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World IVF Day is observed every year on 25 July. It celebrates a major medical breakthrough that has helped millions of people explore new paths to parenthood.
The day also recognises the dedication of embryologists, fertility specialists, nurses, counsellors and laboratory professionals involved in assisted reproductive technology.
World IVF Day 2026 is an opportunity to understand fertility health, address common misconceptions and acknowledge the physical and emotional experiences of people undergoing fertility treatment.
What Is World IVF Day?
World IVF Day, also known as World Embryologist Day, marks the birth of Louise Brown, the first baby born through in vitro fertilisation, or IVF.
IVF is a form of assisted reproductive technology. During the procedure, eggs are collected from the ovaries and combined with sperm in a specialised laboratory. One or more resulting embryos may then be transferred into the uterus.
IVF may be considered when pregnancy has not occurred because of conditions such as:
- Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
- Ovulation disorders
- Endometriosis
- Reduced ovarian reserve
- Male fertility factors
- Certain inherited medical conditions
- Unexplained infertility
- The need to preserve eggs, sperm or embryos before medical treatment
The decision to undergo IVF is personal. Your treatment plan should be based on your age, medical history, test results and individual reproductive goals.
History And Origin Of World IVF Day
On 25 July 1978, Louise Brown was born in England following years of research by reproductive physiologist Robert Edwards, gynaecologist Patrick Steptoe and embryologist Jean Purdy.
Her birth showed that fertilisation outside the human body could result in a successful pregnancy and a healthy baby. This milestone transformed reproductive medicine.
Robert Edwards later received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for the development of IVF. Since the first successful birth, laboratory methods, medicines, embryo culture systems and pregnancy monitoring have continued to improve.
Why World IVF Day Is Celebrated
World IVF Day is important for several reasons:
- It honours the scientific milestone that made IVF possible.
- It recognises the work of embryologists and fertility care teams.
- It raises awareness about infertility as a medical condition.
- It encourages respectful and informed conversations about fertility.
- It helps reduce the stigma often associated with difficulty conceiving.
- It supports the need for safe, ethical and evidence-based fertility care.
- It reminds you that emotional support is an important part of treatment.
The World Health Organization estimates that approximately one in six people experiences infertility during their lifetime. This means fertility concerns are common and should not be treated as a source of blame or shame.
Theme And Significance Of World IVF Day 2026
World IVF Day does not depend on a single slogan to remain meaningful. In 2026, its central message is clear: fertility care should be scientific, ethical, compassionate and accessible.
The day highlights the need to balance hope with realistic information. IVF has created new possibilities, but it does not guarantee pregnancy in every cycle. Outcomes can vary according to your age, egg and sperm health, the cause of infertility, embryo development and other medical factors.
In India, assisted reproductive technology is regulated under the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021. The law provides a framework for the registration and supervision of ART clinics and banks. It also addresses informed consent, record keeping, embryo and gamete handling, and ethical practice.
How Does IVF Work?
An IVF cycle usually includes several stages.
Fertility Assessment
Both partners may undergo tests before treatment begins. These may include hormone tests, pelvic ultrasound, semen analysis and screening for relevant infections or genetic conditions.
Ovarian Stimulation
Hormone medicines help several eggs mature during the same cycle. Your doctor monitors the ovaries through ultrasound scans and blood tests.
Egg Retrieval
Mature eggs are collected from the ovaries through a short, ultrasound-guided procedure. Sedation or anaesthesia is usually provided.
Fertilisation
The collected eggs are combined with sperm in a laboratory. In some cases, a single sperm is injected directly into an egg through intracytoplasmic sperm injection, or ICSI.
Embryo Culture
Fertilised eggs are observed as they develop into embryos. Embryologists monitor their growth and appearance over the next few days.
Embryo Transfer
A selected embryo is placed inside the uterus using a thin catheter. Suitable additional embryos may be frozen for future use.
Pregnancy Testing
A blood test for beta human chorionic gonadotropin, or beta hCG, is usually performed after the transfer to check for pregnancy.
Advances In Fertility Science
Fertility treatment has become more personalised and precise. Important developments include the following.
