The term “test-tube baby” is an older colloquial name used to describe a baby conceived through IVF or ART. It does not refer to a baby being grown in an actual test tube, but rather the process involves the fertilization of an egg with sperm outside the body, in a laboratory dish or culture media.
Here’s an overview of the IVF or test tube baby process:
The woman undergoing IVF is given hormonal medications to stimulate her ovaries to produce multiple eggs instead of the single egg that typically matures each month.
Egg Retrieval:
Once the eggs have matured, a medical procedure is performed to retrieve the eggs from the woman’s ovaries using a thin needle, guided by ultrasound.
Sperm Collection:
The male partner provides a sperm sample, which is then processed to obtain the healthiest and most motile sperm.
Fertilization:
The collected eggs and sperm are combined in a laboratory dish or culture media, where fertilization occurs. In some cases, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be used. ICSI is the process where a single sperm is directly injected into an egg to facilitate fertilization.
Embryo Culture:
The fertilized eggs (embryos) are allowed to grow and develop in the laboratory for a few days.
Embryo Transfer:
One or more of the resulting embryos are selected and carefully transferred into the woman’s uterus using a thin catheter. If the embryo successfully implants in the uterine lining, pregnancy can occur
Pregnancy Test:
About two weeks after the embryo transfer, a pregnancy test is conducted to check for the presence of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). It indicates pregnancy.
It’s necessary to understand that IVF is often recommended for couples facing fertility issues, such as
blocked fallopian tubes
low sperm count, or
unexplained infertility
It has helped many couples worldwide to achieve their dream of parenthood. As medical technology advances, the Best IVF Centre of assisted reproduction continues to evolve, offering new possibilities for individuals and couples seeking to conceive.