IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is a technique in which fertilization is brought about outside the body, in a test tube, and the embryo formed is implanted in the uterus of the woman.
- An oocyte is collected from the ovary of the woman.
- It is fertilized in the laboratory with sperms of her husband (or from a sperm bank), for example by introducing a sperm with a micro-needle.
- The zygote is allowed to develop into an early embryo, which is then implanted in the uterus at the appropriate time, where it develops normally.
IVF helps childless couples who have problems such as low sperm count or obstruction in the oviducts, which prevent natural fertilization.