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.

Performed in the laboratory, in vitro (in glass) fertilization involves the removal of eggs from ripe follicles and their fertilization by sperm cells outside the human body.

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.

A technique which allows egg fertilization outside the body in a test tube. This technique can help women with severely damaged tubes to become pregnant.

A procedure in which several eggs are retrieved from the ovary, fertilized in the laboratory with sperm from the male partner, and a small selection of the resulting embryos are then transferred to the womb for transplantation

Fertilization that occurs outside the body, such as in a test tube.

The process by which eggs and sperm are combined in a laboratory setting outside of the body.