World IVF Day: History, Meaning, Facts & Support
World IVF Day, celebrated on July 25, marks the birth of the world’s first IVF baby, Louise Brown. Learn about its history, IVF procedures, success rates, myths, emotional support, costs, safety, ethics, and future innovations.
Introduction
World IVF Day is celebrated every year on July 25 to mark the birth of Louise Brown in 1978—the world’s first baby conceived through in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Since that day, millions of families have grown through IVF and related treatments, making this a time to honour science, recognise the resilience of patients, and shine a light on infertility—an often silent, stigmatised medical condition. Whether you’re just beginning to explore fertility care, supporting someone you love, or simply curious about how IVF works, World IVF Day invites all of us to learn, share, and advocate.
In this guide, we’ll explain what World IVF Day is, how IVF works, what affects success rates, and how to separate myths from facts. We’ll also cover emotional support, costs and access, safety and ethics, and the exciting future of fertility care—along with practical, meaningful ways to mark the day. Throughout, we’ll draw on credible data and real-world insights to help you make informed choices and feel less alone. If you’ve ever wondered “when is World IVF Day” or “what happens during IVF,” you’re in the right place.
What Is World IVF Day?
World IVF Day is observed on July 25 each year to commemorate the birth of Louise Brown, the first baby born through IVF, in Oldham, UK, in 1978. The day is both a celebration of a medical milestone and a platform for awareness about infertility as a global public health issue. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 17.5% of adults worldwide experience infertility at some point in their lives, underscoring the importance of accessible, evidence-based fertility care and sensitive public conversation.
The first IVF baby: Louise Brown and July 25, 1978
The successful birth of Louise Brown followed years of pioneering work by Dr. Robert Edwards, Dr. Patrick Steptoe, and their team. Their breakthrough—fertilising an egg outside the body and transferring the embryo into the uterus—transformed reproductive medicine. Today, IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are estimated to have led to the birth of well over 10 million children globally, with the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) reporting many millions of births since 1978.
Why the date matters and what the day represents
World IVF Day is not just about scientific firsts—it’s about community. It’s a moment to:
- Reduce stigma through honest stories and accurate information.
- Share resources for those navigating fertility challenges.
- Advocate for fair access and ethical, patient-centred care across the world.
It’s also a time to express gratitude to the clinicians and embryologists behind the scenes, and to highlight the resilience of individuals and couples who pursue parenthood via IVF.
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IVF At a Glance: How It Works
At its core, IVF helps eggs and sperm meet under carefully controlled conditions, with an embryo transferred into the uterus. Understanding the steps demystifies the process.
Step-by-step timeline—from stimulation to embryo transfer
- Ovarian stimulation: Injectable hormones encourage multiple follicles to mature. Blood tests and ultrasounds guide dosing to balance safety and success.
- Trigger and egg retrieval: A “trigger shot” times final egg maturation. Eggs are collected via a brief, ultrasound-guided procedure.
- Fertilisation: Eggs are combined with sperm in the lab. In ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), a single sperm is injected into each mature egg—common in male factor infertility and sometimes after prior fertilisation issues.
- Embryo culture: Embryos grow for 3–6 days (up to blastocyst stage). Some labs use time-lapse incubators to monitor development.
- Testing and freezing (optional): Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) can screen embryos for chromosomal aneuploidy or specific inherited conditions (when indicated). Many embryos are frozen for future use.
- Embryo transfer: A selected embryo is placed in the uterus. Many programmes encourage single-embryo transfer to lower multiple pregnancy risks.
- The two-week wait: Blood tests confirm pregnancy.
Common variations: ICSI, donor eggs/sperm, frozen embryo transfer
You may hear terms like “ICSI vs IVF” or “donor egg IVF process.” These reflect customisation:
- ICSI is often recommended when sperm counts or motility are low (male factor infertility).
- Donor eggs or sperm can be used when indicated by age, ovarian reserve, genetic risk, or severe male factor.
- Frozen embryo transfer (FET) allows timing flexibility and careful uterine preparation. In some cases, FET cycles can be more predictable and gentler.
Success Rates and What Affects Them
“IVF success rates by age” is one of the most searched topics—and for good reason. Age strongly influences outcomes because egg quality and quantity decline over time. Data from national registries (e.g., CDC in the U.S., HFEA in the UK) consistently show higher live birth rates per transfer in younger age groups, with gradual declines after the mid-30s and more pronounced decreases after 40.
Age, ovarian reserve, and male factor infertility
- Age: Younger eggs generally have fewer chromosomal abnormalities. This translates to higher implantation rates and lower miscarriage risk.
- Ovarian reserve: Tests like AMH and antral follicle count provide clues about how many eggs might respond to stimulation—not a guarantee of quality, but helpful in planning.
- Male factor: Semen analysis can reveal count, motility, and morphology; ICSI can overcome many sperm-related barriers. Addressing lifestyle factors (sleep, weight, smoking) can also help.
