IVF

IVF, or in vitro fertilization, is a type of assisted reproductive technology in which eggs are retrieved from a woman's ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryo or embryos are then transferred into the uterus with the aim of achieving pregnancy.

Typical IVF involves ovarian stimulation with gonadotropins to produce multiple eggs, monitoring with ultrasound and hormone tests, retrieval of mature oocytes via a minor procedure, fertilization by mixing eggs with partner or donor sperm in the lab (including ICSI if indicated), culture to embryos, and transfer of one or more embryos to the uterus. Additional steps may include genetic testing of embryos, freezing (vitrification) of additional embryos, and embryo banking for future cycles.

IVF is used for various causes of infertility, including tubal disease, male factor infertility, endometriosis, and diminished ovarian reserve, as well as for single individuals or same-sex couples seeking a child or for egg or embryo donation.

Success rates depend on age, cause of infertility, and use of single versus multiple embryo transfer; per-cycle pregnancy likelihood is higher in younger women and declines with age. Cumulative live birth rate increases with multiple cycles; single embryo transfer is recommended to reduce multiple pregnancy risk.

Risks include ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, infection, bleeding, and complications from embryo transfer; multiple pregnancy risk when more embryos are transferred; emotional, physical, and financial costs. Ethical and regulatory issues vary by country, including donor gamete use and embryo disposition.

IVF concept emerged in the 1970s, with the first successful birth in 1978 by Edwards and Steptoe. Since then techniques such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection, blastocyst culture, and vitrification have improved outcomes. Ongoing research addresses safety, genetics, and accessibility.