Understanding IVG: New Technology To Combat Reproductive Woes of Infertile and Same-Sex Couples

When it comes to treating fertility issues and childbearing, In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) has become a household name. Celebrities such as the Kardashians, Shah Rukh Khan, Karan Johar, and many more have made IVF or ‘test-tube-baby’ a popular concept by choosing this route for conceiving their children. IVF has been a blessing for millions of parents who have trouble conceiving a child. 

Understanding IVG

More recently, another procedure called In-Vitro Gametogenesis (IVG) has been gaining momentum among the scientific community as a possible upgrade to IVF. IVF has certain limitations, such as not being viable for infertile people, same-sex couples wanting a genetically related child, cancer patients, people with hormonal imbalances and many more. However, a study conducted by the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, suggests that IVG can combat the limitations of IVF, as it could potentially allow the formation of reproductive cells (i.e. sperm and egg) from any human cell. 

Difference Between IVF and IVG

Although most of us may be aware of ‘test-tube-baby,’ the scientific process behind the popular term can still use some explanation. So, let’s simplify it. 

Also Read: World IVF Day 2023: Do I need IVF? When Is IVF Recommended?

During IVF, an egg is extracted from a woman’s ovaries and fused with sperm outside the woman’s body in a laboratory to form an embryo. The embryo is then returned to the woman's womb to resume a normal pregnancy. IVG, on the other hand, apparently allows any adult human cell to produce sperm and egg cells in a lab setting.

Speaking to the team of OnlyMyHealth, Dr Souren Bhattacharjee, Consultant, and Centre Head, Birla Fertility and IVF Centre, Kolkata, elucidated, “IVG does not use pre-existing reproductive cells. Through IVG, skin and blood cells from an adult human will be engineered to become reproductive cells and converted into a sperm or egg. These cells are then fused in a lab to form an embryo, which will be then implanted in the womb.” This means that anyone will be capable of reproduction. Scientists believe IVG is only ten years away and can potentially end mankind’s fertility issues forever. 

Things To Know Before Considering IVG

IVG technology has given rise to ethical questions, many of which are similar to those that IVF initially raised. Dr Bhattacharjee explained, “IVG is a recent technological advancement, and human clinical uses are still experimental. It's uncertain if or when IVG will be applied to people. IVG has a lot of promise, but there aren't yet any quality controls to prevent its unwarranted development. Before IVG becomes technically feasible, serious thought will need to be given to which people should have access to this technology and for which reasons.”

Also Read: KhushKhabriWithIVF: Interesting Facts About Children Born Out Of Frozen Cells

Explaining some of the ethical concerns that have been raised with the inception of IVG, he listed: 

• Misuse of Technology: A person might produce infinite embryos using IVG until they get one with the desired characteristics. IVG could open up an avenue that eliminates certain diseases from mankind but also runs the risk of further marginalising people suffering from such illnesses.  
• Reproductive Cloning: IVG could open the door to reproductive cloning, raising profound ethical and societal concerns.
• Scientific Complexity: Developing the embryo is highly complex and needs to be fully understood. Scientists face significant challenges in replicating the intricate steps during natural embryo development.
• Genetic Integrity: Ensuring the genetic integrity of the generated gametes is crucial to prevent potential congenital abnormalities in offspring. Any genetic mutations or abnormalities could have long-term consequences for future generations.

Can IVG Revolutionise Reproductive Medicine?

A study published by two Japanese reproductive biologists in 2016 successfully employed IVG to rear reproductive cells of mice viable for forming an embryo. In humans, however, IVG still has some time before it can even be analysed for federal approval. IVG may change the lives of millions who require a different method of starting a biological family. However, it's important to note that IVG is still an experimental and complex area of research, and many ethical and scientific challenges must be addressed before it can be considered standard practice.