Personalised Ovarian Stimulation
Doctors can use factors such as your age, anti-Müllerian hormone level, antral follicle count and previous response to treatment when planning ovarian stimulation.
This personalised approach helps doctors select an appropriate medicine dose and reduce the risk of an excessive ovarian response.
Improved Embryo Freezing
Vitrification is a rapid freezing method used for eggs and embryos. It reduces the formation of damaging ice crystals and has improved the reliability of fertility preservation and frozen embryo transfer.
It may benefit people who need to delay embryo transfer, preserve fertility before cancer treatment or store eggs and embryos for future family planning.
Preimplantation Genetic Testing
Preimplantation genetic testing can examine cells from an embryo before transfer.
PGT-M may be used when there is a known risk of passing on a specific inherited disorder. PGT-A checks the number of chromosomes in an embryo.
However, PGT-A is not necessary for every person undergoing IVF. Large studies have not shown that routine testing improves cumulative live birth rates for all patients. Your fertility specialist can explain whether genetic testing is appropriate for your circumstances.
Artificial Intelligence And Time-Lapse Imaging
Time-lapse systems take repeated images of embryos while they remain inside an incubator. Artificial intelligence tools can help analyse these images and rank embryos according to visible developmental features.
These technologies may support consistent laboratory assessment. However, current evidence has not established that AI-based embryo selection improves pregnancy or live birth outcomes for every patient. It should support, rather than replace, clinical and embryology expertise.
Advanced Sperm Selection
Microfluidic devices are designed to separate sperm according to factors such as movement and physical characteristics. The process aims to reduce unnecessary handling and identify suitable sperm for fertilisation.
Early research is promising, but studies have not consistently shown a significant improvement in pregnancy outcomes. It may be useful in selected cases rather than as a routine addition for everyone.
Safer Single Embryo Transfer
Transferring one carefully selected embryo can reduce the likelihood of twins or higher-order multiple pregnancies.
A multiple pregnancy can increase the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, high blood pressure and gestational diabetes. The number of embryos transferred should be decided after considering your age, embryo quality and treatment history.
Pregnancy Care After IVF
A pregnancy achieved through IVF usually follows the same developmental stages as a pregnancy conceived without treatment. However, your doctor may recommend additional monitoring during the early weeks.
An early ultrasound helps confirm that the pregnancy is developing inside the uterus. This is important because the risk of ectopic pregnancy may be slightly higher after fertility treatment.
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a pregnancy develops outside the uterus, commonly in a fallopian tube. Contact your care team promptly if you experience one-sided abdominal pain, unusual bleeding, dizziness or fainting.
Pregnancies following fertility treatment may also have a slightly increased risk of high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes. Your individual risk may be influenced by your age, weight, existing health conditions, use of donor eggs and whether you are carrying more than one baby.
Gestational diabetes can often be managed effectively through timely screening, balanced nutrition, physical activity and treatment when required.
Ovarian torsion is another uncommon complication associated with enlarged ovaries after ovarian stimulation. Ovarian torsion occurs when an ovary twists and its blood supply is affected. Sudden severe abdominal pain, often with nausea or vomiting, requires urgent medical assessment.
Most people undergoing IVF do not experience serious complications. Attending scheduled appointments and reporting unusual symptoms helps your care team manage concerns early.
Women's Health And Fertility Awareness
Fertility awareness is not limited to people currently planning a pregnancy. Understanding your menstrual, hormonal and reproductive health can support informed decisions at different stages of life.
You can support your reproductive health by:
- Keeping track of significant changes in your menstrual cycle
- Maintaining a weight that is appropriate for your health
- Avoiding smoking and recreational drugs
- Limiting alcohol
- Eating a balanced and varied diet
- Taking folic acid before pregnancy as advised
- Managing thyroid disorders, diabetes and other long-term conditions
- Getting tested for sexually transmitted infections when appropriate
- Seeking medical guidance if you have persistent pelvic pain or irregular periods
- Discussing fertility preservation before treatments that may affect the ovaries or testes
Age is one factor that affects fertility, particularly egg quantity and quality. However, age alone does not explain every fertility concern. Timely evaluation can help you understand your health without making assumptions about the outcome.
Tests And Checkups During IVF And Pregnancy
The tests you require will depend on your health history and treatment plan.
