Fertility Glossary
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
Last updated: March 2026 · Medically reviewed by Dr. Adnan Jabbar
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is a fertility treatment where eggs are retrieved from the ovaries, fertilised with sperm in a laboratory, and the resulting embryo is transferred into the uterus. IVF is indicated when simpler treatments have failed or when structural barriers — such as blocked fallopian tubes or severe male factor — make natural conception impossible.
32%
Live birth rate per cycle, women under 35 (HFEA, 2023)
~5M
Babies born worldwide through IVF since 1978 (ESHRE, 2022)
4–6 wks
Typical duration of a single IVF cycle
How does IVF work?
- 1Ovarian stimulation — Injectable hormones stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs over 10–14 days.
- 2Egg retrieval — Eggs are collected via a minor ultrasound-guided procedure under sedation.
- 3Fertilisation — Eggs are mixed with sperm (or injected via ICSI) in the embryology lab and monitored for 5 days.
- 4Embryo transfer — The highest-quality blastocyst is transferred into the uterus; surplus embryos may be frozen for future cycles.
Frequently asked questions about IVF
What does IVF stand for?
IVF stands for In Vitro Fertilisation — "in vitro" means "in glass" in Latin, referring to fertilisation happening outside the body.
How many cycles of IVF does it take?
Many patients conceive within 1–3 cycles. Success per cycle is 32% for women under 35 (HFEA, 2023), declining with age.
Is IVF painful?
The egg retrieval procedure uses sedation; mild cramping is common afterwards. Hormone injections cause bloating in some patients.
How long does one IVF cycle take?
A single IVF cycle takes approximately 4–6 weeks from the start of stimulation to pregnancy test.
Ready to explore IVF?
Dr. Adnan Jabbar offers free initial consultations via WhatsApp.
Ask about IVF on WhatsApp