Clinic quality, lab conditions, and embryo testing (PGT)
Success is not just biology—it’s also systems and standards. Embryology lab conditions (air quality, temperature stability, culture media, incubators), staff expertise, and protocols all matter. Ask clinics for transparent, registry-verified success data for your age group and diagnosis. PGT for aneuploidy can help some patients identify chromosomally normal embryos, potentially reducing time to pregnancy—though it is not a guarantee and may not benefit every group.
Myths, Facts, and Stigma Around IVF
Despite its decades of use, myths persist—and stigma still hurts those coping with infertility. Separating facts from fiction is essential. Here’s how to separate facts from myths and address stigma surrounding IVF:
Common misconceptions and what science says
- Myth: IVF always works in one cycle. Fact: Many need more than one cycle; outcomes vary by age and diagnosis.
- Myth: IVF causes birth defects. Fact: The absolute risk is low; most data suggest only small differences compared to spontaneous conception, often confounded by parental factors. Discuss your individual risk with your clinician.
- Myth: Only women are “responsible” for infertility. Fact: Male factor contributes to about 40–50% of cases; many couples have multifactorial causes.
- Myth: Bed rest after transfer is required. Fact: Gentle activity is typically fine unless otherwise advised.
Language matters: talking about infertility with care
How we talk about infertility can either heal or harm. Avoid phrases like “just relax” or “you can always adopt,” which can feel dismissive. Try: “I’m here for you,” “How can I support you today?” On World IVF Day, make space for people to share their journey—or their choice for privacy.
Emotional and Practical Support During IVF
Here’s how to find emotional balance and the right kind of support during IVF:
Coping strategies and community resources
- Set boundaries with social media and well-meaning but overwhelming advice.
- Build a coping toolkit: brief daily walks, guided breathing or mindfulness, a “worry window” to contain rumination, and journaling.
- Seek community in peer groups (local or online). Many people find strength in connecting with others on similar paths.
If anxiety, depression, or relationship strain persist, consider a therapist specialising in reproductive mental health. If symptoms persist beyond two weeks or disrupt daily life, consult a doctor online with Apollo 24|7 for further evaluation and support.
Building your support team: clinicians, counsellors, partners, peers
A cohesive care team makes a difference. Consider:
- A primary fertility specialist plus a dedicated nurse coordinator.
- A counsellor or psychologist familiar with fertility care.
- Lab testing support. Apollo 24|7 offers convenient home collection for tests like AMH, thyroid profile, prolactin, vitamin D, and semen analysis where indicated.
- Practical help from friends/family (rides to retrievals, meals during recovery, flexible work arrangements).
Costs, Access, and Fairness
Costs vary widely by country, clinic, and treatment plan. Financial planning is as important as the medical plan. Here’s an overview of how IVF costs, access, and fairness vary worldwide:
Insurance and financing options; IVF cost in India and globally
- In some countries, public or private insurance covers parts of IVF; in others, it’s largely out-of-pocket. In India, IVF costs can range based on city, clinic, medications, and procedures like ICSI or PGT. Ask for a transparent, itemised estimate including medications, anaesthesia, lab fees, storage, and follow-up. Search locally for “IVF cost in India” to benchmark.
- Financing options include medical loans, health savings accounts, and employer benefits. Some clinics offer package pricing or refund programmes (with fine print).
- Check eligibility for coverage by diagnosis or age brackets; clarify limits (cycle caps, medications).
Global disparities and efforts to improve access
WHO emphasises infertility as a global public health issue, but access remains uneven. Barriers include cost, location (rural vs. urban), legal restrictions (e.g., donor gametes, surrogacy), and cultural stigma. Organisations and regulators are working to standardise quality, expand coverage, and protect patients. On World IVF Day, advocacy can include supporting policies that expand equitable access and transparent clinic reporting.
Safety, Risks, and Ethics
IVF is generally safe, but like any medical intervention, it carries risks. Understanding them helps you make informed choices. Here’s what you should know about the safety and ethics of IVF:
OHSS, multiple pregnancy, and safer single-embryo transfer
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): Modern protocols and medications significantly reduce severe OHSS risk. Tell your care team about symptoms like rapid weight gain, severe bloating, or shortness of breath. If worrisome symptoms occur, book a physical visit to a doctor with Apollo 24|7 or seek urgent care as advised.- Multiple pregnancy: Twins or higher-order multiples increase maternal and neonatal risks. Single-embryo transfer (SET) reduces these risks without drastically lowering cumulative success when multiple embryos are available over time.
- Procedure-related risks: Egg retrieval is minimally invasive; complications are uncommon.
Ethical questions and the role of regulation
Ethical discussions include embryo status, genetic testing scope, donor anonymity, and access for single people and LGBTQ families. Regulators (e.g., HFEA in the UK) set standards on safety, consent, and evidence-based practice. Patients benefit from transparent reporting, consent processes, and clear guidance on the value (or lack) of “add-ons.”
