In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an assisted reproductive technology in which a female egg is fertilized outside the body in a laboratory with male sperm, typically in a cell culture dish. The embryo(s) is then transferred inside the uterus. In this process first fertility medications are given to the patient to stimulate egg production. A transvaginal ultrasound is used to examine the ovaries. Once the eggs are ready they are retrieved through a minor  procedure that uses ultrasound imaging to guide a hollow needle through the pelvic cavity to take out the eggs. The sperm and eggs are then mixed together and stored in a laboratory dish to encourage fertilization. After fertilization the embryos are allowed to develop. Once the embryos are ready they are transferred into the woman’s uterus three to five days after egg retrieval.  A catheter or small tube is inserted into the uterus to transfer the embryos. This procedure is painless for most women, although some may experience mild cramping. If the procedure is successful, implantation typically occurs around ten days following egg retrieval.

IVF can be used to treat both female as well as male infertility. It is done in various causes of female infertility like blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, women with ovulation disorders, premature ovarian failure, uterine fibroids, unexplained infertility , endometriosis, genetic disorders, decreased ovarian reserve, etc. IVF is also done for male factor infertility including decreased sperm count or sperm motility. It can also be done in male where there is no sperm in semen but sperm are present in the testis. In such patients it is teamed with TESA/TESE and Intra cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) . IVF is also indicated in Individuals with a genetic disorder where it is combined with pre- implantation genetic screening (PGS).

In cases where there is a lower probability of fertilization due to poor semen quality, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be used. Through this procedure, a single sperm is injected directly into the egg in an attempt to achieve fertilization.