In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a common term for the technique of fertilizing an egg outside the body and then implanting the early-stage embryo into the uterus, where it continues to develop until birth.

1. First Generation IVF Technology

The first generation of IVF technology, also known as In Vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer (IVF-ET), involves retrieving mature eggs from a woman’s ovaries with the help of an endoscope or ultrasound. These eggs are then fertilized with sperm in a test tube or petri dish. The fertilized egg, now an embryo, is cultured further and then transferred into the uterus of the prospective mother, where it continues to develop until a full-term baby is born. Contrary to popular belief, a test-tube baby does not grow up in a test tube; the natural fertilization process, which typically occurs in the fallopian tubes, is simply conducted in a controlled lab environment. The initial purpose of developing and advancing this technology was to address infertility issues caused by female diseases, such as blocked fallopian tubes or endometriosis. It also required a high quantity and quality of sperm from the male.

2. Second Generation IVF Technology

The second generation of IVF, known as Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg using a microscopic needle, facilitating fertilization. This technique represented a significant advancement as it allowed for “true artificial insemination” and expanded the range of applicable infertility issues, including ovulation disorders and fertilization obstacles in both men and women. It is particularly useful for cases where male infertility is due to low sperm count or poor sperm quality. However, it bypasses the natural selection mechanisms of normal fertilization, potentially allowing sperm with genetic defects to combine with the egg, which might transmit defects to the offspring.

3. Third Generation IVF Technology

The third generation of IVF involves Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD), where genetic material from the embryo is analyzed before implantation to check for genetic defects. Healthy embryos are selected for transfer, reducing the risk of hereditary diseases. This generation of IVF represents a significant milestone, achieving “optimal birth outcomes” by preventing the transmission of certain genetic disorders. It is particularly suited for couples with a history of genetic diseases, chromosomal abnormalities, or for older women facing infertility issues.