The term “test-tube baby” refers to a set of techniques that help couples who face difficulties in conceiving a child. These techniques simulate the process of fertilization and early embryo development in a laboratory environment outside the human body. Medically, this is known as “In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer” (IVF-ET), commonly called “test-tube baby.” Currently, the main techniques include conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and preimplantation genetic testing [Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)/Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS)].
Therefore, a “test-tube baby” is not a baby grown inside a test tube. The main difference between a “test-tube baby” and natural conception lies in the fertilization method. In natural conception, sperm and egg meet and fertilize inside the woman’s fallopian tubes. However, when a woman’s fallopian tubes are severely blocked, or a man has severe oligoasthenozoospermia (low sperm count and motility), sperm and egg cannot meet or fertilize naturally, and external assistance is needed to facilitate fertilization.
In fact, professionals do not universally categorize IVF techniques into “generations.” Although these techniques were developed at different times, they are not like electronic products that come in successive versions. Each “generation” of IVF does not represent an upgrade of the same technology; instead, they are tailored to suit different patients with specific infertility issues. It can be understood that newer techniques have narrower applications and are needed by fewer people. For easier understanding, I use common terminology in this book: the first generation of IVF refers to conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF), the second generation refers to intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and the third generation refers to preimplantation genetic testing (PGD/PGS).
After long-term research and continuous practice, the world’s first “test-tube baby,” Louise Brown, was born on July 25, 1978, in the United Kingdom.
Today, IVF is recognized as one of the major scientific achievements of the 20th century and is widely accepted as a primary treatment for infertility. It is the most successful method among all infertility treatments. To date, nearly ten million IVF babies have been born worldwide, bringing happiness to millions of families.
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