7 Test Tube Baby Myths You Should Stop Believing Right Now

"Test tube babies are not normal like naturally conceived children.”

You might have heard this statement before, but is it really true? Many people still believe that babies born through IVF (In-Vitro Fertilization) are somehow different, weaker, or less healthy than naturally conceived children.

In reality, this is just one of the many myths surrounding IVF and test tube babies. With medical advancements, millions of healthy babies have been born through assisted reproductive techniques. Yet, misconceptions continue to spread fear and confusion.

In this blog, we’ll break down the most common myths about test tube babies and uncover the truth behind them. Let’s separate facts from myths!

Understanding Basics of IVF and Test Tube Babies

With the successful birth of Louise Joy Brown in England in 1978, the phrase "test-tube baby" was first used. This was made possible by the discovery of the Assisted Reproduction Technique (ART), also known as In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF).

A baby conceived outside of a woman's body is referred to as a "test tube baby." According to a more thorough definition, test tube babies are created in a lab using the scientific procedure known as in vitro fertilisation (IVF).

Therefore, it can be said that the term "test-tube baby" is oversimplified when referring to a child born via IVF. Thus, there isn't a distinction between a test tube baby and an IVF baby.

What is a Test Tube Baby Procedure?

The term "test-tube baby" often sparks curiosity and confusion. In reality, it refers to a baby conceived through In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF).

But how does the process actually work? Here’s a simple step-by-step breakdown:

• Ovarian Stimulation – Medications are given to stimulate egg production.
• Egg Retrieval – Mature eggs are collected from the ovaries.
• Sperm Collection – A sperm sample is taken from the male partner or a donor.
• Fertilization in Lab – The egg and sperm are combined in a controlled lab environment.
• Embryo Culture – The fertilized egg develops into an embryo over a few days.
• Embryo Transfer – A healthy embryo is placed into the mother’s uterus.
• Pregnancy Test – After two weeks, a test confirms whether implantation was successful.

Learn More: Step By Step IVF Process

Debunking Common Myths about Test Tube Babies with Facts

There are several other myths regarding test-tube baby and their procedures. The advantages and disadvantages of the process of IVF must be understood by everyone who is prepared to conceive through the same process.

Here is a collection of 7 common myths about test-tube babies to help you dispel them:

#Myth 1: Tube babies are weak and malformed at birth.

Since fertilisation occurs in a controlled setting, IVF is a completely safe process. IVF carries the same chance of producing a child with birth abnormalities or deformities as a typical pregnancy. Since the birth of the first test-tube baby in 1978, the procedure has advanced significantly.

Only about 2% of patients may be at risk for ovarian hyperstimulus syndrome. However, the babies produced through the IVF procedure do not have any abnormalities.

#Myth 2: The child born after a test tube is someone else's

This is one of the most common myths for test tube babies. IVF is a simple procedure in which the male's sperm & the female's eggs are taken and fertilised to create a baby. However, in certain instances, sperm or eggs are extracted from donor banks by informing the couple of the situation.

Also, the IVF procedure is expensive and costly hence no doctor is interested in altering a couple's sperm or eggs without their knowledge. Remember, neither eggs nor sperm are given away for free.

#Myth 3: The gender of the baby can be chosen and altered

IVF is performed by strict procedures which all doctors need to abide by. However, if the patient poses a risk of passing on a gender-specific genetic condition, the doctor may require some tests to know about the baby’s genetic condition. Pre-implantation genetic screening (PGS) or pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is an extremely costly procedure to know the baby’s genes.

#Myth 4: Artificial or designer babies are born in test tubes.

It's a popular misperception that one can customise a baby by selecting particular qualities. The doctors select mature and healthy embryos for transfer into the mother’s womb to increase the chances of IVF. This is not done to customise genes with specific qualities.

IVF is not a procedure where qualities may be selected from a catalogue. Babies born in test tubes are just as natural as babies born during a typical normal pregnancy.

#Myth 5: Test tube babies can only be opted for by wealthy people

IVF is a costly procedure because of the regulated environment and necessary procedures. However, IVF is now becoming more affordable so that everyone can afford the treatment. The number of couples seeking IVF treatments has skyrocketed in recent years.

In fact, at Crysta IVF Delhi, you can also opt for no-cost EMI options for IVF. The team at Crysta assist you throughout the process financially and emotionally.

#Myth 6: Test tube babies are infertile and impotent

Couples seeking treatment for test tube babies do so when the natural method of conception doesn't work for them or because of age and reproductive issues. This does not imply that the children inherit the sterility from their parents. Babies born in test tubes are just as healthy and normal as babies born naturally.

#Myth 7: Babies born through test tube procedure are 100% successful

Any infertility treatment cannot guarantee 100% success. A test tube baby may not result in pregnancy even if everything appears to be normal. Sometimes, the doctor could discover potential reasons for a lower success rate before or during treatment, such as the mother's advanced age, a thin uterine lining, fluid in the tubes, poor-quality eggs, sperm, or embryos, etc., but in many cases, these obvious reasons might not exist.

Hence, you must consult with a specialised fertility expert to know the causes of your infertility first.

To Sum Up

IVF is a type of treatment that can change a couple’s life who has always desired to become a parent. So, it is better to put an end to your belief in false information and use a brief consultation to discover the truth for yourself. The myths shouldn't prevent you from getting pregnant.

Contact our fertility specialists at Crysta IVF Clinic in Delhi for more thorough information regarding IVF treatment or any other assisted reproductive method.

Allow us to assist you in creating a happy & ideal family.