IVF Process and Precautions at Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University

Scene opening (Type: Real consultation scenario)

Two Common Misconceptions Seen in Ten Years of Practice

After working with thousands of couples trying to conceive, two recurring cognitive biases have been observed. The first is the belief that "IVF can solve all infertility problems." In reality, IVF is a fertility treatment with strict medical indications and is not a panacea. The second is underestimating the importance of pre-treatment examinations—many think they can start a cycle immediately upon arriving at the hospital, whereas a complete fertility assessment and physical preparation typically take 4 to 8 weeks.

The Reproductive Medicine Center of Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University sees a large number of patients from within Hubei Province and beyond each year. Before formulating a treatment plan, doctors always complete a systematic evaluation rather than directly proceeding with a "protocol." This significantly impacts the final outcome.

IVF at Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University: Core Answer

The Reproductive Medicine Center of Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University (Hubei Provincial People's Hospital) is a legitimate institution approved by the National Health Commission to perform assisted reproductive technologies. It offers conventional in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), embryo cryopreservation and frozen-thawed embryo transfer, blastocyst culture, and other techniques. For infertile couples meeting the indications, a complete IVF cycle (from initial consultation to pregnancy test) typically takes 2 to 3 months, with the exact duration varying based on individual protocols and physical responses.

Who is suitable for choosing this center? Women with fallopian tube blockage, ovulation disorders, or endometriosis; men with oligoasthenospermia or obstructive azoospermia; and couples who have not conceived after other treatments. The center does not accept "elective IVF" without medical indications; all treatments must comply with national regulations and ethical standards.

Who is not suitable for immediately starting a cycle? Individuals with uncontrolled thyroid dysfunction, untreated intrauterine adhesions, active infections, or severe organ dysfunction. These conditions need to be managed and stabilized by the relevant department first, after which a reproductive specialist will assess suitability for starting treatment.

Actual Consultation Process: From Initial Visit to Transfer

Below is a breakdown of each step based on the actual path patients take.

Step 1: Initial Consultation and Filing

Make an appointment with the "Reproductive Medicine Center." It is recommended that both partners attend together. The doctor will take a detailed medical history and prescribe a comprehensive set of fertility tests. For filing, you need to provide original and photocopies of both partners' ID cards and marriage certificate. If you have test results from another hospital (valid within six months), bring them for the doctor's reference to avoid repetition.

Step 2: Systematic Examinations (Approximately 2–4 weeks)

Examinations are divided into female and male components, including:

Brief Interpretation of Test Indicators: AMH reflects ovarian reserve; generally, >1.1 ng/ml indicates adequate reserve. FSH <10 IU/L suggests normal ovarian function. A total antral follicle count of 8–15 for both ovaries is normal. The specific protocol requires the doctor to make a comprehensive judgment based on age, hormone levels, and medical history.

Step 3: Determining the Ovarian Stimulation Protocol

Based on the woman's age, ovarian reserve, BMI, and previous response to stimulation, the doctor will choose a long protocol, short protocol, antagonist protocol, or mild stimulation protocol. For women under 35 with normal ovarian function, the antagonist protocol is more commonly used, offering a shorter cycle and less medication. For women over 40 or with diminished ovarian reserve, mild stimulation or a natural cycle may be considered.

Step 4: Ovarian Stimulation and Follicle Monitoring (Approximately 10–14 days)

During ovarian stimulation, you need to return to the hospital regularly for transvaginal ultrasound and blood tests to monitor follicle growth and hormone levels. Most patients need to visit 4–6 times. When the leading follicles reach 18–22 mm in diameter and hormone levels are appropriate, an hCG or GnRH-a trigger injection is given to induce final maturation, with egg retrieval performed 36 hours later.

Step 5: Egg Retrieval and In Vitro Fertilization

Egg retrieval is performed under intravenous anesthesia, taking about 15–20 minutes. After a 1–2 hour observation period, you can leave the hospital. The male partner provides a semen sample on the same day. The laboratory chooses IVF or ICSI for fertilization based on sperm quality and egg condition. Embryo quality is assessed on day 3 after fertilization. Embryos are typically cultured until day 5–6 to form blastocysts before transfer or cryopreservation.

Step 6: Embryo Transfer

The transfer procedure is painless, requires no anesthesia, and is completed in 5–10 minutes. Luteal phase support (oral progesterone, vaginal gel, or injections) is provided after transfer. A blood pregnancy test is performed 12–14 days after transfer.

Timeline: How Long Each Stage Takes

The entire cycle is broken down into a timeline to help you plan your work and life in advance.

If you choose frozen embryo transfer, the time from retrieval to transfer will be longer. However, a frozen embryo cycle can be performed after resting for 1–2 months following retrieval, allowing the body time to recover.

