In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a process by which a woman’s eggs are retrieved from the ovaries and fertilized in a laboratory with the partner’s sperm or with donor sperm. After 3-5 days of development, the fertilized eggs or embryos are transferred to the uterus in order to achieve implantation and pregnancy.
The chances that pregnancy will occur depend on a variety of factors, including the age of the woman; the genetic health of the eggs, sperm, and embryos; the health of the uterine cavity; and the expertise and experience of the medical and scientific staff. Other undetermined factors may also play a role. See The IVF Process in the righthand menu for a description of the steps involved in the IVF process.
