IVF is a four-stage procedure:

Stage One – Hormonal injections are given to stimulate the development of multiple follicles.

Stage Two-Once mature, the eggs are removed (or retrieved) from the woman's ovaries using a fine needle.  

Stage Three-The eggs are transferred to a laboratory dish where they are fertilized by sperm collected from the male partner.  

Stage Four-Several days later, the fertilized embryo is inserted back into the uterus.