Are you wondering about the difference between a test tube baby and IVF? If so, then the answer is – ‘there is no difference at all’. In fact, test tube baby is a non-medical term widely used while denoting in-vitro Fertilisation, or IVF.

This term test tube baby has been popular because the embryo is formed by a doctor in a laboratory rather than a woman's fallopian tube. In fact, in the procedure of IVF, the egg is fertilised with the sperm within a petri dish. Hence it’s said in-vitro, which indicates outside of a living body.

The term ‘test-tube baby,’ was applied in the early twentieth century, before the formation of in vitro fertilisation, to signify the babies born due to artificial insemination. Therefore IVF and test tube baby have no such difference from each other.

Test tube baby is the term that came into use since the world’s first baby was conceived by IVF in a test tube in Manchester, England instead of the fallopian tubes. This term became popular as a general word for the regular people.

However, in technical terms, the process is called IVF or in-vitro (IVF) fertilisation, while the baby conceived in this process is referred to as a test tube baby. So, practically, you can use both terms interchangeably and there is no difference between test tube baby and IVF.

It takes some time to conceive a baby through IVF or test tube baby procedure. First, the doctor suggests fertility drugs that stimulate egg production to a prospective mother. Further, to check the overall condition of the ovaries including other reproductive systems, the doctor performs a USG. After discussing the whole procedure with soon-to-be parents the process starts. This involves 5 steps:

Step 1: Stimulation

As IVF needs sufficient production of eggs, the woman is given fertility drugs in the first step. The woman will be under observation for regular USGS and other tests.

Step 2: Egg Retrieval

This involves a surgical session in which a doctor inserts a needle-like medical tool through the vagina of the patient to the ovaries. The objective is to take out an egg containing the follicle through suction. This process is known as follicular aspiration.

Step 3: Insemination

During this procedure, a doctor combines the egg with the sperms from semen sample in a petri dish. Thereafter, the sperm takes overnight to fertilise the egg.

Step 4: Embryo Culture

A doctor constantly supervises and monitors whether the embryo is developing in a laboratory. During this phase, it undergoes various genetic and routine testing.

Step 5: Transfer

After fertilisation, it takes more or less three to five days for the embryo to grow to a suitable size for transfer. Then, a doctor implants the embryo into the woman’s uterus by means of a catheter.

IVF is becoming a popular option to combat infertility. In fact, IVF can be a great option for you to become a mother if you are unable to conceive naturally.

Following are the reasons why should you opt for IVF:

• Fallopian Tube Blockage or Damage: If the fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged, neither can the eggs be fertilised, nor can the embryo move down to the uterus.
• Improper Ovulation: If ovulation does not occur normally, very little to no eggs can be collected for fertilisation.
• Uterine Fibroids: Fibroids are a type of benign tumour in the uterus. The problem is found frequently in women aged between 30-40 years. Fibroids often obstruct the implant of fertilised egg in the uterus.
• Irregular Sperm Production: Below-average sperm count, poor mobility, or structural irregularities can make it difficult for it to fertilise an egg. Under such circumstances, you can meet an infertility specialist to find a solution to becoming a mother. In this case, the doctor may suggest IVF with your partner’s sperm or the sperm of a donor.
• Endometriosis: Endometriosis takes place when the lining of the uterus grows outside of it. It can affect the normal functioning of the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.
• Previous Tubal Removal: Tubal ligation is a procedure in which a doctor can surgically block the fallopian tubes to help women prevent pregnancy. If you desire to have a baby after this procedure, IVF can be a choice for you to avoid tubal ligation reversal surgery.
• Genetic Disorder: If your partner has any genetic disorder that prevents you from becoming parents, you can opt for a procedure that involves IVF, where the fertilised embryos are screened before implantation.

After the transfer of the embryo, you can continue your normal daily activities. However, your ovaries may get enlarged. It makes sense to avoid any tedious activities which can lead to discomfort.

General side effects may include:

• Passing of minimal amount of blood-mixed or clear fluid after going through the procedure. This generally happens due to cleansing of the cervix prior to the embryo transfer.
• You can feel tenderness of your breast because of high oestrogen levels.
• Some bloating
• Mild cramping
• Constipation

If you experience severe to moderate pain after transfer of the embryo, you should contact your doctor. They may examine you to ensure if any complications like infection, winding of ovary, or ovarian hyperstimulation have taken place.

The cost of a test tube or IVF differentiates and depends on different factors. If you are planning to undergo an IVF treatment, first choose a reputed clinic. Then, talk to the doctors there to understand the things and overall cost. Many labs offer packages that include medications as well as the actual procedure. On an average, in India, the price of a test tube baby ranges between Rs. 70,000 and Rs. 1,30,000 based on the situation.

To conclude, you can understand that the difference between IVF and test tube baby is an incorrect concept and both refer broadly to the same assisted reproductive process. This is a great solution for couples with medical problems who find it difficult to conceive and get a baby when they want.