Glossary > I > In vitro fertilization (IVF)

In vitro fertilization (IVF)

IVF is an assisted conception treatment in which eggs and sperm are mixed in a petri dish in a laboratory in the hope that the eggs will be fertilized. Up to three developing embryos can then be transferred to the woman's uterus with the aim of achieving pregnancy. "In vitro" is Latin for "in glass", and refers to the glass dish in which fertilization takes place.