Test tube baby is the popular name for a baby resulting from in vitro fertilization (IVF). In vitro fertilization involves the fertilization of a human egg cell in a laboratory and the implantation of the embryo (fertilized egg) inside a woman's uterus (womb) for a normal pregnancy and birth. Sometimes, an embryo resulting from in vitro fertilization is frozen for later implantation.
             In vitro fertilization is a method of impregnating women who normally have difficulty achieving pregnancy. The method can also be used to avoid the transmission of certain inherited diseases. Fertilization takes place not in a test tube, but in a small glass receptacle known as a Petri dish.
             Research has shown that infertility is on the increase in some industrial countries, and that either or both partners can be affected. Doctors can treat about two-thirds of infertile couples with drugs or surgery. Some of the remainder may be helped by IVF and related treatments.
             Techniques. A number of steps are involved in producing a "test tube" baby. The first is the collection of ripe eggs from the woman. Before the eggs are collected, the woman takes special drugs that stimulate ovulation (the release of eggs). The drugs are given so that more than one egg will be available for collection, thus improving the chances of successful fertilization. The woman is then monitored through blood tests to determine the best time for removing the eggs.
             When the eggs are ripe, a surgeon performs an operation to remove them. The surgeon may use a laparoscope (a type of telescope) to identify the eggs. The woman is given a general anaesthetic, and a small cut is made below her navel. This provides an opening large enough to allow the doctor to place the laparoscope in position. When the eggs have been identified, the surgeon uses a special needle to remove them.
             Other techniques may be used to collect the eggs. These include ultrasound
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