Test Tube Baby Process & Cost: Complete Guide

Overview: What Is a Test Tube Baby?

A baby conceived through In Vitro Fertilisation or IVF in a laboratory setting, in a test tube, is known as the test tube baby. In short, the egg and sperm are fertilised in a laboratory dish, and then the resulting embryo is transferred to the uterus for implantation, resulting in a desired pregnancy.

In the historical context, the first test tube baby was born in 1978, in the United Kingdom, marking a major evolution of medical science. In the same year, a few months after the first test tube baby was born, India also showed its medical potential with its first test tube baby. The test tube baby is conceived through a process where fertilisation occurs outside a woman's body, contradicting the natural process of fertilisation. It is a beacon of hope for countless couples struggling to conceive due to various reasons.

Test Tube Baby Process Explained

The test tube baby procedure includes a series of accurately timed medical procedures to support fertilisation and embryo implantation. Each step is important and carried out under the supervision of a professional to ensure optimal success of pregnancy.

Ovarian Stimulation (Ovarian Hyperstimulation):

The first step of the test tube baby is stimulating the ovaries of women with the help of fertility medications.

• Purpose : It is done to promote the ovaries to produce more than one egg so that your chances of becoming fertilised can be improved.
• Types of Stimulation:
  • Mild IVF – In this, a lower dose of medication is used for stimulation, and fewer eggs are retrieved. It is done in cases of mild fertility issues.
  • Conventional IVF - Conventional IVF involves the use of increased stimulation drugs to induce the maturation of more eggs to enhance the success of treatment.

Egg Retrieval (Oocyte Collection):

After the eggs are determined to be mature, a quick procedure is performed to withdraw the eggs from the ovaries using a thin needle with the assistance of a transvaginal ultrasound.

• The egg retrieval process takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes and is performed under light sedation.
• If the ovaries respond well to the stimulation, the number of eggs retrieved will usually vary between eight and fifteen.

Sperm Preparation:

On the same day of egg retrieval, the male partner also must provide their semen sample. The sample will be washed and processed in a lab, and therefore, the best and healthiest sperm will be selected. The process is conducted to ensure that only the highest-quality sperm are used for fertilisation, helping prevent congenital conditions in the baby.

If the male partner has a low sperm count or has non-viable sperm, donor sperm can be used if necessary.

Fertilisation (Co-incubation or ICSI):

This is the phase of the whole process where the sperm and eggs are brought together under controlled laboratory conditions. It can be of two types:

• Standard IVF, where the eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish for natural fertilisation.
• IVF with ICSI, if male infertility is a problem, Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) can be used, in which a single sperm is directly injected into an egg to assist with fertilisation.

After fertilisation occurs, the eggs start to divide and become embryos, which is the first stage of life.

Embryo Culture:

The developing embryos are cultured and incubated in a laboratory setting for 3 to 5 days. During this phase, two stages of embryo development are monitored, which include:

• The cleavage stage, in which the embryos are at the 4-8 cell stage (approximately Day 3).
• By Day 5 or 6, embryos develop into the blastocyst stage, which yields a higher rate of successful implantation.

Embryo Transfer:

The best-quality embryo (or embryos) is selected and transferred into the woman's uterus using a thin catheter. Generally, one or two embryos are transferred depending on the woman's age, health, and the quality of the embryos.

Test Tube Baby Success Rates

The success rate of the test tube baby procedure largely depends upon various factors. Some of these prominent factors include:

1. Maternal Age and Egg Quality : It is a fact that fertility diminishes with age, and so does the quality of eggs. So, the success rates of the test tube baby decrease with increasing age of the mother. In numbers:

2. The Causes of Infertility : The cause of infertility can also determine the rate of success. It can be either male or female-related infertility. Serious issues require more advanced procedures for success.

3. Number of Embryos Transferred : The more embryos transferred, more will be the chances of successfully conceiving a baby. However, it can also increase the risk of multiple pregnancy.

Moreover, lifestyle changes, genetic factors, and even ethnicity to some extent can affect the rate of success of the test tube baby procedure.

Test Tube Baby Cost in India

Test Tube Baby Cost in India largely varies, and can increase or decrease based on various factors, which include:

• The number of cycles necessary to conceive.
• The hormonal injections and medications can be really expensive.
• The use of sperm and/or egg donors, or surrogacy, will greatly increase the cost.
• More advanced procedures, such as PGT or ICSI, will add to the cost.
• The geographical position of the fertility clinic can also play a role in the total cost of IVF.

Lastly, the costs for a complete IVF journey would be approximately 1 lakh per cycle. Particularly if more than one cycle is required, it can increase. But note that this is an estimated cost; for the actual cost, you can consult your fertility clinic.

After IVF: What to Expect

Embryo transfer is not the end of IVF, but the start. Hence, care is an important factor going forward, which includes:

• A short period of rest, but not complete bed rest, until otherwise suggested by your doctor.
• Take medications as prescribed.
• Avoid heavy exercise or hitting the gym for a few days.
• Make a proper diet chart with nutritious meals.

After IVF, it is normal to experience some mild side effects, like cramping, bloating, and mood swings, so don’t stress. However, if you experience some severe side effects, contact your fertility expert immediately.

Emotionally, the IVF can also be challenging, with negative thoughts roaming around in the mind. You can take emotional support from counselling, groups, open communities, and talk it through with your partner to manage stress.

Conclusion: IVF – A Path to Parenthood

The process of IVF, or the test tube baby, has revolutionised the way we view infertility. It provides hope to those who would otherwise have no chance at conception. IVF provides a light of science, compassion, and resilience. IVF requires patience and emotional fortitude, but the ultimate reward of holding your baby in your arms is immeasurable. With appropriate guidance, lifestyle support and the right medical team, IVF can indeed be your pathway to parenthood.