Fertility Treatment: In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

IVF is an assisted reproductive technology in which sperm and oocytes are retrieved and combined outside of the body where fertilization occurs, the embryos are then transferred to the uterus. Initially developed for tubal factor infertility, IVF is now indicated in a broad range of situations and is very successful. IVF is highly technological and has a number of rare though important risks, and must be used only after careful consideration of the medical indications and practitioners involved. Multiple techniques are used to enable and improve IVF including intracytoplasmic sperm injection, embryo cryopreservation, assisted hatching, and preimplantation genetic diagnosis. Hopefully this book will enhance your knowledge of IVF along with its appropriate indications and technique, and you will be able to apply this information to your professional practice.