The Future of IVF and How to Mark World IVF Day
Here’s a look at how IVF is evolving and how you can celebrate or support the cause:
Innovations on the horizon: AI, time-lapse, less invasive testing
Time-lapse imaging, AI-assisted embryo selection, gentler stimulation protocols, noninvasive embryo assessment, and improved cryopreservation are reshaping care. Research into in vitro gametogenesis and uterine transplantation is early but shows the field’s ambition. Reputable bodies like ASRM and ESHRE emphasise careful, evidence-based adoption to ensure benefits outweigh risks.
Meaningful ways to participate and advocate
Share accurate information about “what happens during IVF” and “when is World IVF Day.”- Support someone you know: practical help, a listening ear, or covering a clinic ride.
- Attend a webinar or public lecture from a credible organisation.
- Donate to patient support groups or research.
- Use social media thoughtfully: celebrate wins, respect privacy, combat myths.
If your condition does not improve after trying lifestyle changes or you’re unsure where to begin, consult a doctor online with Apollo 24|7 to discuss fertility evaluation and next steps tailored to you.
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Conclusion
World IVF Day is a yearly reminder of how science and human determination can change lives. From the birth of Louise Brown on July 25, 1978, to millions of births worldwide since, IVF has opened doors for people facing infertility, single parents by choice, and LGBTQ families alike. The day also asks us to look deeper: infertility is common; access and affordability are uneven; and support—emotional, practical, and medical—matters at every step.
If you’re considering IVF, start with education and a clear plan. Ask clinics for transparent success rates, evidence for optional add-ons, and a detailed cost breakdown. Strengthen your support system—trusted clinicians, counsellors, and peers can make hard days easier. If you’re supporting someone else, lead with empathy and respect for privacy.
Finally, if you have concerns about your fertility, irregular cycles, or prolonged difficulty conceiving, consult a doctor online with Apollo 24|7 to discuss evaluation and testing. Apollo 24|7 also offers convenient home collection for key labs like AMH, thyroid profile, and semen analysis, helping you begin the journey with clarity. On World IVF Day, let’s celebrate progress—and commit to making the path to parenthood more compassionate, transparent, and accessible for all.
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Dr. Mona Yadav
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
19 Years • MBBS, MD (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)
Dombivli
Nulife multispeciality, Dombivli
Dr. K Anusha
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
4 Years • MBBS, DGO
Yemmiganur
SRINIVASAA HOSPITAL, Yemmiganur
Dr. Parul Sharma
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
8 Years • MBBS, MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)
New Delhi
THE DOCTORS NESST, New Delhi
Dr. Asha Rani Singh
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
24 Years • MBBS DGO
Delhi
Dr Asha Rani Singh Clinic, Delhi
Dr. Shyamala Devi
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
38 Years • MBBS, MS Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Vijayawada
Sri Shivshakti Nilayam, Vijayawada
Consult Top Specialists
Dr. Mona Yadav
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
19 Years • MBBS, MD (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)
Dombivli
Nulife multispeciality, Dombivli
Dr. K Anusha
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
4 Years • MBBS, DGO
Yemmiganur
SRINIVASAA HOSPITAL, Yemmiganur
Dr. Parul Sharma
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
8 Years • MBBS, MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)
New Delhi
THE DOCTORS NESST, New Delhi
Dr. Asha Rani Singh
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
24 Years • MBBS DGO
Delhi
Dr Asha Rani Singh Clinic, Delhi
Dr. Shyamala Devi
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
38 Years • MBBS, MS Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Vijayawada
Sri Shivshakti Nilayam, Vijayawada
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is World IVF Day and what does it commemorate?
World IVF Day is on July 25, marking the birth of Louise Brown in 1978—the first test tube baby. It honours IVF’s history and raises awareness about infertility.
What happens during IVF, and how long does a cycle take?
IVF typically spans 2–6 weeks: ovarian stimulation and monitoring, egg retrieval, fertilisation (often ICSI), embryo culture (with or without PGT genetic testing), and embryo transfer. Timing varies by protocol and whether it’s a fresh or frozen embryo transfer.
How do IVF success rates vary by age?
Success generally declines with age due to egg quality changes. National registries (e.g., CDC, HFEA) report higher live birth rates under 35 and lower rates in the 40s. Ask for age-specific success data at your clinic.
How much does IVF cost in India and what can affect price?
IVF cost in India varies by city, clinic, and procedures (ICSI vs IVF, PGT, medications, storage). Request itemised estimates. Explore insurance coverage or financing options. Search locally for “IVF cost in India” to compare.
How can I choose a quality IVF clinic?
Look for transparent success rates by age/diagnosis, strong lab standards, evidence-based guidance on add-ons, and clear consent/costs. Independent regulators (e.g., HFEA) offer patient-friendly information. If unsure, consult a doctor online with Apollo 24|7 for guidance.