"In vitro" means "in glass" — fertilization happens in the laboratory rather than inside the body. An IVF cycle involves stimulating the ovaries to grow multiple follicles, collecting the eggs, fertilizing them with sperm in the lab, growing the resulting embryos for a few days, and transferring an embryo into the uterus.
Who it's for
IVF is commonly recommended for blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, significant male-factor infertility, endometriosis, unexplained infertility that hasn't responded to simpler treatment, and situations where time matters — such as advanced maternal age or low ovarian reserve. It is not only a "last resort"; starting IVF earlier can save valuable time in the right cases.
What it isn't
IVF babies grow and develop just like naturally conceived babies, and success is never certain in a single attempt — outcomes depend on age, egg and sperm quality, and other individual factors. Read the full walkthrough in the IVF Journey series on the guides page.