Introduction

The greatest individual revolution in reproductive medicine is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). IVF opened new paths of hope to tens of millions of childless couples since the first “test-tube baby,” Louise Brown, was born in 1978. IVF allows for the achievement of fertilization outside of the body and overcomes the majority of limitations on natural conception due to age, medical background, or so-called unexplained infertility. Currently, over 8 million children have been born as a consequence of the application of assisted reproductive technologies (ART), the most prevalent being IVF, according to the International Committee for Monitoring Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ICMART).

Moreover, The latest entrant to the game of fertility treatment is Artificial Intelligence (AI). Fertility treatment with AI is now possible. Yes you heard it right. From predicting implantation success from embryos to personalizing hormone dosing and streamlining laboratory processes, AI is revolutionizing the landscape of IVF. Studies found that AI algorithms were better than human embryologists in evaluating embryo quality, with higher implantation rates and less emotional and economic cost of multiple cycles of IVF.

In this article, we’ll delve into IVF and AI, its evolving technologies, ethical debates, physical and emotional challenges. Also how AI is revolutionizing what it means to create life in the 21st century.

The Origins of IVF: A Historical Breakthrough

The Origins of IVF A Historical

Now the question arises is “Who was the first IVF baby born in the world?”. The journey of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) began with one of the most defining moments in medical history—the birth of Louise Joy Brown. Born on 25th July 1978, in Oldham, England, Louise was the world’s first human to be conceived using IVF and therefore the world’s first “test-tube baby.” She was born after doctor Dr. Robert Edwards and gynecologist Dr. Patrick Steptoe had spent years attempting to develop a way of fertilizing eggs outside the body of a human being—something which had previously been impossible.

Whereas “first IVF baby” can be used in the case of Louise Brown, it equally suitably renders her the first ever human being to be conceived using this new process. The very first IVF child, she opened up an era for new reproductive medicine and brought hope for childless people. Lesley Brown, her mother, hadn’t been successful in conceiving naturally as the fallopian tubes of hers were blocked, something that IVF aimed at preventing.
The process was to remove an egg from Lesley, fertilize it with her husband’s sperm in a dish, and then implant the resulting embryo in her uterus. It was a miracle of medicine that set aside old rules and ushered in a new world of possibilities.
Louise Brown’s birth not only captured world headlines but also sparked the development of advanced assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Four decades later, over 8 million babies have been born due to IVF around the world, with technology continuously improving success rates, safety, and access.
Her birth is when science and human aspiration intersected—and continues to push boundaries in fertility treatment today.
One popular IVF institute is Indira-IVF. Now people will ask – Who is the owner of Indira IVF? The private equity company BPEA EQT holds the majority of Indira IVF’s ownership. It purchased the majority stake in July 2023. But the founders Ajay Murdia, Kshitiz Murdia, and Nitiz Murdia own a majority minority stake in the company and still run it.

The Role of AI in IVF

Understanding What is AI in IVF is another great aspect of understanding how technology is changing. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the practice of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) by bringing precision, speed, and objectivity to one of the most emotionally charged medical interventions. IVF and AI refers to the application of machine learning algorithms, data analysis, and computer vision to support embryologists and fertility experts in making more accurate decisions during the IVF cycle.

AI in embryo selection: The most visible use of AI in IVF is choosing embryos. Embryologists used to grade embryos manually on a microscope based on morphology and experience. This is not objective. AI computers can compare time-lapse images of growth of embryos and analyze thousands of points such as timing of cell division, shape, and growth rate to determine which embryo has the greatest chance of implantation and live birth. If we talk about the IVF success rates with AI a study on Fertility and Sterility (2021) found that the use of AI to select embryos improved the rate of implantation by up to 20% over manual selection.

IVF and AI helps predict success rates. On the basis of patient history analysis, hormone levels, uterine receptivity, and outcomes from previous cycles, AI models are able to make customized predictions about pregnancy outcomes. This allows clinicians to tailor treatment protocols and set patients accordingly for expectations.

Some of the best AI platforms and technology in IVF include:

Life Whisperer – An Australian AI equipment using image recognition to score embryos according to the likelihood of achieving a pregnancy.
EmbryoScope with AI – Time-lapse incubator with embedded AI software scanning embryos 24/7 without disturbing them from optimal conditions.
iDAScore by Vitrolife – A deep learning program trained on over 120,000 embryo video clips to issue an implantation probability score.
As time passes, IVF cycles will be fewer in number, less costly, and more successful with the assistance of AI, taking science and hope closer to each other on the path to fertility.

The Downsides: Physical, Emotional, and Financial Challenges of IVF

While IVF and AI has enabled millions to achieve their dream of having children, it also has its own physical, emotional, and cost-related disadvantages. It is important that couples approach the process with a clear head regarding both the hope and travail that it may entail.

What are the disadvantages of IVF?

1. Physical Side Effects

IVF involves injections of hormones that may cause a range of side effects such as:

Bloating
Headaches
Nausea
Mood swings
Tenderness of breasts
Weight gain

Some women experience Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), in which ovaries are swollen and inflamed. In severe OHSS, hospitalization is required.

