In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a medical procedure used to assist individuals or couples who are experiencing fertility issues in conceiving a child. IVF involves several steps:

Ovulation Stimulation: Medications are administered to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Normally, a woman releases one egg during her monthly cycle, but in IVF, multiple eggs are desirable to increase the chances of success.

Egg Retrieval: Once the eggs have matured, a minor surgical procedure is performed to retrieve the eggs from the ovaries using a thin needle guided by ultrasound.

Sperm Collection: A sperm sample is collected from the male partner, or a sperm donor’s sample is used.

Fertilization: In the laboratory, the retrieved eggs are combined with the sperm in a controlled environment to facilitate fertilization. This can be done through conventional insemination, where the sperm is added to the eggs, or through intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), where a single sperm is directly injected into an egg.

Embryo Culture: Fertilized eggs (embryos) are cultured in a special incubator for a few days, allowing them to develop.

Embryo Transfer: One or more of the healthiest embryos are selected and transferred into the woman’s uterus. This is typically done using a thin catheter inserted through the cervix.

Implantation and Pregnancy: If the embryo successfully implants into the uterine lining, pregnancy occurs. A pregnancy test is conducted after a specified period to determine if the procedure was successful