IVF

In vitro fertilization, also known as IVF, is a complex series of procedures that can result in pregnancy. It is an infertility treatment, a condition in which most couples cannot conceive after at least a year of trying. IVF can also be used to prevent genetic problems from being passed on to the child.

In vitro fertilization involves removing mature eggs from the ovaries and fertilizing them with sperm in the laboratory. Then a procedure is performed in which one or more fertilized eggs, called embryos, are placed in the uterus, where babies develop. A complete IVF cycle lasts approximately 2 to 3 weeks. Sometimes these steps are divided into different parts and the process may take longer.