In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a reproductive technology and medical procedure that assists individuals or couples in achieving pregnancy. It involves the fertilization of an egg with sperm outside the human body, in a laboratory-controlled environment.
The IVF process typically begins with hormone therapy to stimulate the ovaries, leading to the production of multiple eggs. The eggs are then retrieved from the woman's ovaries through a minimally invasive surgical procedure called follicular aspiration. Simultaneously, sperm is collected from the male partner or a sperm donor.
In the laboratory, the retrieved eggs are fertilized with the collected sperm by placing them together in a specialized culture dish. This is known as the insemination process. The fertilized eggs, now referred to as embryos, undergo observation and monitoring for several days to ensure proper development.
Following this, one or more viable embryos are transferred into the woman's uterus. The embryo transfer is typically done through a thin catheter inserted through the cervix, and it is a relatively painless and non-surgical procedure. If the embryo successfully implants in the uterine lining, it may lead to a pregnancy.
IVF is commonly used for individuals or couples who experience fertility issues, such as blocked fallopian tubes, low sperm count, advanced maternal age, or unexplained infertility. It may also be employed when other fertility treatments have not been successful.
Overall, IVF has been a revolutionary technique in the field of reproductive medicine, offering hope for individuals or couples struggling to conceive naturally.
