​

In vitro fertilisation (IVF)

What Is IVF?

​

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a process by which an egg is fertilised by sperm outside the body: in vitro. IVF is a major treatment for infertility when other methods of assisted reproductive technology have failed. The process involves monitoring a woman’s ovulatory process, removing ovum or ova (egg or eggs) from the woman’s ovaries and letting sperm fertilize them in a fluid medium in a laboratory. When a woman’s natural cycle is monitored to collect a naturally selected ovum (egg) for fertilisation, it is known as natural cycle IVF. The fertilised egg (zygote) is then transferred to the patient’s uterus with the intent to establish a successful pregnancy. The first successful birth of a “test tube baby”, Louise Brown, occurred in 1978. Louise Brown was born as a result of natural cycle IVF. Robert G. Edwards, the physiologist who developed the treatment, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2010.

​

What is involved with in vitro fertilization?

​

There are five basic steps in the IVF and embryo transfer process which include the following:
– Monitor and stimulate the development of healthy egg(s) in the ovaries.
– Collect the eggs.
– Secure the sperm.
– Combine the eggs and sperm together in the laboratory and provide the appropriate environment for fertilization and early embryo growth.
– Transfer embryos into the uterus.