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What is the Difference Between IVF and Test Tube Baby?

Some couples are unable to conceive a child because of infertility issues or a blocked fallopian tube in the case of women. As medical science kept on advancing, new methods were discovered to develop an egg artificially in a glass container. The first successful IVF was done in 1934 and the world’s first IVF human baby was born in 1978. IVF treatment is also chosen to avoid the passing of genetic defects.

A test-tube baby is a baby who is conceived by IVF. IVF is in vitro fertilization where the word “vitro” means glass. In such cases, the fertilization is done outside the uterus in a glass vessel by combining a female egg with a sperm.

IVF and test-tube babies are the same with no difference at all. It is just that doctors specifically use the term IVF instead of test-tube babies.

Conceiving a baby through a test takes quite some time. First, the doctor checks for the ovarian reserve and does all other checks. A USG is done to check the condition of the ovaries and the other reproductive organs. After discussing all the legal and emotional issues, the process starts. This is a 5 step procedure.

• Stimulation

As IVF requires multiple eggs therefore fertility drugs are given to the woman in the first step. The patient will be under the doctor’s observation with regular blood tests and USGS.

• Egg Retrieval

This is a surgical procedure where a needle will be inserted through a woman’s vagina to the ovaries and an egg containing the follicle shall be removed by suction. This procedure is called follicular aspiration.

• Insemination

In this procedure, the sperm from the semen sample is mixed with the egg in a petri dish. The sperms fertilize the eggs overnight.

• Culture of the embryo

This glass dish shall be kept under a doctor’s supervision in a laboratory and will be monitored constantly to check whether the egg is dividing or developing. In this stage, the embryos also undergo genetic testing.

• Transfer

Three to five days after fertilization, the embryo has become big enough, it is implanted into a woman’s uterus with the help of a catheter. The later process of pregnancy takes place in the embryo and it takes 6-10 days.

Doctors consider the IVF treatment quite safe and there are high chances of egg fertilisation. However, it can come with some complications.

• Miscarriage
• Multiple pregnancies
• Ectopic pregnancy where the egg is implanted outside the uterus.
• Some patients can develop Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) where excess fluid is filled in the abdomen and chest.
• Bleeding

Read More – IVF – An Effective Choice for Those Struggling With Infertility?

The cost of IVF varies in different clinics and depends upon multiple factors. If you wish to get an IVF treatment, choose a Hospital or clinic at first. Talk to them and understand the overall cost and all the things it includes and excludes. In some cases, medications are included in the treatment cost, whereas in other places, it doesn’t.

In India, the cost of a test tube baby can range from Rs 70,000 to Rs 1, 30,000 depending on the condition.

Have queries or concern ?

A large number of children are born through these artificial techniques and are leading a very healthy life. Such assisted reproductive technologies solve a lot of problems related to infertility which causes a social stigma. In most cases, ART produces healthy kids.

However, there are many cases where a child born is not healthy or is underweight. With an aged woman, man or an unhealthy sperm or egg, the quality of the fertilised egg can reduce. A proper diet must be taken by both partners to ensure healthy fertilisation.

The first “Test-tube baby” baby was born in 1978, with the help of reproductive technology, more than three million babies have been born to date. Most of these are healthy babies. But as a group, they are at higher risk of low birth weight, which is associated with obesity, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes later in life.

Reason For Test Tube Baby

There are many reasons why a couple chooses IVF. Due to lifestyle changes and pollution, couples sometimes find it difficult to conceive. There are various other reasons why a couple needs IVF treatment.

• Blocked fallopian tubes.
• Endometriosis
• Reduced fertility in men and women.
• Uterine fibroids.
• Fear of genetic disease can be eliminated during this process. Fertilisation will only take place through genetically fit egg cells.

It is difficult to assume that IVF treatment will be successful/unsuccessful for a couple as it is a very complicated procedure. In some patients the first try of IVF is unsuccessful but in the second or third, a healthy baby can be born. Patients must feel free to discuss with their doctors regarding such treatment. Consulting a counsellor also helps.