IVF is an acronym for In Vitro Fertilization, which is a complex series of procedures used to assist with fertility or prevent genetic problems and assist with the conception of a child. During IVF, mature eggs are collected (retrieved) from ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a lab. Then the fertilized egg (embryo) or embryos are transferred to a uterus. It is one of the most common and effective types of assisted reproductive technology.