Final answer:
In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a procedure used to treat fertility or genetic problems and assist with the conception of a child. The major requirement for IVF is having viable gametes, with hormonal treatments for the female to produce mature eggs and similarly viable sperm from the male.
Step-by-step explanation:
In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is an assisted reproductive technology which involves the process of fertilization by extracting eggs, retrieving a sperm sample, and then manually combining an egg and sperm in a laboratory dish. The resultant embryo or embryos are then transferred to the uterus for implantation.
The major requirement for IVF involves the availability of viable eggs and sperm that can be combined to create embryos. This requires hormonal treatments for the woman to stimulate the maturation of eggs and the preparation of the uterus for implantation. Sperm must be of sufficient quantity and quality to fertilize the egg. Under certain conditions where simple IVF is ineffective, Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) may be employed.
IVF is especially beneficial for individuals with infertility problems such as blocked fallopian tubes, low sperm count or motility, immunologic infertility, and unexplained infertility. It is also significant for producing embryos for scientific research or for use by others through surrogacy.