In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

What is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?

It was over forty years ago that the world first learned of IVF. The first child conception via IVF took place in 1978 in London. Today, IVF is one of the most common used paths to pregnancy for those struggling with infertility and who are requiring assisted reproductive technologies (ART).

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most common type of assisted reproductive technology (ART) used to create an embryo by bypassing certain causes of infertility, such as mild sperm abnormalities in men, and fallopian tube or ovulation irregularity in women.  During IVF, a woman’s eggs are surgically retrieved and then fertilized in a laboratory by mixing with a partner (or donor) sperm. Following an egg retrieval, In vitro fertilization (IVF) provides a controlled environment that significantly enhances the opportunity for fertilization of the egg. The fertilized egg, or embryo, is left to grow for 3-5 days and is then surgically transferred back into the woman’s uterus.

The fertilization process is monitored microscopically typically over a five day period, during which successfully fertilized eggs develop into embryos. Then, our team of embryologists carefully examines the quality of the embryos to determine which embryos will be selected for embryo transfer, cryopreservation, or possibly further culturing and development.

If you are considering in vitro fertilization and want to know if IVF may be right for you, meet the IHR team for a consultation. IVF is not something you choose lightly, so trust the experts!