In vitro fertilization. Technology and methods

The laboratory component of assisted reproductive technologies involves the manipulation and culture of male and female gametes in vitro, with the goal of producing viable embryos for transfer to a woman to enable the establishment of pregnancy. The biology of the gametes and resulting embryos dictates how they should be handled in vitro to maximize their potential at establishing a viable pregnancy. This article examines the biology of gametes and offers some suggestions as how best to proceed with the process of in vitro fertilization, embryo culture, and embryo transfer.