In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)

Word definition: Fertilisation in a petri-dish; extracorporeal fertilisation.

General principle: The joining of sperm cells and oocytes in a petri-dish or a vial after ovarian stimulation and extraction of mature oocytes from the follicles (after a hormonal stimulation).

The vial is the place where fertilisation and the division of oocytes takes place. The fertilised and divided oocytes are called early embryos by this stage, and are transferred to the uterine cavity.

This method of treatment is used, in case of bilateral Fallopian tube blockage, endometriosis or previously failed insemination cycles.