IVF or In Vitro fertilization is a process of bringing egg cells obtained from ovaries into contact with sperm cells leading to the formation of embryos that are placed in the uterus for a successful pregnancy. Children born through the IVF procedure are also known as test tube babies. During the course of In Vitro fertilization, women have to undergo various check ups for precise identification of their fertility problems. Post this, they are advised to consume a set of prescribed fertility drugs. The function of these drugs is to stimulate the ovaries for them to form more mature eggs that can be used in the process. Doctors monitor the patient closely in this period for a change in the blood hormones level which helps them arrive at a conclusion with regard to the maturity of eggs developed in the ovaries.

In the next stage of IVF, mature egg cells are collected from the ovaries while the patient is put on anesthesia. This is done with the aid of a fine needle which is visible on the ultrasound that projects the progress. The wall of vagina is pierced and the fluid containing eggs is carefully collected. Of all the egg cells collected, 10-20 are selected for fertilization. These cells are then combined with the sperms obtained from the donor. In case of a low sperm count, the sperm cells are directly injected into the eggs. Once the procedure of fusing the sperms and eggs is complete, the sample is kept in an incubator. Normally, fertilization occurs in a span of two days which results in the formation of embryos or ball like cells. The best of these are chosen to be placed into the uterus. Some of the embryos are also stored in the laboratory. These are used in cases of a failed first attempt at conceiving a child.

In the final stage, healthy embryos are implanted into the uterus with the help of a thin tube or catheter which is inserted into uterus through the cervix.  The number of embryos placed into the uterus is determined by the age and fertility issues of the bearer. Upon the completion of the IVF process, women can resume their regular activities on the same day.

The results of IVF can be checked in a period of two weeks through a pregnancy test. The complications involved in the entire procedure are extremely rare. One of the risks associated with IVF is the concern of multiple pregnancies which leads to the birth of twins or triplets. Though multiple pregnancies are very well handled by doctors, who are aided by the latest techniques in modern science, there is a slim chance of miscarriage that may be triggered in due course of time. In addition to this, there are other risks posed by sperms which have not been cleaned well before their fusion withy the eggs. Such sperms can be infectious and may disrupt the procedure.