In Vivo Fertilization – Meaning, Methods, Process, and Benefits
What is In Vivo Fertilization?
In vivo meaning is basically just inside the body. It is an assisted reproductive technology (ART). The fusion of sperm and egg that takes place inside the female body is called in vivo fertilization. Couples who do not wish to turn to in vitro fertilization (fertilization that takes place outside the female body) choose in vivo fertilization.
Couples where the male donor has a lower sperm count or women with fallopian tube blockage generally adopt these techniques. This way is seen as more natural. It also involves fewer invasive procedures than lab-based methods.
Exploring In Vivo Fertilization Methods and Techniques
In Vivo Fertilization is just like mimicking natural fertilization. It can be done in a few different ways.
One of the methods is Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT). Here, the sperm is taken from the male donor and eggs are retrieved from the female. Then these gametes (sex cells) are transferred into the fallopian tube for fertilization.
Another method is Ovulation Induction with Timed Intercourse (OITI). Here, certain medicines are given to the woman to encourage her ovaries to produce and release an egg. Then, the best time for intercourse is suggested to facilitate fertilization.
Decoding the Steps of the In Vivo Fertilization Process
Let us better understand how the in vivo fertilization technique has become a promising prospect. The following are the steps involved in the process.
- The timing of the woman’s egg release is carefully observed. This helps us know the best time for the sperm and egg to meet naturally inside her body.
- Sperms are collected from the male partner. The sperm are prepared to swim better and live longer.
- When the woman is ovulating (release of the egg from the ovary), the sperm sample is transferred into the reproductive tract. Timing the release helps increase the success rate.
- The prepared sperm travels into the fallopian tube and meets the mature egg there. That is the natural place for fertilization to happen. Once fertilization is successful, an embryo begins to form.
- The embryo then naturally travels through the fallopian tube into the uterus. There, it gets attached (implanted) to the lining of the uterus.
- When the developing embryo (future baby) attaches to the lining of the womb, a pregnancy begins. The baby then slowly grows and becomes healthy.
What are the Advantages of In Vivo Fertilization?
Let us look at some advantages of in vivo fertilization. They are as follows:
- Mimics natural fertilization: Your body has its own special conditions and signals that help in this process. The sperm and egg recognize each other and join naturally. This adds to the possibility of success. Therefore, it seems as a safer option than in vitro fertilization.
- Less lab processing: Unlike in vitro fertilization, this method requires lesser laboratory manipulation. Because of this, it feels like a safer option.
- Minimal multiple births: Since in vivo lets the woman’s body create its own eggs, the probability of multiple pregnancies is lesser. This means the chances of having twins or triplets are lower in this method.
What is the Difference Between In Vivo Fertilization and In Vitro Fertilization?
The difference between in vitro and in vivo fertilization can be explained as:
Characteristics | In Vivo Fertilization | In Vitro Fertilization |
Definition | The term in vivo is Latin for inside the body. | In vitro is Latin for “in glass,” so technically outside the woman’s body. |
Method | This method promotes the body’s natural process for the fusion of the sperm and the egg. | This method relies on artificial processes to fuse the egg and sperm together. It is performed in the IVF laboratory. |
Egg Release | Here, the woman’s body releases eggs, and the sperm is also released in her reproductive tract for them to fuse. | In vitro fertilization requires retrieval of both sperm and egg from their donors. |
Fusion Technique | In vivo technique requires only one egg that the woman’s ovaries release in order to conceive a baby. | This fertility treatment uses medicine to help the woman’s body make lots of functional eggs. Doctors watch the eggs grow and then gently remove them. Sperm is collected from the man. In a lab, a scientist helps one sperm join with one egg. These joined eggs grow for a few days in a special container. Then the tiny new life is put into the woman’s womb to hopefully become a baby. |
Sex Cell Number | This method needs a small number of sex cells. | This requires many eggs and sperm for a successful pregnancy. |
Success Factors
| Because the fertilized egg stays safe inside the lining of the womb, it has a better chance of growing. | Whether the embryos are likely to survive is greatly affected by things like how old the person is, what’s causing their infertility, and the guidance they receive from experts. |
Risk of Multiple Babies | In vivo fertilisation has lower chances of resulting in multiple conceived babies. | In vitro has comparatively more chances of multiple gametes fusion. |
Taking Charge of Your Well-being
If you are somebody who wants to conceive naturally but haven’t had any luck yet, this could be your sign to try the in vivo fertilization technique. In case you have any doubts or questions, feel free to contact our specialists at Archish IVF. We will be delighted to help.
FAQs
Some examples of in vivo fertilization techniques are IUI (intrauterine insemination), GIFT (gamete intrafallopian transfer), and timed intercourse with ovulation induction.
In vivo fertilization often works. Its chances of success depend on your age and health. Talk to our fertility doctor at Archish IVF to see if it's right for you.
In simple words, In vivo means fertilization happens inside the body. In vitro means fertilization happens outside the body, in a lab.
ZIFT stands for Zygote intrafallopian transfer. Zygote refers to a fertilised egg. Here, the fusion of egg and sperm takes place outside the woman’s body. Then the fertilised egg (zygote) is placed in the fallopian tube.
Artificial insemination (AI) is the process of artificially getting sperm into the right spot inside a woman. Therefore, the fertilization takes place inside the body.
This method is performed in the lab. In ICSI, the sperm is injected directly into the egg. That is how the fertilization happens outside the woman’s body.