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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a complex series of procedures used to treat fertility or genetic problems and assist with the conception of a child. During IVF, mature eggs are collected (retrieved) from your ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a lab. Then the fertilized egg (embryo) or eggs are implanted in your uterus. One cycle of IVF takes about two weeks.
IVF is the most effective form of assisted reproductive technology. The procedure can be done using your own eggs and your partner's sperm. Or IVF may involve eggs, sperm or embryos from a known or anonymous donor. In some cases, a gestational carrier — a woman who has an embryo implanted in her uterus — might be used.
Your chances of having a healthy baby using IVF depend on many factors, such as your age and the cause of infertility. In addition, IVF can be time-consuming, expensive and invasive. If more than one embryo is implanted in your uterus, IVF can result in a pregnancy with more than one fetus (multiple pregnancy).
Your doctor can help you understand how IVF works, the potential risks and whether this method of treating infertility is right for you.
- Medications for inducing ovulation: A guide for patients. American Society for Reproductive Medicine. http://www.asrm.org/Medications_for_Inducing_Ovulation/. Accessed May 21, 2013.
- Paulson R. In vitro fertilization. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed May 21, 2013.
- Paulson R. Pregnancy outcome after assisted reproductive technology. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed May 21, 2013.
- ART: Step-by-step guide. Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART). http://www.sart.org/detail.aspx?id=1903. Accessed May 21, 2013.
- Frequently asked questions. Gynecologic problems FAQ137. Treating infertility. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq137.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20130521T1023327144. Accessed May 21, 2013.
- Frequently asked questions. Gynecologic problems FAQ138. Evaluating infertility. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq136.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20130521T1027034009. Accessed May 21, 2013.
- Infertility: Frequently asked questions. National Women's Health Information Center. http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/infertility.pdf. Accessed May 21, 2013.
- Risks of in vitro fertilization (IVF). American Society for Reproductive Medicine. http://www.asrm.org/Risks_of_In_Vitro_Fertilization_factsheet/. Accessed May 21, 2013.
- 2010 Assisted reproductive technology success rates: National summary and fertility clinic reports. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/art/ARTReports.htm. Accessed May 21, 2013.
- Infertility FAQs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/Infertility/. Accessed May 21, 2013.
- Assisted reproductive technologies: A guide for patients. American Society for Reproductive Medicine. http://www.asrm.org/uploadedFiles/ASRM_Content/Resources/Patient_Resources/Fact_Sheets_and_Info_Booklets/ART.pdf. Accessed May 21, 2013.
- Coddington III CC (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 30, 2013.
- Jensen JR (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 6, 2013.
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