Test Tube Baby
A Term Applied to ART

Test tube baby is an expression applied to the original Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) technique called In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF). This revolutionary procedure changed the lives of many previously childless couples.

Firstly, it gave hope for many by increasing the chances of conception, and secondly, proved successful by the healthy babies which were and are born using this technological treatment.

The many reasons and conditions under which ART is recommended can be found on assisted-reproductive-technology.

IVF success rates are based on the experienced gained by the many couples who have successfully undergone this treatment. As much 30% of IVF treatments result in conception.

Test tube baby techniques

There is a wide range of ART techniques available today. The procedure and treatment plan, best suited to a couple, will be assessed and recommended by a fertility specialist or endocrinologist. An embryologist will be required to perform the egg or sperm collection and transfer and together with your doctor will perform the procedure best required, and suitable for your condition. Here is a list of the treatment options available.

• AI - Artificial Insemination

• IUI - Intrauterine Insemination

• FAST - Fallopian Sperm Transfer System

• IVF - In vitro fertilization

• IVF Treatment

• GIFT - Gamete Intra-Fallopian Transfer

• ZIFT - Zygote Intra-Fallopian Transfer

• ICSI - Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection

• OT - Ovum Transfer

• CT - Cytoplasm Transfer

• SUZI - Sub-zonal insemination

• MIST - Micro Insemination sperm transfer

• MESA - Micro-epididymal sperm aspiration

• TESE - Testicular Sperm Extraction.

Technology application

Certain of these procedures are grouped together, as similar methods applied from least to more invasive. AI, IUI and FAST for instance, all involve placing the sperm outside the cervix - within the uterus of a woman's body, or directly into the fallopian tubes.

IVF, GIFT and ZIFT are the real "test tube baby" procedures. These techniques involve artificially removing the eggs from the ovaries. Egg and Sperm are united outside the body for fertilization and then return to the body for placement, either in the uterus or fallopian tubes.

Ethical considerations

The practice of ART raises many ethical questions that may affect an individual, a couple or the couples family, as well as a possible impact to their community. Such factors as religion, cultural background and the law, will have to be taken into consideration. The vulnerability of the couple experiencing infertility is an important consideration for the specialist responsible for the procedure, when discussing the techniques. As much detail as possible should be conveyed in order for an informed decision to be taken by the couple concerned.

Emotional considerations

It may be best when considering ART to discuss your intentions with a professional. While ART has helped many couples, there is a whole process to go through before an eventual pregnancy may occur. Having already experienced infertility for some time, you and your partner may already beemotionally vulnerable, and not able to cope with any further setbacks - if ART is unsuccessful, or if the process continues for months and months.

Stress can be a contributing factor to no pregnancy, so in order to minimize the emotional impact, seeking support may help in the long run. Financial costs cause stress and this factor should be taken into consideration. Your doctor may also explore other opportunities and alternative ways of having your own child.

Test tube baby - a term applied to the original technique of ART.

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