--- title: How In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Works date: 2015-05-07T03:00:00-04:00 author: OBOS Admin canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/how-in-vitro-fertilization-ivf-works" section: Resources --- [Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate) [Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# How In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Works Infertility affects up to one in eight couples worldwide. As a result, the use of in vitro fertilization (IVF) has increased over the past forty years and can help people dealing with infertility, single parents, and same-sex couples. Note: This video does not address the serious problems that result from the drive for profit and lack of regulation of IVF. These issues include risks to egg donors, risks of implanting multiple embryos, and higher rates of chronic illness and disability among IVF offspring. Bringing reproductive justice to assisted reproduction technologies is [a priority area of advocacy](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/advocacy/assisted-reproduction-technologies-and-practices-advancing-health-and-reproductive-justice-in-family-formation) for Our Bodies Ourselves. > To increase the odds of success, which are as high as 40% for a woman younger than 35, doctors sometimes transfer multiple embryos at once, which is why IVF results in twins and triplets more often than natural pregnancies. However, most clinics seek to minimize the chances of multiple pregnancies, as they are riskier for mothers and babies. SOURCE: TED-Ed • AUTHOR: Nassim Assefi and Brian A. Levine • LAST UPDATED: May 7, 2015 ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics - [ sexual anatomies & sexual health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/sexual-anatomies-sexual-health) - [ infertility](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/infertility) - [infertility](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/infertility) - [reproductive technologies](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/reproductive-technologies) ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** - We rigorously evaluate all content - We embrace a reproductive justice framework - We don’t accept ads or sell products - We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry - We counter misinformation and disinformation - We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality [read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us) Share [](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();) ##### More to Explore [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Dealing with Infertility ES describes her journey of infertility as she and her husband tried to get pregnant and a painful procedure with a male doctor while seeking a diagnosis. ![Elena](data:image/png;base64,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) ES describes her journey of infertility as she and her husband tried to get pregnant and a painful procedure with a male doctor while seeking a diagnosis.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-dealing-with-infertility) [Stories & ConversationsRead ## Nature Does Not Work on Our Time Clock Kathleen shares her story of struggling with infertility. She discusses coming to terms with the reality that they may not have a child of their own but remains hopeful. ![Infertility Signs Symptoms and Causes scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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) Kathleen shares her story of struggling with infertility. She discusses coming to terms with the reality that they may not have a child of their own but remains hopeful.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-nature-does-not-work-on-our-time-clock) [Stories & ConversationsRead ## Healing From Years of Infertility and Loss A woman shares her six year journey with infertility, including attempts to become pregnant through IUI and IVF. After several losses, she had a daughter via IVF using a donor egg. ![infertility](data:image/png;base64,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) A woman shares her six year journey with infertility, including attempts to become pregnant through IUI and IVF. After several losses, she had a daughter via IVF using a donor egg.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-healing-from-years-of-infertility-and-loss) [Stories & ConversationsRead ## Why Were Other Women Pregnant and Not Me? A woman shares her story of infertility and how she stopped trusting her body, even though she was eventually able to conceive a child. ![A woman cries over a pregnancy test](data:image/png;base64,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) A woman shares her story of infertility and how she stopped trusting her body, even though she was eventually able to conceive a child.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-why-were-other-women-pregnant-and-not-me) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Discovering I Had Stage Four Endometriosis CB discusses trying different medicines to treat her period to no avail. After a laparoscopic exam, she learned that she has stage four endometriosis. ![Carlisa](data:image/png;base64,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) CB discusses trying different medicines to treat her period to no avail. After a laparoscopic exam, she learned that she has stage four endometriosis.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-discovering-i-had-stage-four-endometriosis) [Stories & ConversationsListen ## Loving Relationships and Vulvovaginal Pain In this podcast episode, a married couple shares how they navigate their sexual and emotional relationship when penetration causes vulvovaginal pain. ![Two hands clasped together with flowers](data:image/png;base64,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) In this podcast episode, a married couple shares how they navigate their sexual and emotional relationship when penetration causes vulvovaginal pain.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/loving-relationships-and-vulvovaginal-pain) [ResourcesRead ## Infertility Signs, Symptoms, and Causes This article discusses infertility, how common it is, and what causes infertility in cis women, cis men, and trans people using hormones. ![A table in a doctor's office with a stethoscope, model of a uterus, ultrasound images, and blocks that spell out infertility](data:image/png;base64,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) This article discusses infertility, how common it is, and what causes infertility in cis women, cis men, and trans people using hormones.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/infertility-signs-symptoms-and-causes) [ResourcesRead ## How Do I Tell a Partner I'm Intersex? How do you tell a crush, date, romantic⁠ interest, or current partner⁠ that you are intersex? This advice can work for any type of relationship⁠. ![A young couple sits together on the beach](data:image/png;base64,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) How do you tell a crush, date, romantic⁠ interest, or current partner⁠ that you are intersex? This advice can work for any type of relationship⁠.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/how-do-i-tell-a-partner-im-intersex)