What is in vitro fertilization (IVF) or Test Tube baby?
It is one of the many treatment options available to infertile couples. In Vitro means “in glass” and refers to the fact that fertilization takes place outside of the woman’s body. IVF makes it possible to combine sperm and eggs in a laboratory for a baby that is genetically related to one or both partners. The fertilization of eggs and sperms are done in the laboratory resulting in an embryo. In simple way steps involved are: First, medication/injections are given to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Once mature, the eggs are suctioned from the ovaries. Procedure called Ovum Pick Up (OPU). Aspirated eggs are placed in a laboratory culture dish with the man’s sperm for fertilization. The dish is then placed in an incubator. Fertilized eggs are called embryos. About two days later, one to three embryos are transferred back to the woman’s uterus, procedure called Embryo Transfer (ET). If the woman does not become pregnant, tested 14 days after ET, she may have to try again
