In Vitro Fertilization

The main goal of in vitro fertilization (IVF) is to achieve a pregnancy. It is a fertility treatment used to help couples or individuals who have difficulty conceiving naturally due to infertility problems in the man or woman, or problems in the uterus or fallopian tubes. In vitro fertilization can also be used to help couples with genetic problems or for same-sex couples.

What is in vitro fertilization?

In vitro fertilization is a medical procedure that allows couples or individuals who have difficulty conceiving naturally, to have an option to achieve a pregnancy. The process consists of the combination of eggs and sperm in a laboratory, where an embryo is created and then transferred to the woman’s uterus.

In what situations is it recommended to use in vitro fertilization?

There are different causes that can lead a couple to resort to in vitro fertilization, some of them include:

  • Sterility problems in men or women.
  • Failed ovulation or spermatogenesis.
  • Clogged or damaged fallopian tubes.
  • Endometriosis or uterine fibroids.
  • Genetic problems in the couple.
  • Same-sex couples.


The in vitro fertilization procedure step by step

  1. Ovarian stimulation: Medication is given to stimulate ovulation and produce multiple eggs.
  2. Egg Retrieval: Mature eggs are removed through a surgical procedure called follicular puncture.
  3. Egg fertilization: Eggs are combined with sperm in a laboratory.
  4. Embryo transfer: the resulting embryos are transferred to the uterus to try to achieve a pregnancy.