The full form of IVF is In Vitro Fertilization. IVF is a form of assisted reproductive technology (ART) that involves special medical techniques to help a woman become pregnant. During IVF, mature eggs are collected from the ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a lab. Then, one or more of the fertilized eggs, called embryos, are placed in a uterus, where babies develop. The IVF process typically involves the following steps:

1. Stimulation: Fertility drugs are given to the woman to boost egg production.
2. Egg retrieval: A minor surgical procedure is done to remove ovarian follicles from the ovary.
3. Fertilization: The eggs are fertilized with the mans sperm in a laboratory.
4. Embryo transfer: The embryos are left to mature for 2 to 6 days before being transferred to the uterus.

IVF is a treatment for infertility or genetic problems. It is most often tried when other, less expensive fertility techniques have failed. IVF is the most effective type of fertility treatment that involves the handling of eggs or embryos and sperm.