Although IVF is a new treatment, a lot of people know about it. However, there is still a lot of confusion regarding IVF and the baby born from IVF. One such confusion is between IVF and test tube baby. Although both of these processes involve external aid, the differences end there. But this still does not answer the question - what is the difference between IVF and a test tube baby? Well, if you are someone who has this question, then you have come to the right place.
In this blog, we provide you with the core differences between the IVF and test tube baby. In addition to this, we shall also provide you with some additional information such as their concepts, the process, who needs these treatments, and the success rates. So keeping this in mind, let’s get started!
Before we go into anything else, let’s first talk about the concepts of IVF and test tube baby.
IVF process, in essence, is a fertility treatment where an egg is fertilized outside of the uterus by a sperm in the lab. This process involves stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, retrieving them, and combining them with sperm to achieve fertility. The resulting embryos are then monitored carefully before the healthiest one is selected and implanted back into the uterus. It is a commonly used medical treatment by those facing infertility. Now, one key thing to note here is that In Vitro Fertilization, or IVF for short, is a medical term and refers to a specific set of procedures.
On the other hand, test-tube baby is a non-medical term. This term is used to refer to a baby which is conceived outside the uterus, be it through IVF or any other procedure such as ICSI and surrogacy. As long as the embryo is formed inside a lab and a petri dish, the specific baby can be referred to as a test-tube baby, although the test tube doesn’t really have anything to do with the process.
The key difference between the concepts of IVF and Test-Tube baby is that IVF is a medical term, which is defined by a specific procedure, while test-tube baby is a non-medical term used to describe an embryo which is not formed inside the uterus.
So now that you have a general gist regarding the key concepts, let’s jump to the main topic of this blog and talk about the key difference between IVF and test tube baby. While there are many differences, the key ones can be separated into six aspects. These aspects and their differences are as follows:
One of the first key differences between IVF and test tube baby that we shall talk about is naturally regarding the definition. The definitions for each of these terms are as follows:
Besides the definition, there are key differences in procedure or rather the lack of one in the difference between IVF and test tube baby as well. Their difference in this aspect includes:
In addition to the procedure, there is also the scope of IVF and test tube baby. The difference between IVF and test tube baby in terms of scope includes:
Following the scope, the next difference lies in the terminology of the IVF and test tube baby.
These are some of the key differences between IVF and test tube baby. As you can see from this definition, the core difference lies in the fact that one is a medical term while another is a non-medical term. Following is a tabular representation regarding the key differences between IVF and test tube baby.
|
Aspect |
IVF |
Test Tube Baby |
|
Definition |
A medical procedure where eggs are fertilized outside the body in a controlled environment involving steps like ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization, and embryo transfer. |
A non-medical term used to describe any baby born through Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART), such as IVF or ICSI, where fertilization occurs outside the body. |
|
Procedure |
Involves hormonal treatments for ovary stimulation, egg retrieval, sperm fertilization, and careful embryo culture before implantation into the uterus. |
No specific procedure; it refers to the outcome of ART like IVF or ICSI. The fertilization happens outside the body in a petri dish (not a test tube). |
|
Scope |
Covers a range of fertility treatments, including stimulation, retrieval, fertilization, and implantation. |
Refers only to the child conceived via ART, such as IVF or ICSI, where fertilization occurs outside the body in a lab.` |
|
terminology |
A scientific term used in the medical field to describe the fertility treatment process, widely recognized in clinical and academic contexts. |
An informal, outdated term originating from early IVF procedures. It inaccurately refers to fertilization in a "test tube" and is no longer commonly used in medical practice. |
|
Medical Use |
A widely accepted, modern, and medically accurate term for fertility treatments. |
An informal and outdated term that may cause confusion, as it doesn’t describe the actual process accurately. |
Although we have mentioned that IVF is not the same as a test tube baby, for most of the general populace, they are one and the same. So, when one talks about the test tube baby, they generally mean the process of IVF. But still, this begs the question - what is the IVF process? Well, the specific process varies depending on your health and other requirements. However, we can provide you with the general IVF or test tube baby procedure (given that we are considering the term “test-tube baby” as IVF). Following is the general IVF procedure:
Now, do note that the specific process of IVF can vary depending on your circumstances, so it is recommended that you consult with an expert before starting the procedure.
Since we have already established that test tube baby is essentially a common word for IVF, we shall now discuss some of the key types of personnel who need IVF treatment. So, who are these types of people? Some of the key types of people who need test tube baby or IVF treatment include:
Do note that these are just some of the key types of people who seek IVF or test tube baby. If you are someone who falls under these categories, then seeking IVF treatment, which is more commonly known as a test tube baby, might be a good option for you.
