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Is IVF Physically and Emotionally Challenging?

An IVF baby is a child conceived through In Vitro Fertilization—a process where an egg and sperm are combined outside the body in a lab, and the resulting embryo is implanted into the uterus. “In vitro” means “in glass,” referring to the petri dish where fertilization occurs.

Who Invented IVF and When?

– Inventors: British scientists Dr. Robert Edwards (physiologist) and Dr. Patrick Steptoe (gynecologist).

– First IVF Baby: Louise Brown, born in England in 1978, was the world’s first IVF baby.

– India’s First IVF Baby: Kanupriya alias Durga, born in Kolkata on October 3, 1978, just months after Louise Brown. She was conceived by Dr. Subhash Mukherjee, whose pioneering work was tragically ignored during his lifetime.

 Is IVF Physically and Emotionally Challenging?

Yes—IVF is both a medical journey and an emotional rollercoaster:

 Physical Challenges:

– Hormonal injections to stimulate egg production.

– Egg retrieval via minor surgery.

– Embryo transfer into the uterus.

– Frequent visits to fertility specialists, including andrologists for sperm analysis and treatment in male infertility cases.

– Side effects: bloating, mood swings, fatigue, and discomfort.

Emotional Challenges:

– Hope vs. disappointment: IVF success rates vary, and failed cycles can be heartbreaking.

– Social stigma: In India, infertility is often misunderstood, leading to isolation or judgment.

– Financial stress: IVF can be expensive, especially with multiple cycles.

How Common Is IVF in India and Globally?

– India: Around 10–15% of couples face infertility. IVF is increasingly accepted, especially in urban areas.

– Global Usage: Over 8 million babies have been born via IVF worldwide. Usage varies by country, with higher rates in places like Denmark, Israel, and the U.S.

Is Surrogacy Linked to IVF?

Absolutely. Gestational surrogacy uses IVF to create an embryo from the intended parents’ sperm and egg (or donors), which is then implanted into a surrogate’s uterus.

 Types of Surrogacy:

– Traditional: Surrogate’s own egg is used (rare today).

– Gestational: IVF-based; surrogate has no genetic link to the baby.

 India’s Surrogacy Landscape:

– Once a hub for commercial surrogacy, India now bans commercial surrogacy and allows only altruistic surrogacy under strict laws (Surrogacy Regulation Act, 2021).

 Why Is IVF Misunderstood?

– Myths: “IVF babies are unnatural,” “It’s only for rich people,” “It always works.”

– Reality: IVF is a scientific tool to help couples overcome medical infertility—not a shortcut or luxury.

– Cultural barriers: In India, silence around reproductive health leads to misinformation and shame.

Sources: Samrudh Fertility: History of IVF in India  IJIRL: Historical Background of Surrogacy  IJRTI: Cryopreservation, IVF, Surrogacy inIndia,wikipedia