Test Tube Baby - What Is the Procedure and When Is It Recommended

It was in 1978 when Dr. Subhash Mukherjee performed the first successful IVF procedure in India, which was also just the second in the world. However, due to a lack of proper regulation and ethical guidelines, Dr. Mukherjee's methods were questioned, and he faced several controversies.

It wasn't until the 1990s that IVF and other infertility treatments gained wider acceptance in India. With the advent of more advanced technologies, such as Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), which involves injecting a single sperm directly into the egg, the success rates of Test Tube babies began to improve significantly.

Today, Test Tube Baby and IVF have become common procedures in India owing to growing cases of infertility in the country. According to reports, infertility affects nearly 27.5 million couples in India alone. However, with advanced medical procedures like In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Test Tube Baby, many of these couples have fulfilled their dream of becoming parents.

In this blog, we will explore what a Test Tube Baby is, its differences from IVF, the process involved, the risks and side effects associated with it, the success rates, and the cost of treatment.

What Is the Difference Between IVF and Test Tube Baby?

In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Test Tube Baby are often used interchangeably, but there is a slight difference between the two. IVF is a procedure where eggs are retrieved from the ovaries and fertilized with sperm outside the body, whereas Test Tube Baby refers specifically to the process where fertilization happens in a test tube. The fertilized egg, or embryo, is then implanted in the uterus.

What Is the Process of Delivering a Test Tube Baby?

The process of Test Tube Baby involves several steps. Here are the steps involved in the IVF process:

• Ovarian Stimulation: The first step in the IVF process is ovarian stimulation. The woman is given fertility drugs to stimulate her ovaries to produce multiple eggs.

• Egg Retrieval: Once the eggs are mature, they are retrieved from the woman's ovaries using a needle that is inserted into the follicles.

• Sperm Collection: The sperm is collected from the male partner, either through ejaculation or by surgical extraction.

• Fertilization: The eggs and sperm are then combined in a laboratory dish and left to fertilize. In some cases, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be used, where a single sperm is injected directly into the egg to increase the chances of fertilization.

• Embryo Culture: After fertilization, the embryos are cultured in the laboratory for several days to allow them to develop.

• Embryo Transfer: Once the embryos have developed, they are transferred to the woman's uterus using a thin catheter. The number of embryos transferred will depend on several factors, including the woman's age, the quality of the embryos, and the couple's preference.

• Pregnancy Test: About two weeks after the embryo transfer, a pregnancy test is conducted to determine whether the IVF was successful.

• Follow-up Care: If the IVF is successful, the woman will receive regular prenatal care to monitor the health of the pregnancy.

Overall, the IVF process involves several steps and can be a complex and emotionally challenging journey for couples. It's important to work closely with a fertility specialist and to have a support system in place to help manage the stress and uncertainty that can come with the process.

When Should You Opt for a Test-Tube Baby? When Is It Recommended?

A test-tube baby may be recommended for couples who are having difficulty conceiving naturally due to a variety of reasons.

Here are some common scenarios where IVF may be recommended:

Female Fertility Issues:

• Blocked or Damaged Fallopian Tubes: If the fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged, they can prevent the egg from being fertilized or from reaching the uterus. IVF can bypass this issue by directly fertilizing the egg outside of the body and then transferring the embryo to the uterus.

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a hormonal disorder that can cause irregular ovulation or even prevent ovulation altogether. IVF can help bypass this issue by stimulating the ovaries to produce eggs for fertilization.

• Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of the uterus, which can cause fertility issues. IVF can bypass this issue by directly fertilizing the egg and then transferring the embryo to the uterus.

Male Fertility Issues:

• Advanced Maternal Age: As women age, their fertility decreases, and the quality of their eggs may decline. IVF can help bypass this issue by stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs for fertilization.

• Low Sperm Count or Poor Sperm Motility: If a man has a low sperm count or poor sperm motility, it can make it difficult for the sperm to fertilize the egg. IVF can bypass this issue by directly injecting the sperm into the egg or by using ICSI to directly inject a single sperm into the egg.

• Genetic Issues: If a man has a genetic issue that could be passed on to their offspring, IVF can help by using preimplantation genetic testing to screen the embryos before they are transferred to the uterus.

• Previous Vasectomy: If a man has had a vasectomy and wants to conceive a child, IVF can help bypass this issue by using sperm extracted directly from the testicles.

IVF may also be recommended for same-sex couples or individuals who want to conceive a child.

The treatments involved in IVF may vary depending on the specific fertility issues of the couple. Generally, the IVF process involves ovarian stimulation to produce multiple eggs, egg retrieval, fertilization in a laboratory dish, embryo culture, and embryo transfer to the uterus. Preimplantation genetic testing may also be used to screen for genetic issues. You should consult a specialist to know if this procedure is right for you.

Consult Dr. Nandita P. Palshetkar to Learn More About Test Tube Baby Procedure

Don't let infertility hold you back from starting your family! Contact Dr. Nandita P. Palshetkar today and take the first step toward your dream of parenthood. With decades of experience in IVF and Test Tube Baby procedures, she can help you start your family. Schedule a consultation now to learn more about the revolutionary test tube baby procedure and embark on your journey toward a brighter future.

We have discussed procedures and scenarios where Test Tube Baby is effective here. If you want to learn more about this procedure, its side effects, success rate, and cost, then read our next blog.