IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) :

IVF (in vitro fertilization) is a type of fertility treatment where eggs are combined with sperm outside of your body in a lab. It’s a method used by people who need help achieving pregnancy. IVF involves many complex steps and is an effective form of assisted reproductive technology (ART).

What is IVF?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a type of assisted reproductive technology (ART) where sperm and an egg are fertilized outside of the human body. IVF is a complex process that involves retrieving eggs from ovaries and manually combining them with sperm in a lab for fertilization. Several days after fertilization, the fertilized egg (now called an embryo) is placed inside a uterus. Pregnancy occurs when this embryo implants itself into the uterine wall.

Why is IVF performed?

People choose IVF for many reasons, including infertility issues or when one partner has an existing health condition. Some people will try IVF after other fertility methods have failed or if they’re at an advanced maternal age. IVF is also a reproductive option for same-sex couples or people who wish to have a baby without a partner. IVF is an option if you or your partner has:
1. Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes.
2. Endometriosis.
3. Low sperm count or other sperm impairments.
4. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or other ovarian conditions.
5. Uterine fibroids.
6. Problems with your uterus.
7. Risk of passing on a genetic disease or disorder.
8. Unexplained infertility.
9. Are using an egg donor or a gestational surrogate.

How long is the IVF process from beginning to end?

IVF is a complicated process with many steps. On average, you can expect the process to last four to six weeks. This includes the time before egg retrieval, when a person takes fertility medication until they’re tested for pregnancy.

How common is IVF?

Approximately 5% of couples with infertility will try IVF. More than 8 million babies have been born from IVF since 1978. It’s one of the most effective assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) available.

What is the difference between IVF and IUI (intrauterine insemination)?

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is different from in vitro fertilization (IVF) because in an IUI procedure, fertilization occurs in a person’s body. A sperm sample is collected and washed so only high-quality sperm are left. This sample is inserted into your uterus with a catheter (thin tube) during ovulation. This method helps the sperm get to the egg more easily in hope that fertilization will happen. With IVF, the sperm and egg are fertilized outside of your uterus (in a lab) and then placed in your uterus as an embryo. IUI is less expensive and less invasive than IVF. IUI has a lower success rate per cycle.
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