In vitro fertilisation (IVF), which literally means "fertilisation in glass", refers to assisted reproduction that takes place outside of the body. IVF was originally developed to treat infertility caused by blocked or damaged fallopian tubes. However, IVF is currently used to treat a variety of fertility problems that have not responded to other medical and surgical interventions.
Eggs and sperm are collected and fertilised to form an embryo, which is then transferred to the uterus to continue, hopefully, to pregnancy. The steps involved in IVF treatment are discussed in detail in the ‘What to expect’ section.