In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a medical procedure that helps individuals or couples conceive a child. It involves collecting eggs from a woman's ovaries and fertilizing them with sperm in a laboratory setting. Once fertilized, the embryos are monitored for development before being transferred into the woman's uterus. IVF is often used when other fertility treatments have failed or when there are specific reproductive issues, such as blocked fallopian tubes or low sperm count. The process can take several weeks and may require multiple cycles to achieve a successful pregnancy.