n vitro fertilization, commonly referred to as IVF, is a laboratory procedure where eggs are fertilized by sperm outside of the womb. During IVF, eggs are retrieved from a woman’s ovaries and combined with a semen sample from the male in a laboratory dish (in order to become fertilized). Once an embryo is created, it is either transferred into the uterus to achieve pregnancy or cryopreserved for future use.
IVF is often used to treat individuals who have blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, endometriosis-related infertility, inherited genetic diseases, recurrent miscarriages and low sperm count or motility. In vitro fertilization is also used by couples who have tried other fertility treatments without success. Every patient has a unique medical situation.