Test-Tube Baby or In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is a series of procedures followed, to help with fertility issues or genetic problems faced by couples. During IVF, mature healthy eggs are extracted from the ovary and fertilised by the sperm in a lab. Then these fertilised eggs (embryos) are transferred to the uterus. Unlike the natural birth process, IVF takes place under lab conditions, and the babies produced by this procedure are known as Test tube babies.
Surgery Name
|
In- Vitro Fertilization |
Alternative Name
|
Test Tube Baby |
Conditions Treated
|
Infertility or Genetic problems faced by couples. |
Benefits of the Surgery |
Timings of your choice, Increased chances of having a healthy baby, Decreased changes of Miscarriage |
Treated By
|
Gynaecologist |
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In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Cost here.
Conditions treated with In Vitro Fertilization
IVF is used for couples facing infertility-related problems. These conditions could be because of:
- Blockage of fallopian tubes due to the removal of an ectopic pregnancy or because of infection.
- IVF is done if a woman couldn’t conceive, even after there is a good development and timely rupture of follicles, even after 6-8 cycles of intrauterine insemination or other similar treatments.
- If you have grade 3 or 4 endometriosis during the first laparoscopy.
- Women with decreased ovarian reserve require test-tube baby procedures.
- If you are above 38 years of age and want to conceive, then this procedure is beneficial.
- If your partner’s sperm function degenerates or if there is abnormal semen.
Who needs In Vitro Fertilization?
IVF is often not the first choice for treating infertility. This technique is recommended when interventions such as fertility drugs, surgery, and artificial insemination do not work. It is recommended for couples who have the following:
- Reduced fertility (generally with age>40 years)
- Fallopian tubes, which may be blocked or impaired
- Decreased ovarian function
- Endometriosis
- Uterine fibroids
- Male infertility (e.g. low sperm count and abnormalities in sperm shape)
- Infertility due to unknown causes
- Passing a genetic disorder to the offspring
The most effective way of ART, usually a complete cycle, takes about 3-4 weeks, or the process could be split into steps and take longer, depending on the surgeon's recommendation.
How is In Vitro Fertilization performed?
The procedure is divided into five stages, which involve:
Stimulation
- In a normal woman, one egg is produced during each menstrual cycle. But this procedure requires multiple eggs to increase the chances of developing a viable embryo.
- The female will be given fertility drugs to help the body increase the count of eggs.
- The doctor will perform regular tests and ultrasounds to check egg production and know when to retrieve them.
Egg Retrieval
- This is also known as follicular aspiration.
- It’s a surgical procedure performed under anaesthesia.
- An ultrasound wand will be used during the egg retrieval, which will help the doctor lead the needle through your vagina, into your ovary, and then into the egg-containing follicle.
- Suctioning of the eggs will be done by using a needle.
Insemination
- In this step, your male partner will be asked to give a semen sample.
- The technician will mix the sperm and eggs in a petri-dish to form an embryo, and if the embryo is not formed, your doctor will decide to use an Intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
Embryo Culture
- In this step, your doctor will monitor the fertilised eggs to make sure that it is dividing and developing.
- The embryos may undergo testing for genetic conditions at the same time.
Transfer
- In this step, the doctor implants the embryos into the uterus through the vagina and cervix with the help of a catheter.
- This occurs three to five days after fertilisation.
- When the embryo implants itself into the uterine wall, the pregnancy may take 6-10 days. The blood test will determine if you are pregnant or not.
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