In vitro fertilization (IVF)
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a process of fertilization where an egg is combined with sperm in vitro ("in glass"). The process involves monitoring and stimulating a woman's adulatory process, removing an ovum or ova (egg or eggs) from her ovaries and letting sperm fertilize them in a culture medium in a laboratory. After the fertilized egg (zygote) undergoes embryo culture for 2–6 days, it is implanted in a uterus, with the intention of establishing a successful pregnancy. IVF is a type of assisted reproductive technology used for infertility treatment and gestational surrogacy. A fertilized egg may be implanted into a surrogate's uterus, and the resulting child is genetically unrelated to the surrogate. Some countries have banned or otherwise regulate the availability of IVF treatment, giving rise to fertility tourism. Restrictions on the availability of IVF include costs and age, in order for a woman to carry a healthy pregnancy to term.