The term “In vitro” means something taking place inside a test tube. In vitro fertilization is the process of fertilizing sperm and egg inside the laboratory environment.
IVF is a blessing for those couples who can not conceive normally. The procedure is characterized by the removal of sperm from the male and eggs from the vagina of the female, followed by fertilization of the gametes inside a test tube. The fertilized egg (now called the embryo) is carefully implanted into the uterus of the lady to achieve pregnancy.

Who Can Benefit From IVF?
IVF is a miraculous procedure to attain pregnancy but has selection criteria which are given below:

Younger Than 40 Years Of Age:
It is recommended for women under 40-42 years of age because beyond this age the chances of a successful pregnancy become low. The best outcome was seen in women aged under 35 where the percentage of live birth post-IVF was 29%.

Issues Of The Female Reproductive System:

Females having problems such as:
● Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
● Fallopian tube abnormalities (blocked or absent)
● Severe endometriosis
● Ovulatory dysfunction
● Failed intrauterine insemination
● Unexplained infertility

Issues Of The Male Reproductive System:
Males having problems such as:
● Sperm issues (reduced count/motility, oligozoospermia, etc.)
● Premature ejaculation

How Is The Procedure Performed?
1. To start with the female is injected with hormones to boost the production of eggs (10-12 eggs instead
of 1).
2. The growth of these eggs (follicles) is observed and eggs are removed (via aspiration) when ready.
Oocytes (eggs) are extracted using transvaginal ultrasound under general anesthesia.
3. The semen sample is taken from the male at the same time.
4. The egg and sperms are then placed in a lab dish inside an incubator for 5 days.
5. Once the embryo is formed, it is carefully placed into the female trans-vaginally.