It is the process where ovules are fertilized by spermatozoa, outside the female body and under specially designed laboratory conditions. The zygote produced is then introduced into the uterus with the objective of full-term development.

 

IVF was developed in 1978, in order to solve female sterility problems (i.e Tubal Obstruction) and requires the disposition of healthy sperm. An evolved method, ICSI was later developed in 1992, in order to equally address male sterility problems, originating from severe sperm damage.

 

During the procedure of ICSI, each spermatozoa is ‘planted’ into one ovum, and the best 1-2 fertilized ovules (zygotes) are then introduced into the uterus. The rest of the successfully fertilized ovules are deep- frozen and stored for possible future attempts. This method should be considered as the last resort to solving the infertility of the couple and only after exhausting all other treatments that may assist natural conception.