Five Most Easily Overlooked Details

• Validity of Tests: Karyotype analysis and blood type are valid for life, but infectious disease screening, semen analysis, AMH, and sex hormone panel are typically valid for 6–12 months. If expired, they need to be retaken, otherwise, you may be blocked from starting the cycle.
• Male Examinations Cannot Be Missed: Many couples think the issue is primarily with the woman and that the man only needs a routine semen analysis. In reality, indicators like sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and chromosome microdeletions directly impact embryo development quality, especially in cases of recurrent miscarriage or repeated implantation failure.
• Uterine Cavity Evaluation: It is crucial to confirm no uterine cavity abnormalities before transfer. Patients with repeated ultrasound findings of uneven endometrial echo or a history of uterine procedures should consider hysteroscopy in advance. Many implantation failures are due to uterine issues, not the embryo itself.
• Medication Adherence: Medications during stimulation and after transfer must be taken strictly on time and in the correct dosage. Missing a dose or stopping medication on your own can affect follicle development or luteal phase support. It is recommended to set phone reminders or have a family member help manage them.
• Document Preparation: Original ID cards and marriage certificates for both partners must be brought and the information must be consistent. If documents are lost or information is inconsistent, they need to be reissued in advance; otherwise, you cannot complete the filing or start the cycle.

Key Test Indicators: Understanding Your Lab Report

Many patients feel confused when they receive their test reports. Below are explanations of the three most critical indicators.

AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone)

AMH is secreted by ovarian pre-antral follicles, is not affected by the menstrual cycle, and can be tested anytime via blood draw. Higher values indicate greater ovarian reserve. General reference ranges: AMH > 1.1 ng/ml suggests normal reserve; 0.5–1.1 ng/ml suggests diminished reserve; < 0.5 ng/ml suggests severely diminished reserve. However, AMH does not directly predict egg quality; it only reflects quantity.

FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)

Tested on days 2–4 of the menstrual cycle. FSH < 10 IU/L suggests normal ovarian function; 10–15 IU/L suggests decreased function; > 15 IU/L suggests significantly decreased function. FSH elevation usually occurs later than AMH decline, making AMH a more sensitive marker.

Antral Follicle Count (AFC)

Transvaginal ultrasound counts the number of antral follicles (2–10 mm in diameter) in both ovaries. A total of 8–15 for both ovaries is normal; 5–7 is considered reduced; < 5 is severely reduced. Combining AFC with AMH provides a relatively accurate assessment of ovarian response, helping the doctor choose the stimulation protocol and medication dosage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the approximate cost of IVF at Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University?

The cost for a complete fresh cycle (from examinations to transfer and pregnancy test) is approximately 35,000 to 55,000 RMB, varying based on medication protocol, stimulation duration, and whether ICSI is used. If surplus embryos are frozen, the annual storage fee is about 2,000 to 3,000 RMB. A frozen embryo transfer cycle (excluding stimulation and retrieval) costs approximately 10,000 to 15,000 RMB.

Q: Can I still do IVF if I am older?

Age is an important factor affecting success rates but is not an absolute contraindication. Women over 40 have diminished ovarian reserve, fewer eggs retrieved, and a higher rate of embryonic aneuploidy. However, as long as there is follicle development and physical condition permits, it is still worth trying. For those over 43, it is recommended to combine genetic counseling and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) for evaluation. The Reproductive Center of Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University has a specialized evaluation pathway for older patients.

Q: What should I eat or take to prepare before IVF?

There is no universal "preparation plan." It is recommended to maintain a balanced diet, supplement with folic acid (400–800 μg/day), and maintain a healthy weight (BMI 18.5–24). Self-administering large amounts of antioxidants or traditional Chinese medicine is not recommended, as some supplements may interact with stimulation medications. Consult the Reproductive Nutrition Clinic for specific advice.

Q: Do I need to stay in bed after the embryo transfer?

Absolute bed rest is not required. Normal daily activities and moderate exercise (walking, light housework) do not affect embryo implantation. Prolonged bed rest may actually affect blood circulation and increase the risk of thrombosis. Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and sexual intercourse.

Differences Between Hospitals: Characteristics of Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University

Several hospitals in Wuhan are qualified to perform IVF, each with its own characteristics. As a comprehensive tertiary hospital, the biggest advantage of the Reproductive Medicine Center at Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University is its multidisciplinary support. For patients with concurrent medical conditions (such as thyroid disorders, immune abnormalities, or coagulation disorders), relevant departments can be consulted quickly without the patient needing to visit multiple departments on their own.

Additionally, the center's embryology laboratory has stable hardware conditions and extensive experience in blastocyst culture and vitrification. For patients with recurrent implantation failure or those requiring preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), the hospital has a standardized genetic counseling process and referral pathway.

Compared to specialized reproductive hospitals, the consultation process in a comprehensive hospital may be slightly more cumbersome (e.g., blood draws, ultrasounds, and pharmacy located in different areas of the building), but the corresponding emergency response and comprehensive management capabilities are stronger. Patients can choose based on their specific circumstances and preferences.

This article covers: AMHFSHLHAntral Follicle CountSemen AnalysisChromosome TestingUterine Cavity ExaminationOvarian StimulationEgg RetrievalEmbryo CulturePGTFrozen Embryo TransferLuteal Phase SupportReproductive SpecialistIVF in WuhanPre-IVF Examinations