End of the 'Test Tube Baby' as New Technique Allows IVF Fertilisation in Womb

The end of the ‘test tube baby’ could be in sight after British doctors launched a new form IVF which allows conception to take place in the womb, like a natural pregnancy.

The technique, described as ‘a real breakthrough’ involves placing egg and sperm cells into a tiny silicone capsule, the size of a grain of rice, and inserting it into the womb.

Doctors say it gives couples a psychological boost, knowing that the child has actually been conceived inside the mother, while the embryos benefit from being in the perfect conditions for fertilisation. It contains 360 holes so fluid from the womb can surround the egg and sperm.

After 24 hours the capsule is removed and doctors select the most healthy embryos for implantation into the womb lining of the mother.

"The introduction of this device signals a real breakthrough in IVF treatment as it enables women to care for an embryo in its earliest stages of development for the first time,” said Professor Nick Macklon, medical director at Complete Fertility Centre Southampton, which is located within...