IVF is a method of assisted reproduction in which the man's sperm and the woman's egg, or oocyte, are combined in a laboratory dish, where fertilization occurs. The resulting embryo is then transferred to the uterus to develop naturally. Usually, two to four embryos are transferred with each cycle. Although fewer than 5% of infertile couples in treatment actually use IVF, it is the treatment of choice for a woman with blocked, severely damaged or absent fallopian tubes. It may also be used to overcome infertility caused by endometriosis, male factor infertility, or unexplained infertility.
An assisted conception technique that involves surgically removing eggs from the ovaries, fertilizing them with male sperm outside the body, and then placing them in the uterus.