Test Tube Baby Process: Why is it Recommended and How is it Done?

 In vitro fertilisation or IVF is a kind of assisted reproductive technology that helps couples have a baby. It is recommended to the couples who face difficulty in conceiving a baby even after having unprotected intercourse for over a year.

As of now, over 8 million babies have born with the help of IVF procedure. A baby born through this procedure, in the colloquial term, is also called a test tube baby. 

Why is IVF recommended?

IVF treatment is mainly recommended to the couples who have fertility issues, such as:

·         Uterine fibroids

·         Blockage or damage in the fallopian tube

·         Endometriosis

·         Genetic disorder

·         Infrequent or absent ovulation

·         Previous tubal removal or sterilisation

·         Impaired sperm production

·         Poor sperm transportation

·         Erectile dysfunction

·         Unexplained infertility

Over the years, the IVF procedure has emerged as a boon to the couples who want to have a family but cannot conceive a baby naturally.

Test tube baby process: How is it done?

The below-mentioned process may slightly differ from one test-tube baby centre (clinic) to another. However, it usually comprises of the following steps:

Testing and ovary stimulation

Initially, the IVF specialist conducts the required tests. After that, the stimulation process is started on the very first day of the monthly cycle of the woman. Fertility drugs containing FSH, a fertility hormone, are prescribed to encourage follicles in the ovaries to produce more eggs. Vaginal ultrasound is done to monitor the process and time the trigger injection perfectly.

Egg retrieval

In this step, eggs are retrieved from the ovaries. Retrieval of eggs takes about 20-30 minutes while the woman is asleep. On average, 8-15 eggs are collected.

Sperm retrieval

It is done on the same day of egg retrieval if the couple wants to use fresh sperm for the treatment procedure.

Insemination and fertilisation

Collected eggs are then fused with the male partner’s sperm (or donor’s sperm) in a dish in vitro.

Embryo development

Fertilisation results in a zygote that develops into an embryo. The embryo is then kept in a special incubator for growth and development under observation for 5-6 days.

Embryo transfer

In this step, the embryo is transferred and implanted in the uterus with the use of a fine catheter.

Final pregnancy test

In this final step of pregnancy, the doctor, after two weeks of embryo transfer, conducts a blood test to measure hCG levels to detect pregnancy.

So, these are the steps that are typically followed in an IVF procedure. To know more about it, get in touch with a reputed IVF clinic today.