In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the joining of a woman’s egg and a man’s sperm in a laboratory dish. In vitro means outside the body. Fertilization means the sperm has attached to and entered the egg.

Description
Normally, an egg and sperm are fertilized inside a woman’s body. If the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the womb and continues to grow, a baby is born about 9 months later. This process is called natural or unassisted conception.

IVF is a form of assisted reproductive technology (ART). This means special medical techniques are used to help a woman become pregnant. It is most often tried when other, less expensive fertility techniques have failed.

Why the Procedure is Performed

IVF is done to help a woman become pregnant. It is used to treat many causes of infertility, including:

Advanced age of the woman (advanced maternal age)

Damaged or blocked fallopian tubes (can be caused by pelvic inflammatory disease or prior reproductive surgery)

Endometriosis

Male factor infertility, including decreased sperm count and blockage

Unexplained infertility