Are you struggling to conceive or having infertility issues, which are hindering you from achieving parenthood? Then you might have heard about the term “Test tube baby”. It is a successful procedure that helps couples give birth to their child.
Even people aged over 40 or with infertility issues also find their way to parenthood through this procedure. Let’s have a look at what is test tube baby and its procedure.
What is a Test Tube Baby?
A test tube baby is a child, who is conceived outside the female body, in the laboratory using In Vitro Fertilization process. Test tube babies are legal medical procedures, which give hope for couples who find it hard to get pregnant naturally, and for people with fertility issues. This is a life-changer in most of their lives, in attaining parenthood.
When To Opt For Test Tube Baby?
- When there is no ovulation
- When there is some problem with the egg.
- When there is damage to both or one of the fallopian tubes.
- When a premature ovarian failure takes place.
- When the woman has severe endometriosis.
- When the male partner has insufficient sperm.
- When either one or both partners have any kind of sexual dysfunction.
- When intrauterine insemination (IUI) fails.
Step-by-Step Test Tube Baby Procedure
Step 1: Ovarian Stimulation
The test tube baby procedure starts by stimulating the ovaries to produce more eggs in the ovaries. Generally, hormonal medications stimulate the production of an egg.
Normally, one egg is produced during a natural ovulatory cycle for overall good health reasons, but in this case, multiple eggs may be stimulated to increase the chances of fertilization.
This stimulation-phase monitoring is carried out closely and is based on ultrasound scans and hormonal tests to establish the ovarian response.
Step 2: Egg Retrieval
Once your eggs have matured, a small incision is inserted into the vaginal wall with a fine needle through which the egg is drawn up from the ovaries.
The complete procedure does not take more than 15 to 20 minutes, with minimal anesthesia and women tend to recover very quickly from the process.
Step 3: Sperm Collection and Fertilization
After the eggs are collected, the sperm sample is taken from the male partner. Donor sperm can also be used at this point.
The sperm is then processed in the lab. The next step is when the eggs and the sperm are put into a test tube for the fertilization process to take place outside the body. Since the fertilization procedure is carried out in a laboratory test tube, the word “test tube baby” is derived.
After a few days, embryos develop and are thereafter observed very closely.
Step 4: Embryo Culture
The 3-5 days after fertilization is crucial. Doctors evaluate embryos for quality and development. More healthy embryos contribute to the development of a healthy child.
Step 5: Embryo Transfer
When the embryos are at their development stage, the embryo transfer procedure takes place. It is the process of placing healthy embryos into the uterus using a thin catheter.
This procedure is exceptionally short, allowing the patient to return home and continue their daily activities shortly. One or more than one embryos are placed into the uterus to increase the chances of pregnancy, but it often depends on the patient’s age and quality of embryos since there are chances of having multiple births in case of multiple embryos.
Step 6: Pregnancy Test and Follow-Up
Two weeks after the embryo transfer, pregnancy tests can be taken to determine whether or not the test tube process has succeeded. If the pregnancy test reveals a positive result, a series of booked check-ups and monitoring shall follow to maintain the pregnancy within normal conditions.
Success Rates of Test Tube Baby Procedure
The success rate of test tube baby procedures is 30% to 35% per cycle. The success rate varies from person to person, as numerous factors influence the procedure, including the woman’s age, uterus health, lifestyle factors and more.
Pros and Cons of Test Tube Baby
Pros
- Increases the chances of pregnancy, especially for older women and people with fertility issues.
- Donated eggs and sperm can be used to increase pregnancy rates.
- Help overcome infertility issues.
Cons
- Babies born underweight.
- Multiple births due to two embryo placements.
- Has chances of preterm labour or congenital birth defects.
- Chances of metabolic disorders like diabetes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a test tube baby is a way of helping couples with infertility. It may not be suitable for all, but it has given many the chance to have a child. Those considering this method should inform themselves about the procedure, its benefits, and its risks.
Because of technological advancement, the success rate of IVF is getting better, and, for that reason, it is a very hopeful option for many families.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Some of the most common symptoms of this procedure includes multiple pregnancies, premature babies, and side effects of fertility medications
Yes, test tube baby procedures can be expensive, and the price varies from location and medical facility provider. However, it is one of the successful methods to attain pregnancy.
Yes, the IVF procedure is commonly termed a test tube baby procedure since the eggs are grown inside the test tubes.
