In Vivo and In Vitro Fertilization: How Do They Differ?

In vivo and in vitro are the usual terms for someone from any scientific background. They might sound like some heavy, hard-to-understand terms, but that is not true.

Confused? Well, keep reading! You will soon discover how they are different.

In vivo is the term used to describe if anything is happening inside a living body, whereas in vitro is used when the same or any study is happening in a test tube or anywhere outside of a living body. For example, if you are at your gynaecologist’s or some fertility centre, you may often come across people discussing these terms.

Let’s learn more about them and their association with fertilisation.

What is Fertilisation?

Fertilisation is a process that occurs after intercourse. When the male sperm and female egg combine to form a zygote, the zygote grows and moves ahead to become the fetus.

Fertilisation can be of two types:

• Eternal (in vitro)
• Internal (in vivo)

Don’t worry if you still don’t understand them properly. Keep reading, and you will learn everything you need to know.

What is In Vitro Fertilisation?

This type of fertilisation occurs outside the body. Couples who have difficulty conceiving naturally opt for in vitro fertilisation.

If you have not heard of the term in vitro fertilisation (IVF), you must have heard about test tube babies. They are the same thing. A test tube baby is more of a layman's term used for this treatment of IVF. The popularity of the term test tube baby created a lot of theories and myths surrounding it.

Also read: If you want to know more about the myths and facts revolving around test tube babies: Difference Between Test Tube Baby and IVF

So, in the process of IVF, a few eggs are taken out of the ovary of the mother. The egg is then fertilised with the sperm in a test tube, and this fertilised embryo is implanted in the uterus of the woman. This process of fertilisation takes place over 4-5 days. The fertilised zygote is kept in an incubator until the embryo is formed. This embryo is transferred by a specialist directly to the uterus.

Who Benefits from In Vitro Fertilisation?

• Couples above the age of 35 have been seen facing issues with conceiving. These people, if unable to conceive naturally, may be suggested to go for IVF after consultation with their doctors.
• Women suffering from PCOS or endometriosis may find it difficult to conceive. They go for IVF, and many of them have seen successful results.
• Couples where the male might be suffering from fertility issues and have tried the natural way, but it’s not working, can go for IVF.

Types of In Vitro Fertilisation:

• Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection ICSI:

It is recommended when the male’s sperm count is low; a specific healthy sperm is injected into the egg. As it is a common IVF procedure, doctors suggest it in certain cases.

• Sperm Donations:

It occurs when the sperm of the partner is not used in the IVF process. The sperm from a donor is used. You can discuss the same with your doctor for more information about the procedure.

• Preimplantation Genetic Testing PGT:

This is the process where the embryo created by IVF is tested for any possible genetic disorder. If the embryo doesn’t have any possible abnormalities, then it is implanted in the uterus.

Note: If you go for IVF, there are chances you might have multiple pregnancies, as there are multiple embryos implanted in case any of them don’t remain in the uterus. However, this is not always the case. Therefore, you should be better prepared for it, and you can communicate with your doctor for better clarity.

What is In Vivo Fertilisation?

In vivo fertilisation is the process of artificial fertilisation that replicates a natural pregnancy. In this treatment, mostly sperm is injected into the fallopian tube of the female, where it meets the egg, and fertilisation occurs naturally. In vivo fertilisation has a higher success rate as compared to in vitro fertilisation.

Types of In Vivo Fertilisation:

• Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer GIFT:

In this process, the sperm is taken out of the testis and the ovum from the ovaries. These two are then released into the fallopian tube, where the egg is fertilised, and then it moves to the uterus. This process is very successful because it is closer to the natural method.

• Intrauterine Insemination IUI:

This is a helpful treatment method for someone who is suffering from endometriosis. The sperm is released into the uterus itself. This is done to increase the chances of fertilisation.

Also read: If you want to learn more about the IUI procedure, read: IUI Treatment Procedure

• Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer ZIFT:

It is the process of in vivo fertilisation, where the sperm and egg are fused to form a zygote. When the zygote has been formed, it is released into the fallopian tube. The zygote grows inside the body, forms the embryo, and implants itself into the uterus.

Summing It Up:

To sum it all up, both in vitro and in vivo fertilisation are processes of artificial reproduction technology. Anyone going through issues with conception can consult their doctors and, on their suggestion, go for these processes. In vitro fertilisation came into the picture later than in vitro, but people have seen better results there, and as it is closer to the natural process, it gives a certain reassurance to the patients as well.

If you or anyone around you is suffering from infertility issues, they can contact Crysta IVF. Crysta IVF has a team of doctors who specialise in ART and can give you all the information you need to help you with the process.