What does the abbreviation IVF mean?

IVF stands for In Vitro Fertilization, a type of assisted reproductive technology used to help individuals and couples conceive a child. In this process, a woman’s eggs are retrieved from her ovaries and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory dish (“in vitro” means “in glass”). Once embryos form, one or more are transferred into the woman’s uterus in hopes of achieving pregnancy. IVF is commonly recommended for various fertility challenges, including blocked fallopian tubes, low sperm count, ovulation disorders, or unexplained infertility. It has enabled millions of people worldwide to build families when natural conception isn’t possible.