What is IVF?

In vitro fertilization is one of the most effective forms of fertility treatment, often considered a gold standard to achieve conception for couples suffering from infertility.

The procedure involves a process wherein the eggs from the female are retrieved from her ovaries and are fertilized with sperm taken from the male outside the natural habitat which is the uterus/womb. The fertilized embryo is then allowed to grow in a lab for several days following the fertilization, usually 3-5 days, and then implanted back into the female’s uterus for the rest of the gestation period. The entire process usually takes from a few weeks to a few months depending on the type and nature of embryo transfer.

Several other procedures are routinely used with IVF to ensure higher rates of success. These include medications and treatment protocols for improving the quality of eggs, sperms, and embryo transfer.

For patients who have experienced severe male factor infertility or females who have significantly blocked fallopian tubes, IVF has been one of the most successful, if not the only, viable treatment option. The procedure is also recommended for older patients or when IUI and medications have not given the desired results.