In vitro fertilization, or IVF, is a complicated series of procedures that can ultimately result in pregnancy. It’s an infertility treatment for couples who can’t get pregnant after trying for at least a year. IVF can also prevent the spread of genetic issues to a child.
During IVF, mature eggs are retrieved from the ovaries, fertilized by sperm in a laboratory and transferred to a patient’s uterus. A full cycle of IVF can take somewhere between 2 to 3 weeks. Sometimes, these steps are split into different parts, so the process can take longer.
In vitro fertilization is the most effective type of fertility treatment that involves the handling of eggs or embryos and sperm. Together, this group of treatments is called assisted reproductive technology.
With in vitro fertilization, a couple can use their own eggs and sperm. Or it may include eggs, sperm or embryos from a known or an unknown donor. In some cases, a gestational carrier — a woman who carries an embryo implanted in the uterus — may be used.
Who Needs IVF?
In vitro fertilization is a treatment for infertility or genetic problems. Sometimes, IVF is offered as a main treatment for infertility in people over the age of 40. It can also be performed if a patient has certain health conditions, such as:
- Fallopian tube damage or blockage – Eggs move from the ovaries to the uterus through the fallopian tubes. If both tubes get damaged or blocked, that makes it hard for an egg to be fertilized or for an embryo to travel to the uterus.
- Ovulation disorders – If ovulation happens rarely or never, fewer eggs are available to be fertilized by sperm.
- Endometriosis – Endometriosis often affects the ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes.
- Uterine fibroids – These are tumors which develop in your uterus. Most often, they’re not cancer. They’re all too frequent among 30- and 40-year-olds. Fibroids can make it difficult for a fertilized egg to attach to the lining of the uterus.
- Previous pregnancy-preventing surgery – A surgery used to prevent pregnancy, called tubal ligation, stops pregnancy permanently – the fallopian tubes are cut or blocked. IVF could be an option if you’d like to get pregnant after having your tubes tied. It may be a possibility if you don’t desire or aren’t able to have a surgery to reverse tubal ligation.
- Sperm Issues – A low number of sperm or unusual changes in their movement, size or shape can make it hard for sperm to fertilize an egg. If medical tests find issues with sperm, a visit to an infertility specialist might be needed to see if there are treatable problems or other health concerns.
- Unexplained infertility – Sometimes, tests can’t find the reason for someone’s infertility.
- A genetic disorder – If you or your partner is at risk of passing on a genetic disorder to your child, your fertility doctor may recommend getting a procedure that involves IVF It’s called preimplantation genetic testing. After the eggs are harvested and fertilized, they’re checked for certain genetic problems. Embryos that don’t appear to contain a genetic problem can be placed in the uterus.
- A desire to preserve fertility due to cancer or other health conditions. Cancer treatments such as radiation or chemotherapy can harm fertility. If you’re about to start treatment for cancer, IVF could be a way to still have a baby in the future. Eggs can be harvested from their ovaries and frozen for later use. Or the eggs can be fertilized and frozen as embryos for future use.
The Emotional Side of IVF
Beyond the science, IVF is also an emotional journey. It can bring moments of stress, vulnerability, and uncertainty, but also overwhelming happiness and deep connections. Families with this experience often describe IVF as transformative, not only because it leads to the birth of a child, but because it deepens their resilience and their sense of partnership.
Having a compassionate team by your side makes all the difference. At Beta Plus Surrogacy, we’ve been honored to support intended parents for over 15 years, walking with them step by step. We believe that IVF isn’t just about creating embryos—it’s about creating families, and every family’s story is worth celebrating.
A Pathway to Parenthood
So, when someone asks, “What is in vitro fertilization?” the answer is both simple and profound. Sure, IVF is a medical process — but more importantly, it is a doorway to a whole new world of possibilities. It’s a chance for hopeful parents to hold the baby they have longed for, to hear that first laugh, to build the family they’ve dreamed of.
If you are considering IVF, know that you are not alone. Millions have walked this path before you, and with the right care, support, and guidance, it can be one of the most meaningful journeys of your life.