This is the most commonly used Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART). It is often called the test tube baby procedure and has now helped sub fertile couples to conceive and bear children for well over four decades. In order for pregnancy to occur, an egg must be released from the ovary and unite with the sperm. This union called fertilisation normally occurs within the fallopian tubes. In the process of IVF, however, this union takes place in a laboratory after both eggs and sperm have been collected. The oocytes develop in the laboratory into embryos and the multiple cell stage is called blastocyst. These are then transferred to the uterus to continue to grow.

IVF is indicated in the following conditions

• Blocked fallopian tubes
• Endometriosis
• Unexplained subfertility
• Failed IUI
• Failed ovulation induction
• Fertility preservation for patients with cancers

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