Test Tube Baby – What You Need To Know

The progress of medical science is undeniable. One such unthinkable achievement happened in 1978 when for the first time a human egg was fertilized outside the mother's womb. The technique is called IVF (in vitro fertilization) or in simple understanding test tube baby procedure. Let's explore more about the process through the article. 

Understanding Test Tube Baby

There's a common misconception that the baby born out of IVF is developed in a test tube. That's not medically possible to date. The test tube baby procedure is quite simple. Earlier, for IVF, the eggs were fertilized in test tubes and later inserted into the mother's uterus.

 But nowadays, no more test tubes are used. Instead, the egg fertilization step happens to be in a Petri dish in IVF. After two to three days of embryo development, it is then transferred to the human womb. 

When Test Tube Baby Is Recommended? 

Doctors would suggest Test Tube baby procedures when you fail to conceive through normal means. Here are some common reasons, why IVF treatment is recommended:

● When your fallopian tube gets blocked or infected due to the removal of ectopic pregnancy. 

● As a result of Endometriosis. Simply, endometriosis happens with the extra growth of tissue at the outer uterus walls. Such overgrowth of tissue interferes with the normal working of the fallopian tube, uterus, and ovaries. 

● Due to PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) or issues related to ovulation. 

● Women having a history of ligated tubes (also known as tubectomy) can still be pregnant with test tube babies. 

● When the male parent fails to produce enough healthy sperm, thanks to IVF, they no longer have to fear infertility. 

● To prevent the transfer of genetic issues to the babies, test tube babies are the best medical procedure. 

Test Tube Baby Procedure 

Here's a step-wise explanation of the common test tube baby process. In reality, the procedure can be more complicated and subjective to clinical understanding.

Hormone Therapy/Egg Production 

To ensure the growth of eggs in the female body, hormones like GnRHa and Gonadotropins are injected in a titrated dose. Through this injection, the existing follicles in her ovaries further mature. To complete the maturation, hCG injection is used. 36 hours after that, egg collection is done. 

Egg Retrieval & Sperm Collection

Using a minor surgical procedure, eggs are retrieved. For this, a needle is attached to the vaginal ultrasonography. On the same day, the male sample of fresh semen also has to be collected. 

Mixing

Both the opted sperm and eggs are swirled in a Petri dish. Soon the Petri dish is placed in an incubator. In the entire process, the specialist has to have a closer look at the development of the embryo.  

Transfer To The Uterus

The developed embryos are then inserted into the woman's uterus. From time to time, hormonal support is given to support the pregnancy. 

Are There Any Risks To The Test Tube Baby Process?

All medical procedures are subjected to some minor risks. Here are the possible ones for test tube baby:

● The offspring may be of low birth weight. 

● For aged women, there are chances of miscarriage. 

● Though extremely low, the process of retrieval of eggs may lead to infection. 

However, all these side effects are extreme chances. These can be avoided if the IVF procedure is carried out under the supervision of expert professionals.