In Vitro Fertilization
		Oocytes are fertilized outside the human body. A few days later they are reimplanted as embryos in the uterine cavity, where they become attached and grow into a pregnancy.
		Before individual oocytes can be harvested, hormonal stimulation for a period of about three weeks is necessary. This causes several oocytes to mature. The time of harvesting is programmed.
		Semen preparation serves to separate the sperms that are highly motile; they are only ones that will be added to the oocytes in a reagent dish.
		Oocytes are obtained by suction through a thin tube inserted through the vaginal wall and visually guided by ultrasound monitoring. This is usually performed under light general anesthesia or, if the patient prefers, acupuncture.
		Fertilization of the oocytes takes only a few hours. After fertilization, the oocytes divides to develop into an embryo.
		The embryo is transferred (Embryo transfer) into the uterine cavity after two to five days (at the most). Transfer is performed via a thin catheter passed through the vagina and the cervical opening, and is completely painless. .
		During the phase of the menstrual cycle following embryo transfer (Luteal phase), hormones are given in order to encourage implantation of the embryo and support the pregnancy.