What is ivf: In vitro fertilization, a method of conception when the old-fashioned way isn't working for whatever reason. Perhaps the woman is not as fertile as she once was and perhaps the man's sperm count is dwindling. Either way, in vitro fertilization takes the egg and the sperm outside to play in a lab where a scientist can bring them together in a much more effective way. Sitting in a dish in a lab, the egg is fertilized by the sperm. Once this takes place, the egg is implanted into the woman's uterus. Nine months later and voila, little baby Abby joins the world.



What is ivf: A highly effective way to conceive without surgery if a tubal ligation or vasectomy had been performed. Since the egg and sperm can be reached without having to alter the state of the fallopian tubes or the vas deferens. In other words, it is an easier way to conceive if you have already made a decision in the past not to.

What is ivf: A method of conception that works best when the woman is 35-45 years old since the older a woman is, the less likely she is to conceive. Likewise, the man's age and health could play a part if his sperm count is extremely low or unable to successfully fertilize an egg. In vitro fertilization is generally best for couples who are interested in conceiving and who are healthy.

What is ivf: A method of conception that can lead to a positive pregnancy test in about 10-14 days from the date of implantation into the uterus. If the initial attempt was unsuccessful, a repeat attempt can be made with 2-3 embryos which were frozen in case the initial attempt failed. If the woman is not pregnant within two weeks, the initial attempt failed.

What is ivf: An attempt to manually insert embryos into a woman's uterus who is fertile to secure pregnancy which may result in multiple births. In 10-25% of cases, a couple may be parents of twins. Multiple births is always a risk with ivf and must be monitored carefully. The risk of multiple births depends on how many embryos are implanted to secure the chance of conception. Usually 2-3 embryos are used to secure that one will attach itself to the uterine wall and become a child. This of course can result in twins or triplets even if the environment is ideal.

What is ivf: A method of conception which is generally variable in that its success rate varies from case to case. Usually, the younger the woman, the higher the chances are of conceiving since the uterine wall is perhaps better able to support an embryo and the egg itself is younger. Age certainly plays a factor since the aging process decreases fertility in many ways. In vitro fertilization is however, a viable option for those seeking to have children, who believe they may be fertile and able to carry a child to full term, and who may have had previous surgical procedures to prevent conception.