What is the full form of IVF

IVF: IN Vitro Fertilization

IVF stands for In Vitro Fertilization. It is an assisted reproductive technique (ART) used to treat infertility or genetic problems. It helps infertile couples conceive a child. This technique involves the fertilization of egg with sperm outside the body in a laboratory dish. As the fertilization takes place outside the body so it is known as in vitro fertilization. After fertilization, the embryo is transferred to the uterus of female.

The IVF comprises four basic steps which are as follows:

Egg production/stimulation: In this step, fertility medications are used to stimulate the egg production in the female body. The multiple eggs are desired as some eggs may not develop or fertilize after retrieval.

Egg retrieval: This step involves a minor surgical procedure to retrieve eggs. An ultrasound imaging guided hollow needle is passed through pelvic cavity to remove ovarian follicles from ovary. Then the follicular fluids are scanned in order to extract the available eggs.

Fertilization: In this step, the eggs are fertilized with the male?s sperm in the laboratory. The eggs are monitored to ensure that fertilization and cell division are taking place. The embryos are left for 2 to 6 days to culture before transferring to the uterus.

Embryo Transfer: In this step, a 4-5 day old embryo is placed in the uterus of female using a slender, tiny catheter or tube. The implantation usually occurs around six to ten day following egg retrieval. After around 9 to 12 days, the female is tested to ensure that embryo is implanted safely.