The full form of IVF is In-vitro fertilization. Here in this phrase ‘in Vitro’ implies ‘within the glass’. It is a Latin term that refers to anything done in the laboratory. This phrase is opposite to ‘in Vivo, which means ‘inside the body’.
What is In-vitro fertilization?
It is an advanced reproductive technology that is effective for those couples who find it difficult to conceive naturally. In this process, the egg is retrieved from the woman’s ovaries and externally fertilized with sperm. The fertilized egg is known as an embryo. This embryo can either be frozen for storage or transferred to the woman’s uterus.
As per the situation, pregnancy treatment IVF can utilize the following:
- Woman’s egg and her partner’s sperm
- Woman’s egg and donor sperm.
- Donor egg and her partner’s sperm
- Donor egg and donor sperm
- Donated embryos
- In some conditions, doctors can also implant embryos in a surrogate uterus.
Why is IVF performed?
People facing infertility issues opt for IVF treatment if they haven’t succeeded with other fertility treatments. The therapies couples may try before IVF are fertility drugs or intrauterine insemination, in which sperm is directly transferred to the woman’s uterus.
Infertility issues for which you can go with IVF are:
- Fertility issues in women after 40.
- Damaged or blocked fallopian tube.
- Functionality issues in ovaries
- Uterine fibroids
- Male infertility because of low sperm count or abnormal sperm shape.
- Unexpected infertility
Procedure of IVF or test tube baby treatment
It takes time to conceive a baby through IVF. Firstly your doctor will check your ovarian reserve and all other checks. He will perform USG to know the ovary’s condition and other reproductive organs. After discussing all the emotional and legal issues, the test tube baby process will complete in 5 steps.
Stimulation: Your doctor will give you fertility drugs to make your body produce multiple eggs. After taking medications, your doctor will observe you through USG and regular blood tests.
Egg retrieval: In this surgical process, a needle will be inserted into a woman’s vagina to retrieve eggs through suction. This technique is known as follicular aspiration.
Insemination: In this process, the sperm extracted from the semen sample is mixed with the egg in a petri dish. Fertilization will happen overnight.
Embryo culture: The glass dish will be observed in a lab to know whether the egg is developing or dividing. At this stage, the embryo will also undergo genetic testing.
Transfer: After 3-5 days of fertilization, the embryo will become big enough to get implanted into the woman’s uterus through a catheter. The later pregnancy will occur inside the embryo, which will take 6-10 days.
What is a test tube baby?
A baby conceived through in-vitro fertilization is called a test tube baby. Here ‘vitro’ means glass. The sperm and egg are fertilized in a glass culture dish instead of inside the body. The term test tube baby is the non-medical name for IVF. The term is extracted from the idea that an embryo is formed in the glass test tube instead of a woman’s fallopian tube.
Complications associated with IVF
IVF treatment is considered safe and has a high chance of pregnancy. However, there are some complications associated with this process:
- Miscarriage
- Multiple pregnancies
- Ectopic pregnancy is when the implantation of an egg happens outside the uterus.
- Bleeding
Test tube baby or IVF treatment cost
The IVF cost varies from clinic to clinic and will depend on multiple factors. If you want to go with IVF, look for the IVF treatment in Meerut. Talk with the doctors to know the overall cost and what is included and excluded in the cost. Some clinics include the medications in the package, while you need to buy the medications separately in some clinics.
Is test tube baby safe?
Till now, millions of babies have been born through this artificial technique, and most of them are living healthy life. This process has solved the major problem of infertility among couples. However, in some cases, the child born has low weight. It can happen because of a woman’s age, low sperm quality and the quality of the fertilized egg. Both couples should take a proper diet to ensure healthy fertilization.
Conclusion
The above information clearly shows that test tube babies and IVF are the same procedures. It is difficult to say whether the IVF treatment will be successful, as it is a very complicated pregnancy treatment. In many cases, the first attempt of IVF is not successful, while in the second and third attempts, you will be able to conceive. Look for the best IVF center in Meerut for a smooth IVF journey.
Patients must speak with the doctor in all such matters. Also, you can consult any counsellor to control your emotions in such tough times.