IVF (in vitro fertilisation) is among the most advanced and prevalent types of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) today. For persons with medical problems or couples facing infertility, IVF offers a means to parenthood that bypasses many natural barriers. But how does IVF treatment work and what is it? This blog breaks down the definition, process, and purpose of IVF into easy-to-understand language.

What Is IVF?

IVF stands for In Vitro Fertilisation, literally “fertilisation in glass.” IVF is medically defined as a practice of combining an egg and sperm outside the human body, most commonly in a lab dish, to form an embryo. The resulting embryo is implanted in the uterus with the hope of pregnancy.

IVF is just one type of assisted reproductive technology (ART) used to treat infertility and certain genetic conditions. It may or might not use a couple’s own egg and sperm or donors, and may involve the use of a gestational carrier.

Why Is IVF a “Test Tube Baby” Treatment?

The term “test tube baby” became part of the common lexicon late in the 1970s when the first successful IVF was accomplished. Although fertilisation actually occurs in a Petri dish, the media coined it on the premise that conception had occurred outside the body in a laboratory.

Louise Brown, the first test tube baby in the world, was born on July 25, 1978, in England. Her birth was a groundbreaking milestone in the field of reproductive medicine and opened the doors to millions of couples to conceive via IVF.

How Was IVF Invented?

IVF was discovered after decades of research in reproductive biology. Some milestones are:

• 1959: First IVF birth in rabbits by Dr. Min Chueh Chang
• 1968–1977: British scientists Dr. Robert Edwards, Dr. Patrick Steptoe, and Jean Purdy collaborated on developing human IVF techniques
• 1978: Louise Brown was born, showing IVF might result in a living human birth
• 1980s–2000s: IVF techniques were enhanced with breakthroughs like embryo freezing and genetic testing

Why Do Couples Choose IVF?

Couples may consider IVF for a number of reasons, including:

• Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
• Ovulation disorder or endometriosis
• Low sperm count or reduced motility of the sperm
• Unexplained infertility
• Genetic problems that require screening of embryos
• Decrease in fertility with increasing age
• Homosexual couples or lesbian parents by choice
• Where conception is impossible or has been attempted repeatedly without success, IVF is a safe and sure solution.

How Does IVF Work?

The IVF process usually involves a few steps over a period of a couple of weeks:

• Ovarian Stimulation: Medications are taken to cause the ovaries to release a far greater number of mature eggs.
• Egg Retrieval: Eggs are removed from the ovaries with a minor operation under sedation.
• Fertilisation in the Laboratory: Eggs and sperm are combined together in a laboratory dish. In some cases, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is done by injecting a single sperm into an egg directly.
• Embryo Development: Fertilised eggs are checked over several days to ensure quality and development.
• Embryo Transfer: The single or multiple embryos are inserted into the uterus using a thin catheter. If successful, implantation occurs and pregnancy begins.
• Pregnancy Confirmation: Pregnancy is verified by a blood test two weeks following the transfer.
  
  

Is IVF Artificial?

While IVF does involve laboratory procedures, it is not “artificial” in using man-made materials. IVF uses natural sperm and eggs, and the resulting embryo will grow in the uterus as it would in a regular pregnancy. The only variation is that fertilisation occurs outside the body, with more control and accuracy.

How Does IVF Differ from IUI?

IVF is typically advised if IUI has not been successful or if more complex fertility issues are involved.

Final Thoughts

IVF has transformed reproductive medicine and given hope to millions of families worldwide. While it is a complex process for a procedure, IVF is quite safe and successful for most infertile couples. Understanding what IVF entails and how it works may make you a better-informed individual and increase your confidence as you find your way to being a parent.

FAQs

1. What is the full meaning of IVF? 

IVF is the acronym for In Vitro Fertilisation, that is, fertilisation outside the human body, typically in a laboratory plate.

2. Why is IVF also known as a test tube baby treatment? 

It is because of early media coverage, though the fertilisation is actually done in a Petri dish, the term “test tube baby” was coined after Louise Brown’s birth in 1978.

3. Is IVF painful?

IVF is not typically a painful process. The majority of IVF procedures are minimally invasive. Egg retrieval causes mild discomfort, but this is done under sedation. The remainder of the process is well tolerated.

4. How long does an IVF cycle last?

An IVF cycle lasts about 4–6 weeks, from ovarian stimulation to embryo transfer and pregnancy testing.

5. What is the success rate of IVF? 

Success is based on age and health factors. On average, women younger than 35 have a 40–50% opportunity per cycle, though higher or lower may be the case. Older women will have decreased rates.