Today, in the field of reproductive medicine, in vitro fertilization (IVF) technology is a high-tech and relatively advanced assisted reproductive technology that has been around for 45 years. The development of this technology represents a major breakthrough in human medicine and is considered a significant milestone. Countless couples struggling with infertility have successfully achieved healthy pregnancies and babies through IVF technology, making their dreams come true. So, how much do you know about IVF technology? How far has IVF technology come in its development? Today, let’s embark on a magical journey to explore IVF!

Development History of IVF Technology

First-generation IVF Technology → “Natural Conception” in 1978

IVF, also known as in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET), is what people commonly refer to as the first generation of IVF technology. It involves extracting eggs and sperm and placing them in a test tube or a laboratory dish to facilitate fertilization and embryo development. These embryos are then transferred back into the woman’s uterus for implantation and fetal development, ultimately achieving pregnancy. This technology was born in 1978 through the successful collaboration of British obstetrician Patrick Steptoe and physiologist Robert Edwards. Its birth caused a sensation in the scientific community and was considered a significant breakthrough in human reproductive technology, opening new avenues for treating infertility. On July 25, 1978, the world’s first test-tube baby, Louise Brown, was born, marking the official arrival of the era of IVF. The first-generation IVF technology primarily helped address infertility caused by female factors such as fallopian tube abnormalities and ovulatory disorders, significantly improving the pregnancy rates for women with these issues.

Second-generation IVF Technology → “Arranged Marriage” in 1992

The second-generation IVF, known as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), builds upon conventional IVF by using a microinjection system to inject a single healthy sperm directly into the egg’s cytoplasm, ensuring successful fertilization. In 1992, the world saw the first successful pregnancy and childbirth through intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in Belgium. ICSI is mainly applicable to male infertility conditions, including weak sperm, low sperm count, abnormal sperm, high sperm fragmentation, and poor sperm motility. It is also used for couples who face difficulties in natural fertilization due to issues with both eggs and sperm. This advanced assisted reproductive technology has been effective in addressing these challenges and helping couples give birth to healthy children.

Third-generation IVF Technology → “Selective Admissions” from 1988 to Present

The third generation of IVF, known as preimplantation genetic screening/diagnosis (PGS/PGD, PGT), involves testing and analyzing the genetic material of embryos before implantation in IVF-ET. This helps identify whether the embryos have chromosomal abnormalities or carry gene mutations responsible for specific inherited genetic diseases. By selecting healthy embryos for implantation, this technology prevents chromosomal abnormalities in fetuses, avoids the transmission of genetic diseases, and ensures the health of offspring. The third-generation IVF technology is mainly suitable for couples who are older and trying to conceive, individuals with chromosomal abnormalities, those with a family history of genetic diseases, or couples with unexplained infertility. PGS/PGD technology has been effective in addressing fertility issues, reducing the risk of defects, and improving the success rate of IVF pregnancies while promoting healthy offspring.

So, which generation of IVF technology should you choose? According to American reproductive experts, the first, second, and third generations of IVF technology are not simply replacements for each other. It’s not a matter of the second generation being better than the first or the third generation being superior to the second. Instead, each technology is designed for different patient populations, meaning they have different indications. Therefore, when traveling to the United States for IVF, experts will customize a suitable treatment plan based on the physical conditions of both partners, utilizing advanced IVF technology to help address fertility challenges, improve women’s pregnancy rates, and assist in giving birth to healthy babies!