Some people think IVF and Test tube baby are the same, and some think they are different. Read this blog to permanently close this debate and know the difference between IVF and Test Tube Baby- If any.
What is the difference between In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Test Tube Baby?
Technically, there is no difference between In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and test tube baby. The test tube baby is a non-medical term used alternatively for IVF or In-Vitro Fertilization.
The term “test-tube baby” came into being because, during the IVF treatment, an embryo is formed in vitro, a petri dish or a test tube instead of the woman’s fallopian tube.
A test-tube baby is produced with the IVF process outside a woman’s body. However, later, the matured embryo is transferred into the woman’s womb by implantation.
IVF and test-tube babies are the same. It is just that doctors use the term IVF instead of test-tube babies.
Do You Know?In India, infertility affects approximately 10% – 15% of married couples. With the declining fertility rate, more couples are seeking infertility treatments making In-Vitro Fertilization OR test tube baby culture popular fertility treatment these days. |
Who requires IVF or Test Tube Baby Treatments?
There are various reasons why a couple chooses to conceive through IVF. Due to lifestyle changes and pollution, couples sometimes face difficulty conceiving or processing normal childbirth.
Other reasons why a couple needs IVF treatment-
- Blocked fallopian tubes
- Unexplained Fertility
- Endometriosis
- Reduced fertility in men and women.
- Uterine fibroids.
- To eliminate the fear of genetic disease. Fertilization will only take place through genetically fit egg cells.
If the male partner suffers from
- a painful erection
- has difficulty producing sperm, or
- has a low sperm count, the couple can hire a sperm donor whose sperm can fertilize the eggs of the female partner.
Process of IVF and Test Tube Baby
Since there is no difference between IVF and test tube baby, their In-Vitro fertilization process is the same. The steps can be enumerated as
- Examination- First, the doctor checks the ovarian reserve and reproductive health of the female partner. A USG is done to examine the condition of the ovaries and other reproductive organs.
- Ovarian Stimulation- At the beginning of the cycle, hormonal medications are prescribed to stimulate the ovaries of a woman to produce a large number of eggs. The follicles are then monitored with the help of blood tests and ultrasounds.
- Egg Retrieval- Also known as follicular aspiration, is a surgical procedure to collect eggs. In this, a needle is inserted into the ovaries via the vagina and eggs are suctioned and retrieved.
- Fertilization- Once the eggs are retrieved, they are sent to the lab for fertilization. The fertilized eggs are matured in a controlled lab setup for 3-5 days. The mature embryo is, called a blastocyte, ready for transfer.
- Embryo Transfer- The embryo is very carefully inserted into a woman’s uterus using a catheter, which is slowly passed through the cervix and into the womb with the intent of conception.
- IVF Pregnancy-It is recommended to get a pregnancy test after 12 days to 2 weeks of embryo transfer.
Cost of IVF and Test Tube Baby in India
The cost of IVF in India varies in different locations and depends upon multiple factors.
If you are seeking an IVF treatment, choose a fertility hospital or clinic first. Talk to the doctors and faculty and understand the overall cost and everything it includes and excludes.
In some cases, medications, testing, and additional procedures may be included in the treatment cost, whereas in other places, it doesn’t.
In India, on average, IVF costs ₹1,10,000 to ₹4,00,000 per cycle. At Zivia IVF, we also offer comprehensive IVF plans to benefit you economically and optimally. Book a consultation with our IVF experts to learn how to benefit from IVF treatment.
Complications that may be associated with IVF process
Though IVF is considered a very safe procedure with a higher possibility of egg fertilization and conception, it can come with some complications-
- Multiple pregnancies
- Miscarriage
- Ectopic pregnancy, i.e., the egg is implanted outside the uterus.
- Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS).
- Bleeding
- Premature delivery
- Placenta Abruption
- Congenital disabilities
Success Rate with IVF
IVF, or In-Vitro Fertilization, has been a blessing to infertile couples dreaming of starting a family.
The success rate of IVF depends on
- Age of the female partner
- Duration of infertility
- Cause and Type of infertility
- Quality of the sperm, egg, and embryo
- The endometrial development
- Luteal phase post transfer
To conclude
IVF and Test Tube babies have given hope to millions of couples who were longing to have their own child but were unable to do so because of infertility or other health issues.
If you are seeking a world-class fertility treatment where you can comfortably discuss your issues, then book an appointment at Endoworld with our expert team of fertility doctors.
Happy Pregnancy!