2. Financial Stress

IVF is costly. What is IVF cost in India? In India, the cost for one cycle can be between ₹1,00,000 and ₹2,50,000, and over 50% of the couples require 2–3 cycles to achieve a positive result. ICSI with meds or freezing facilities or donors adds to costs. As insurance covers only a few plans for IVF, it can be very costly.

3. Emotional Burden

IVF is stressful on an emotional level. With every cycle there’s the rollercoaster of hope, fear, and sometimes disappointment. Multiple failure, hormonal swings, and social stigma of infertility can result in:

Depression
Anxiety
Strain on relationships
Feeling alone

4. Limitations of Success Rate

IVF is not a certainty of conception. Per-cycle success rates are on the order of some 30–40% in women under 35 years of age, and plummet steeply with increasing age. For most couples, there are multiple cycles with expenditures of money, feelings, and bodily wear.

The Bad Side of IVF

The “negative side” of IVF isn’t necessarily the medical treatment—it’s the uncertainty. Couples invest time, money, and emotions, and frequently there’s no guarantee of success. The weight of numerous disappointments is despairingly disheartening.

For all its ill side, IVF may still prove life-altering for so many. Knowing the pitfalls prepares the would-be parents in a better way, it is more emotionally prepared, and it gets them aptly equipped as they step into fertility treatment.

IVF and Ethics: The Religious Controversy

The In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) case is not solely a scientific one—it overflows into strongly-held religious, moral, and ethical principles. Religion’s sect, doctrine, and belief will determine acceptance or rejection of IVF.

It is accepted or viewed with skepticism or pessimism based on religious doctrine by some.

Islam: Conditional Approval

for Muslim people this is a normal question ” Is IVF allowed in Islam? Islamic scholars permit IVF on the conditions of marriage—i.e., sperm and egg must be from a validly married couple, and the embryo must be inserted in the wife. Third-party aid (donor sperm, eggs, or surrogacy) is usually forbidden because it’s considered a disruption of line and inheritance law.

The great Islamic councils, including Egypt’s Al-Azhar University and the Islamic Fiqh Council, approve of IVF in such cases. The ethical challenge still is whether or not to freeze embryos, destroy them, and grant rights to the unborn.

Christianity: Divided Opinions

Christian views are very divided across denominations:

Roman Catholic Church opposes IVF as a desecration of natural law and marriage sanctity. The Church is in favor of the life at conception and that it is morally wrong to destroy embryos.
Protestant denominations provide a wider range. Most will use IVF if it is their own sperm and eggs, but there is still an issue with the disposal of embryos.
Eastern Orthodox Church is traditional and against IVF but prefers adoption as the superior moral choice.

Hinduism: Open to Spirit

Talking about Hindu’s, they also think Is IVF OK by God? Hinduism is most likely to be open to IVF, particularly if it enables a married couple to fulfill their duty of “dharma” (righteousness) through pregnancy. As Hindu philosophy is more about aim and cyclical movement of karmic causes than dogma, IVF is not typically regarded as religiously wrong. But moral objections can select and destruct of embryos. And some conservatives sound an alarm against unnatural interference with the birth of life.

A Balanced Perspective

Religious reactions to IVF are a mix of theology, tradition, and changing thought. To some, it is a scientific blessing in line with the divine will. Others question whether it is consonant with sacred natural order. For the majority of believers, intent, openness, and protection of human dignity are still the answers.

Individual conscience, religious advice, and compassionate interpretation in each faith generally lead couples to make very personal choices regarding IVF.

Conclusion: IVF and the Future of Parenthood

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) sits at the nexus of science and technology and fundamental human desire. A medical advancement in 1978 has now become an existence-transforming possibility for millions of individuals across the globe, presenting a doorway to parenthood beyond comprehension in the past.

With the integration of IVF and AI and advanced medical equipment, IVF is rapidly changing. All these changes not only improve success rates but also render fertility treatment more available and emotionally manageable.

At the same time, IVF is not just a technical exercise—it’s a question of ethical, emotional, and spiritual conscience. Cost, embryos’ rights, and religious toleration are still shaping public opinion. And as technology speeds along, so does the need for compassionate, non-discriminating, and informed choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is IVF in Simple Words?

IVF is a process where a woman’s egg and a man’s sperm are combined in a lab to create an embryo. Once the embryo is ready, it’s placed in the woman’s womb with the hope it grows into a healthy baby.

It’s helpful for couples who:

Have trouble conceiving naturally
Are facing fertility issues
Are opting for pregnancy later in life

How is AI Helping in IVF?

AI in IVF is like a smart assistant — it helps doctors make better decisions by:

Selecting the best quality embryos using image analysis
Predicting which embryo has the highest chance of success
Helping personalize treatment plans based on past data

History of AI in IVF

AI in fertility isn’t brand new. It started gaining attention in the last decade, especially with tools like:

EmbryoScope: A smart incubator that uses AI to watch embryos 24/7
Deep learning algorithms: These help find patterns by analysing thousands of IVF cases