Menstrual Glossary A to Z

In Vitro Fertilization

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) refers to a series of medical techniques with the purpose of creating an embryo outside of the female patient's body and then transferring the embryo to her uterus. In vitro literally means 'in glass', referring to the fact that egg and sperm cells are combined in a petri dish.

IVF was initially created to treat infertility from fallopian tube blockages. It has become an effective work-around (although one of the costliest and most complex) for many forms of female and male infertility.

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