Infertility and Pregnancy Preparation
IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)
Related terms · IVF · In Vitro Fertilization
In vitro fertilization is an infertility treatment where an egg and sperm are fertilized outside the body, and the resulting embryo is then transferred into the uterus.
Reviewed by Korean Medicine Doctor Choi Yeon-seung · Last updated 2026-08-26
Meaning and Distinctions
What does IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) mean?
After catheter insertion Menstrual cramps Mild cramping similar to menstrual pain may occur briefly; please record the intensity and duration. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an infertility treatment where an egg and sperm are fertilized outside the body, and the resulting embryo is then transferred into the uterus.
- Easily confused terms
- ovulationIt differs in stages from ovulation induction and artificial insemination, and the plan varies based on individual test results and treatment history.
- Why this is checked during medical evaluation
- First, confirm the current stage of pregnancy preparation, procedure, childbirth, or menopause. Then, within a range that does not interfere with existing schedules and treatments, check sleep, digestion, and recovery of energy in order.
- What to record for your visit
- Please write the following information along with the dates and show it during your medical evaluation: the procedure protocol, schedule for injections, retrieval, and transfer; a full list of previous response prescriptions, vaginal suppositories, injections, Korean herbal medicine, and supplements; and records of abdominal bloating, weight, urination, breathing, bowel movements, and sleep.
Women's Health Glossary
Compare similar terms here
You can check a brief definition before proceeding to a detailed explanation.AMHAMH is a blood test used to predict the response to ovarian stimulation by indirectly reflecting the population of follicles remaining in the ovaries.OvulationOvulation is the process where an egg is released from the ovary. Because the date can vary with each menstrual cycle, it is difficult to determine the exact ovulation date through calendar calculation alone.Ovarian Hyperstimulation SyndromeOvarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) is a complication where the ovaries overreact to ovulation-inducing or IVF medications, causing them to enlarge and leading to abdominal bloating, pain, and nausea.
Read More
Check guides where this term is used
- Condition GuideIVF PreparationAfter intrauterine insemination, short-term lower abdominal cramps or light spotting may occur due to catheter irritation, but the presence or absence of these symptoms cannot be used to determine the success of the pregnancy. Please take the pregnancy test on the date guided by the fertility center and do not change prescribed medications arbitrarily. If you experience severe abdominal bloating, vomiting, fainting, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or decreased urination after ovulation induction, contact the center or emergency services immediately.→
- Condition GuideRecurrent MiscarriageRecurrent miscarriage is evaluated as having had two or more miscarriages, and a common cause is a coincidental chromosomal abnormality in the embryo. In some cases, parental chromosomal translocation, structural issues such as uterine shape, adhesions, or fibroids, antiphospholipid syndrome, or endocrine diseases like uncontrolled thyroid disease are involved. However, even after investigating medical history, blood, genetics, and uterine structure, the cause remains unexplained in more than half of the cases. This does not mean that a single stressor or daily habit is the cause, nor is it the patient's fault. If you are currently pregnant and experiencing bleeding, abdominal pain, dizziness, or fainting, seek an immediate obstetric evaluation rather than scheduling a cause-investigation test.→
- Medical Evaluation GuideWhat should I bring when preparing for both infertility/IVF treatment and Korean medicine treatment?Rather than bringing only an AMH level, gather the test date, ultrasound and semen analysis results, history of ovulation induction, retrieval, and transfer, and a chronological list of current medications and supplements. Instead of changing the infertility treatment schedule, Korean medicine treatment determines the scope of complementary care based on the current stage and physical condition.→
- Women's Health ColumnHow should infertility or IVF treatment and Korean herbal medicine be coordinated within one plan?→
Evidence and Update Information
The following materials were referenced to verify the basis and scope of the definitions and treatment explanations.
- ASRM: Fertility Evaluation of Infertile WomenTiming of infertility evaluation and assessment of ovulation, fallopian tubes, uterus, and ovarian reserve