How Can IVF Help?
The IVF procedure may help otherwise infertile patients to achieve pregnancy in a variety of ways:

• the eggs are removed from a physical
environment that may be hostile
• the sperm are allowed direct access to the eggs,
thereby increasing the likelihood of fertilization
• the need for tubal function is eliminated
• fewer active sperm are required to achieve
fertilization

The IVF procedure itself may serve as a diagnostic tool, allowing the doctor to observe the fertilization process and diagnose problems that are specific either to the eggs or to the inability of the sperm to bind onto and penetrate the eggs.