IVF treatment and test tube baby are commonly used terms when couples face infertility. But what sets these techniques apart? Are they simply different names for the same process or do they have different methodologies and outcomes?
This article discusses the difference between IVF and test tube baby while exploring the misconception between IVF and test tube baby treatments, clarifying their similarities and helping people make informed choices in their fertility journeys.
What is IVF?
IVF, a pioneering technique in reproductive medicine, involves fertilising an egg with sperm outside the body, typically in a laboratory setting. The process commences with ovarian stimulation to induce the development of multiple follicles, each housing an egg. These eggs are then retrieved via a minimally invasive procedure called follicular aspiration.
Once retrieved, the eggs are combined with sperm in a culture dish, where fertilisation occurs. Following successful fertilisation, resulting embryos are cultured in a controlled environment for a few days before one or more are transferred to the uterus. Any surplus embryos may be cryopreserved for future use.
The Test Tube Baby Phenomenon
Contrary to popular belief, the term “test-tube baby” is a misnomer. It originally emerged from the first successful IVF procedure conducted in 1978, where Louise Brown, the world’s first IVF baby, was conceived. However, the term inaccurately suggests that the entire conception process occurs in a test tube, which is different.
The IVF and TesTube Bay Treatment Process
The IVF and test tube treatment processes are essentially the same. Before initiating the IVF treatment, the woman undergoes baseline bloodwork and ultrasound examinations. These tests help the IVF specialist assess the woman’s reproductive health, hormone levels, and the condition of her ovaries.
Ovarian stimulation: Ovarian stimulation involves the administration of fertility drugs to encourage the woman’s ovaries to produce multiple eggs. This is an essential step in IVF treatment, typically accomplished through hormone injections.
Egg retrieval: When the eggs are ready, the doctor removes them from the ovaries using a tiny needle.
Collecting the Sperm: The man gives a sample of his sperm. Both partners are involved in IVF.
Fertilisation: In a lab, the doctor combines the eggs and sperm. This makes embryos, which are like tiny babies before they grow bigger.
Growing the Embryos: The embryos stay in a safe place in the lab for a few days to grow.
Embryo transfer: The doctor gently places the chosen embryos inside the woman’s uterus without using anaesthesia. The doctor inserts a thin tube through the cervix into the uterus.
Luteal phase support: After putting the embryos in, the woman might get hormones to help her body during this part of her cycle. These hormones make it easier for the embryos to attach to the uterus.
Checking for pregnancy: Two weeks later, the woman takes a test to see if she’s pregnant. It’s important to contact the IVF specialist for guidance during this time.
Difference Between IVF and Test Tube Baby
There’s no distinction between IVF and test tube babies. “test tube baby” is an informal term from the past used to describe IVF. It’s just that doctors prefer to use the term IVF instead of test tube babies, which has become the more widely accepted term now.
Fertilisation Location
In IVF, fertilisation unfolds within a carefully controlled laboratory environment. Eggs retrieved from the ovaries are combined with sperm in a culture dish. This method allows for close monitoring of conditions conducive to fertilisation.
On the flip side, the term “test-tube baby” misleadingly suggests fertilisation solely within a test tube when, in reality, it occurs within a laboratory dish.
Despite the difference in terminology, both IVF and the colloquially termed “test-tube baby” procedure share the fundamental process of uniting sperm and egg outside the body, however, in a controlled laboratory setting rather than a literal test tube.
Terminology
IVF, denoting “In Vitro Fertilization,” is the standard term recognised within the medical community to describe the assisted reproductive procedure involving fertilisation outside the body.
On the contrary, “test tube baby” is a colloquial expression stemming from the historical context of the first successful IVF birth. While widely used in public discussions, it inaccurately often highlights the idea that assisted conception is artificial rather than recognising the careful scientific methods used.
Embryo Transfer
Following fertilisation in both IVF and the colloquially termed “test-tube baby” procedure, resulting embryos undergo cultivation in a controlled laboratory environment. These embryos are monitored for optimal development before being carefully transferred into the uterus. This crucial step aims to facilitate implantation and subsequent pregnancy.
Embryo transfer is a critical step in both IVF and the “test-tube baby” process. It involves placing embryos, which have been fertilised outside the body, into the woman’s uterus. This step is crucial because it increases the likelihood of a successful pregnancy.
By creating a favourable environment in the uterus, embryo transfer significantly enhances the chances of implantation and developing a healthy pregnancy. For individuals and couples struggling with infertility, this step offers a ray of hope and represents a crucial milestone in their journey towards parenthood.
Cultural Perception
The term “test-tube baby” often suggests that making babies through methods like IVF is not natural, which leads to misunderstandings and apprehension around assisted reproductive technologies. In contrast, IVF is widely accepted in the medical domain as a legitimate way to help with fertility issues.
By showing the scientific advancements behind IVF, we can change how people view it. This shift can help reduce stigma and offer better support to individuals and couples dealing with infertility, making it easier for them to seek help without feeling judged.
Still in Doubt? Consult a Top IVF Specialist
The words IVF and test tube baby are often used interchangeably. However, in truth, they use the same method for assisted conception. Both methods share the goal of helping couples conceive outside the body, offering hope amidst fertility challenges. Understanding their unity eliminates confusion, empowering informed decisions in fertility journeys.
Couples looking for IVF treatment must find the top IVF centre and doctor. Janisthaa is renowned as the best IVF centre in Banglore. We offer complete care to patients facing fertility issues. With modern facilities and experienced doctors, we provide personalised treatment, giving hope and support during the IVF journey and ensuring patients receive the best care on their way to becoming parents.