26/01/2026
IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) where an egg is fertilized by s***m in a lab dish, outside the body, before the resulting embryo is transferred to the uterus for potential pregnancy, helping those with infertility issues like blocked tubes, endometriosis, or male infertility. The process involves ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization in the lab, embryo culture, and transfer, with remaining embryos often frozen for future use.
How IVF Works (Step-by-Step)
- Ovarian Stimulation: Fertility medicines are used to encourage the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, rather than the single egg typically released.
- Egg Retrieval: A minor procedure removes the mature eggs from the ovaries.
- Fertilization: S***m is combined with the eggs in a lab dish (in vitro), or sometimes a single s***m is injected directly into an egg (ICSI).
- Embryo Culture: The fertilized egg (embryo) grows in the lab for several days.
- Embryo Transfer: A healthy embryo is placed into the uterus, aiming for implantation and pregnancy.
- Freezing (Optional): High-quality embryos can be frozen (cryopreservation) for later use, avoiding repeated ovarian stimulation.
Common Reasons for IVF:
- Damaged or blocked fallopian tubes.
- Endometriosis.
- Ovulation problems.
- Male infertility (low s***m count, poor quality).
- Unexplained infertility.
Key Considerations:
- Effectiveness: IVF is highly effective but success depends on factors like age and cause of infertility.
- Cost: It can be expensive, with costs varying by clinic and services needed.
- Risks: Potential for multiple pregnancies (twins, etc.) if more than one embryo is transferred, and rare complications like Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS).
