What does in vitro fertilization involve?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a medical procedure that involves the laboratory fertilization of an egg. This process typically takes place outside the body, in a controlled lab environment. During IVF, eggs are retrieved from the ovaries and fertilized with sperm in a petri dish. Once fertilization occurs and embryos develop, one or more embryos are then transferred into the uterus with the goal of establishing a pregnancy.

This technique is particularly significant because it allows for various solutions to infertility issues, enables genetic screening of embryos before implantation, and provides opportunities for couples to conceive when other methods of conception fail. IVF represents a pivotal advancement in reproductive technology, and the process is the core of many assisted reproductive technologies used today.