World’s First Test-Tube Baby Louise Brown

To those unfamiliar with in vitro fertilization (IVF), you may be surprised that this medical procedure was introduced in the mid-1800s. The world’s first test-tube baby is already 42 years old.

Louis Brown, born on July 25th, 1978, in Manchester Hospital, was the first successful delivery with IVF procedure, recognized as “the most remarkable medical breakthrough of the 20th century”. The baby was delivered through a Cesarean section and weighed 2.6 kilograms on his birth.

According to Science Daily, more than 8 million babies have been born through IVF treatment since the world’s first in 1978. The delivery was a positive hope to millions of people battling infertility.

History Behind the Birth of World’s First Test-Tube Baby

Louise Brown’s parents, Lesley and John, could not conceive a baby naturally. So, they sought the help of Dr. Patrick Steptoe. He suggested they go through the In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), an experimental procedure with a positive ray of hope for the infertile couples. But unfortunately, the procedure had not yet been perfected, and many patients did not get pregnant after IVF.

However, this was Lesley’s last chance at having a baby. Nevertheless, she agreed to undergo the treatment, and nine months later, she gave birth to Louise Brown on July 25th, 1978. The delivery of the first test-tube baby in the world created shockwaves for the medical profession, Church, and politicians, and Lesley became a beacon of hope to millions of childless couples worldwide.

The First Indian Test Tube Baby

The first Indian test tube baby, Kanupriya Agarwal, was born on October 3rd, 1978, delivered by the Late Dr. Subhash Mukherjee. She was also the second test-tube baby in the world. Through IVF treatment, DR. Subhash Mukherjee was the first person in India to create the first and second baby in India.

IVF – An Infertility Miracle

According to the National Survey of Family Growth, every 1 out of 8 couples struggles with infertility, which is estimated to be around 49 million couples worldwide. Before the birth of the first test-tube baby, IVF was a mysterious procedure for infertility. But now, IVF is a practical household word with a success rate of around 30-35%.

IVF is a complex collection of procedures that help facilitate infertility treatments for couples and prevent genetic problems, while assisting with the conception of a child. In addition, it is one of the most effective forms of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), conducted using a couple’s sperm and eggs.

IVF Being a complete lab-based procedure, the mature eggs collected from women’s ovaries are fertilized by the sperm under the microscopic lens. After the egg is fertilized, the embryos are then transferred to a uterus, and this complete cycle takes about three weeks. These steps are split into different parts in some cases, depending on the patient’s needs and preferences.

Who are the best-suited Candidates for IVF?

IVF has been proven beneficial for many couples struggling with infertility issues. It may be the right option for you if you experience-

Blocked Fallopian Tubes

Women who have damaged, blocked, and badly shaped Fallopian tubes can benefit from IVF. IVF treatment helps bypass the fallopian tube from the fertility process and lets the fertilization happen easily.

Endometriosis Problem

For females who are struggling in conceiving due to the thickness of tissues inside the uterus, which is known as endometriosis, IVF is the best option for these females to conceive children.

PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome)

Women faces infertility issues due to PCOS can get the ideal results from PCOS. The required fertility drugs are prescribed during the IVF procedure that elevates the quantity and quality of eggs for regular ovulation.

Low Sperm Count

IVF’s usefulness is not only limited to female infertility. All men diagnosed with low sperm count can also obtain effective results from IVF.

Low Sperm Quality

Semen factors play an important role in male fertility. Therefore, if a male partner cannot produce quality sperm even after consuming fertility drugs, then IVF suggests an option of conceiving through the donor’s sperm.

Genetic Disorder

If a couple is worried about passing the genetic order to the offspring, then preimplantation genetic testing, a part of the IVF procedure, helps find the best-fertilized eggs for the implantation process.

What are the Benefits of In-Vitro Fertilization?

Improves the Chances of Successful Pregnancy and Healthy Baby

While there is no surety of a positive outcome, IVF still provides hope of a healthy baby to the infertile couple.

Bypass Issues with Fallopian Tubes

IVF offers a solution to the egg obstruction down the uterus. Tubal factors can cause infertility, and all the patients who suffer pelvic infections, including chlamydia, can benefit from the procedure.

Confirmation of Fertilization

Subfertility causes can also be the reasons behind infertility. IVF thereby confirms fertilization with the procedure, as fertility experts have a clearer microscopic view of all the interactions between the sperm and egg. In the event of failure, the couple can embark on another attempt for IVF with ICSI.

Control Over Timing

IVF grants you the freedom to choose when to get pregnant. Therefore, for all the women who want to explore their lives before planning a child and are worried about late pregnancy complications, ART gives them a positive ray of hope.

Bypasses Sperm Issues

Semen factors, including sperm morphology, low sperm count, and low sperm quality, can interfere with the naturally conceiving. IVF bypasses all these sperm-related issues as the egg are introduced physically to the best-quality sperm, increasing the proximity.

Side Effects of IVF Treatment

The provided fertility drugs will increase progesterone hormone levels during the IVF treatment to prepare the body for pregnancy. Therefore, the rise is likely to cause fatigue and can be exacerbated by stress or anxiety. IVF also involves a set of medications throughout the procedure, sometimes leading to a mixture of curable side effects of IVF. These include-

• Constipation,
• Hot flashes,
• Mild cramping and bloating,
• Headaches,
• Breast tenderness,
• Leaking blood-tinged or clear fluid during the procedure,
• Mood swings,
• Fatigue

Other severe complications with IVF include OHSS (Ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome), ectopic pregnancy, and ovarian torsion. All these are linked with a set of side effects that must not be ignored-

• Blood in urine,
• High fever over 100.5 degrees
• Pelvic pain,
• Heavy vaginal bleeding.

Begin your IVF Journey

Oftentimes, couples go through a host of other fertility treatment options before options for IVF. However, IVF has shown tremendous positive chances of successful conception, improving a couple’s hope for a healthy pregnancy and subsequent childbirth.

If you are also having problems getting pregnant and have tried all traditional methods unsuccessfully, Schedule your Free Consultation with Aastha fertility expert as soon as possible. They can evaluate your situation and help you find a solution to lead to a healthy family. We at Aastha Fertility Care spread smiles to over 2000+ couples, so don’t wait. Call now the Best IVF Center.