gradually atrophy and atresia. However, IVF treatment pursues "batch cultivation" rather than "single output."
1-3?Professor Li, chief physician of the reproductive department, gave a professional answer: "The basic follicle at this stage is in the most 'primitive' state. On the one hand, they have not been disturbed by large fluctuations in hormones in the body. B-ultrasound can clearly count the number and evaluate the size distribution, which is a key indicator for judging ovarian reserve capacity; on the other hand, when the follicle diameter grows to 0.5-0.6 centimeters, the 'sensitive receptor' for ovulation-inducing drugs will be activated. Taking medicine at this time can ensure that all basic follicles 'respond' synchronously to the greatest extent and avoid the chaotic situation of 'partially growing rapidly and partially stagnation'."
,?Be vigilant about these risks
If this critical window is missed, the impact may be greater than imagined. Professor Li gave an example: "There was once a patient who postponed his follow-up visit until the seventh day of menstruation due to personal matters. At this time, some follicles had naturally developed to more than 1 cm, entering the rapid growth period ahead of schedule. If ovulation promotion drugs are used again at this time,'polarization' will occur-the large follicles will overreact to the drug, but the small follicles will not keep up with the rhythm. In the end, not only will the number of eggs obtained be small, but the quality will also be uneven, which directly affects the success rate of subsequent embryo cultivation."
,.At this time, the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2) and other indicators tested can accurately reflect the basic function of the ovary. Doctors will combine the follicular conditions observed by B-ultrasound to comprehensively formulate an exclusive ovulation promotion plan, including drug selection, dose and duration of medication. This can not only ensure the quality of follicles, but also reduce the risk of complications such as ovarian overstimulation.
,?Authoritative interpretation of security
In response to the patient's concern about "whether menstrual examination is safe", the gynecologic ultrasound doctor gave a clear answer: "Most of the B-size ultrasound performed during menstrual period is transvaginal ultrasound, and the probe will undergo strict disinfection treatment and will not Increase the risk of infection. Moreover, the endometrium is in the exfoliation stage at this time, and its thickness is relatively thin, which can more clearly show the specific conditions of the follicles in the ovary, and the examination results are more accurate."
,1-3“”,“”.It is like "precise navigation" in the hands of doctors, pointing out the direction for subsequent treatment by comprehensively assessing the basic state of the ovaries. Here, I also remind female friends who are undergoing IVF treatment to follow the doctor's advice and actively cooperate with the treatment with a scientific attitude to lay a solid foundation for a smooth "good pregnancy".