Now, at this point, we have already covered a wide range of aspects of IVF and test tube baby including the difference between IVF and test tube baby and why IVF is also known as the test tube baby. Now, let's talk about the price since it is extremely important to know the cost of IVF in Nepal before you proceed with the procedure. So, what is the cost of this procedure in Nepal? Well, the specifics depend on many factors, such as where you are doing IVF, the medications involved, the treatment procedure, and more.
The good news here is that you can get the best IVF in Nepal at an affordable price at Hardik IVF and Fertility Center. Despite providing you with one of the best - if not the best- IVF services in Nepal, the cost of an IVF or test tube baby in Nepal at Hardik IVF and Fertility Center starts at Npr 2,50,000.
After answering the question regarding the cost of IVF or test tube baby in Nepal, lets talk about whether or not test tube babies, or in this context IVF babies are healthy or not. The simple answer to this question is - yes, they are healthy. Rather, if you implement preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) to select embryos without genetic issues, they can be healthier than normal babies. But in general, they are just as healthy as babies born through natural conception, with a few exceptions. These exceptions include:
After talking about the health of the baby born, let's talk about the success rate of the baby being born in the first place. The question here is, what is the success rate of IVF or test tube baby? Well it depends on several factors, among which, some of the major factors include:
Depending on all of these factors, the success rate varies. However, you do have to note that the average success rate of IVF or test tube baby at Hardik is between 70% to 80%.
So, all of what we have discussed so far leads us to this question - is there any difference between an IVF baby (test tube baby) and a normal baby? Well no, there is not any form of difference. In terms of health, development, and genetics, there is no difference. Every form of difference lies in the conception process and specific birth factors. Following is the tabular representation of these differences.
|
Aspect |
IVF Baby |
Naturally Conceived Baby |
|
Conception |
Fertilization occurs outside the body (in a lab) through IVF. |
Fertilization happens naturally inside the mother’s body. |
|
Process |
Involves medical intervention, including ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization, and embryo transfer. |
No medical intervention needed for conception. |
|
Pregnancy Risks |
Slightly higher risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, or multiple pregnancies (due to embryo transfer). |
Lower chances of complications compared to IVF. |
Before we conclude, let’s answer this final question - what is the best center for IVF treatment in Nepal? Well, among a wide range of options for you, one of the best - if not the best- options we have for you is Hardik IVF and Fertility Center. If you are an individual who desires the best IVF treatment in Nepal, then Hardik is one of the best choices for you. So why choose Hardik IVF? Well, some of the key reasons are:
Expert Fertility Specialists: Highly skilled embryologists and doctors with high success rates.
Although IVF is a new treatment, everyone has heard about this treatment, yet there is still some confusion left behind. One such confusion is between IVF and test tube baby. Now, although test tube baby is commonly used to refer to a baby born from IVF, you should know that it is not a medical term, and this term is used to refer to a baby born from quite any form of ART where there is fertilization in a petri dish. IVF, on the other hand, is a specific medical treatment. Nevertheless, most people still refer to IVF as a test tube baby. But having reached here, we assume you are aware of the differences between these two words. We have provided you with the main differences between test tube baby and IVF in this blog along with some additional information as well.
We hope you enjoyed reading this. If you want to know more about the various other things related to IVF, do go through some of our other blogs. And if you are searching for the best IVF treatment in Nepal, then Hardik IVF and Fertility Center is the best IVF center in Nepal for you. Thanks for reading till the end.
Yes, sperm is required to effect fertilization during the test tube baby process (IVF). It can be supplied by the intended father or a sperm donor if the male partner is unable to produce offspring.
The ideal age for IVF is between 25 to 35 years, as fertility rates are higher and egg quality is better. Success rates decline with age, especially after 40.
The biggest challenge in IVF is that it's unpredictable since any cycle does not always lead to success. Success depends on factors such as age, egg quality, and complications with implantation.
IVF is also influenced by embryo quality, uterine health, and genetic issues. Even under optimal conditions, implantation and pregnancy depend on multiple biological processes.
Yes, multiple embryos can be transferred to increase the chances of twins, but this also raises risks like premature birth and complications.Most clinics also advise single embryo transfer for a risk-free pregnancy.
Yes, an IVF baby is often referred to as a test tube baby, and the fertilization takes place outside the body. The term is archaic because the embryos are actually cultured in petri dishes and not in test tubes.