The birth of Louise Brown, the first baby conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF), changed reproductive medicine forever and brought hope to millions of people worldwide. Since that July 25, 1978, IVF has become one of the most effective assisted reproduction techniques. Here we explain how that first birth was achieved, why it was so important, and how it continues to transform families’ lives.
What challenges existed in infertility treatment in the 1970s?
In the 1970s, talking about infertility was almost taboo and couples had very few medical options. It was then that British gynecologist Patrick Steptoe and biologist Robert Edwards proposed that fertilization could be done outside the body and the embryo then transferred to the uterus.
How was the first IVF baby born?
On July 25, 1978, in Oldham, England, Louise Brown was born by cesarean section after nine years of unsuccessful attempts due to her mother’s blocked fallopian tubes. The procedure consisted of:
- Ovarian stimulation with gonadotropins (measured in IU).
- Ultrasound-guided egg retrieval, collecting oocytes in about 2 mL of medium.
- In vitro fertilization in culture dishes with 0.5 mL of embryo medium.
- Embryo transfer to the uterus using a catheter.
Her birth, reported worldwide, earned her the nickname “test-tube baby,” an imprecise term but one that reflected the public fascination.
Why was Louise Brown’s birth so significant?
Scientifically, it proved that infertility could be addressed rigorously and opened the door to new assisted reproduction techniques. Socially, it broke barriers by highlighting reproductive rights and giving visibility to couples struggling in silence to become parents.
To delve into the evolution of IVF and the role of the fallopian tubes, visit this post.
What advances has IVF had since 1978?
Key milestones include:
- Embryo cryopreservation: storage in liquid nitrogen at –196 °C.
- Donor gametes: use of donor eggs or sperm for those without viable gametes.
- Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT): selection of chromosomally healthy embryos.
- Improved culture media: increased blastocyst development rates above 60%.
- Sex selection techniques: in specific cases, allow choosing the embryo’s sex.
Learn more in our historical review of IVF.
How effective is IVF today?
Pregnancy rates per cycle can exceed 40%, depending on the patient’s age, health, and gamete quality. At Instituto Ingenes, cumulative rates reach up to 96% thanks to:
- Multidisciplinary teams.
- Advanced technologies like blastocyst culture.
- Fertility preservation options and PGT.
Do not self-medicate without medical supervision. If you’re considering IVF, consult a reproductive specialist to increase your chances of success.
How many babies have been born via IVF since Louise?
Since 1978, over 12 million babies have been born thanks to IVF. Each represents a dream fulfilled and the progress of a specialty based on research, technology, and personalized care. Louise Brown, now an advocate for reproductive rights, continues to inspire couples on their path to parenthood.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does IVF guarantee pregnancy?
No medical treatment guarantees success. Rates vary by age, ovarian reserve, sperm quality, and health status. In women under 35, the live birth rate per cycle is around 40%; after 35, it decreases progressively and more sharply after 40.
At Instituto Ingenes, we design personalized protocols after evaluating hormonal profiles (FSH, AMH), antral follicle count, and other markers to optimize stimulation and improve outcomes.
2. What risks are associated with IVF?
The main risks are ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), multiple pregnancies, and complications like bleeding or infection during egg retrieval. OHSS ranges from mild (abdominal discomfort, bloating) to severe (fluid accumulation, thromboembolic risk).
To minimize risks, estradiol levels (pg/mL) and follicular development by ultrasound are monitored and doses adjusted. Single embryo transfer is also encouraged to reduce multiple gestations without compromising effectiveness.
3. How long does a typical IVF cycle last?
A complete cycle lasts 4–6 weeks: initial consultations and baseline tests (2 weeks), ovarian stimulation (8–12 days), retrieval and fertilization, embryo culture (3–5 days), and transfer. With PGT, add 7–10 days for genetic analysis.
Fertility preservation cycles follow a similar timeline, with cryopreservation of eggs or embryos in liquid nitrogen at –196 °C to ensure viability for years.
4. Can same-sex couples or single individuals use IVF?
Yes. Female couples can use donor sperm to have a child biologically related to one partner. Male couples often use donor eggs and surrogacy. Single individuals can also use donor gametes. It’s essential to seek legal and fertility clinic advice to ensure rights and consent.
Sources
- American Society for Reproductive Medicine. (2021). Guidelines on assisted reproductive technology. https://www.asrm.org/
- MedlinePlus. (2023). In vitro fertilization. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/
- Steptoe, P. C., & Edwards, R. G. (1978). Birth after the reimplantation of a human embryo. The Lancet, 312(8085), 366. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(78)92957-4
- Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. (2017). Criteria for number of embryos to transfer. Fertility and Sterility, 107(4), 901–911. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2017.01.017
Remember: every fertility journey is unique. You’re not alone on this path. Seek the support of a reproductive specialist to answer your questions and design the best plan for you.