In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a form of assisted reproductive technology (ART) used to treat infertility. It involves removing eggs from the ovaries and fertilizing them with sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryos are cultured for 5-6 days and then either transferred back into the uterus with the goal of achieving pregnancy or they are cryopreserved (frozen) for use at a later date. IVF is typically used when other fertility treatments, such as ovulation induction and intrauterine insemination (IUI), have not been successful. It is also used to treat infertility caused by blockages in the fallopian tubes, male infertility, and ovulation disorders. The success rates of IVF depend on a person’s age, the cause of infertility, and the quality of the embryos produced.  Embryo quality is largely determined by genetics. Chromosomally normal embryos have the highest chance of resulting in a live birth. Technologies such as Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) are sometimes used to screen for chromosomally normal embryos prior to transfer.