IVF
Meaning
- IVF stands for In Vitro Fertilization, a medical procedure in which an egg and sperm are combined outside the body in a laboratory dish to achieve fertilization.
- It is commonly used as a treatment for infertility, where other methods of conception have not been successful.
- IVF involves several stages, including stimulation of the ovaries, egg retrieval, fertilization, and embryo transfer.
Word History
The acronym IVF emerged in the 1970s with the first successful in vitro fertilization in humans. It comes from Latin: in vitro meaning “in glass,” referring to the laboratory glassware used for the procedure.
Examples
- The couple opted for IVF after several years of unsuccessful attempts to conceive.
- IVF has helped many people with fertility issues build families.
- Advances in IVF techniques have improved the success rates over the years.
Synonyms
Assisted reproductive technology, fertility treatment
Related Words
Embryo, fertilization, ovulation, infertility, reproduction
Antonyms
Natural conception, spontaneous pregnancy
