What is In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?
IVF is an assisted reproductive technology procedure whereby fertilization of the egg and sperm occur in the laboratory or ‘in-vitro.’ The woman receives stimulation with one of the injectable fertility medications (gonadotropins, discussed above). When the ovaries contain multiple mature follicles (eggs), the woman undergoes a minor procedure under sedation to retrieve the eggs by placing a needle through the vagina into the ovary under ultrasound guidance. Sperm are then added to each of the eggs and fertilization is then checked the next day. The embryos are transferred to the uterus 3-5 days after the ‘retrieval’ procedure and a pregnancy test is taken approximately 2 weeks after egg retrieval.