Before IVF
Your evaluation may include:
- Anti-Müllerian hormone and other reproductive hormone tests
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone and prolactin test
- Pelvic ultrasound and antral follicle count
- Semen analysis
- Complete blood count
- Blood group and Rh typing
- Blood glucose or HbA1c Test
- Screening for relevant infections
- Genetic testing when medically indicated
A Fertility Endocrine Panel for women or men may help assess important hormonal markers as part of a broader fertility evaluation.
During Ovarian Stimulation
Blood hormone measurements and ultrasound scans help your specialist monitor follicle development and adjust medicines safely.
Report severe bloating, breathing difficulty, reduced urination, sudden weight gain or intense abdominal pain. These may require assessment for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome or ovarian torsion.
After Embryo Transfer And During Pregnancy
Your care plan may include:
- Beta hCG blood testing
- Early pregnancy ultrasound
- Routine blood and urine routine tests
- Thyroid and blood glucose monitoring when required
- Screening for chromosomal conditions according to medical advice
- First trimester ultrasound
- Foetal anomaly scan
- Screening for gestational diabetes
- Blood pressure and growth monitoring
These tests help your doctor monitor your health and your baby's development. They do not indicate that something is necessarily wrong.
Emotional And Psychological Support
IVF can involve uncertainty, waiting and repeated decisions. You may experience hope, sadness, anxiety, frustration or emotional exhaustion. These feelings are understandable.
You can make the process more manageable by:
- Asking your care team for clear information
- Setting realistic expectations for each treatment stage
- Sharing responsibilities with your partner or support person
- Limiting conversations that feel intrusive
- Taking breaks from online fertility content
- Practising gentle movement, breathing exercises or mindfulness
- Speaking with a counsellor experienced in reproductive health
There is no single correct way to manage fertility treatment. You are allowed to protect your privacy, pause treatment or seek additional support.
How IVF Promotes Childcare And Early Development
The care of a child born through IVF follows the same core principles as the care of any other child.
Most children conceived through IVF are healthy. Their development is supported by regular paediatric checkups, vaccinations, balanced nutrition, safe sleep practices, responsive parenting and timely developmental screening.
IVF does not define a child or their abilities. It is simply the method through which fertilisation occurred.
Parents may feel especially protective after a long fertility journey. Clear guidance from your paediatrician can help you distinguish normal developmental variations from concerns that require attention.
Common Myths About IVF
Myth: IVF Always Works In The First Cycle
Fact: Some people conceive after one cycle, while others require more than one attempt. Success depends on several individual factors.
Myth: Infertility Is Always Caused By A Female Partner
Fact: Fertility concerns may involve male factors, female factors, both partners or no clearly identifiable cause.
Myth: IVF Always Results In Twins
Fact: A single embryo can be transferred to reduce the likelihood of a multiple pregnancy.
Myth: Complete Bed Rest Is Required After Embryo Transfer
Fact: Most people can continue gentle daily activities unless their doctor advises otherwise.
Myth: IVF Babies Are Less Healthy
Fact: Most children conceived through IVF are healthy. Some pregnancy risks are influenced by parental health, age, infertility itself and multiple pregnancy.
Myth: IVF Removes Every Genetic Risk
Fact: No fertility treatment can eliminate every genetic or pregnancy-related risk. Genetic tests are used only for specific purposes and have limitations.
Stories Of Hope And Parenthood
Every fertility journey is different. For some people, IVF leads to pregnancy quickly. For others, the journey may include repeated treatment, donor options, fertility preservation or a decision to stop treatment.
Hope does not mean ignoring uncertainty. It means receiving accurate information, compassionate care and the freedom to make decisions that are appropriate for you.
World IVF Day celebrates successful births, but it should also recognise people whose journeys are ongoing or have taken a different direction.
Global Observance Of World IVF Day
Around the world, World IVF Day is marked through:
- Fertility awareness programmes
- Educational discussions and webinars
- Embryology workshops
- Patient support meetings
- Scientific conferences
- Public conversations about infertility
- Recognition of fertility laboratory professionals
- Advocacy for ethical and equitable reproductive care
The day encourages communities to discuss infertility without blame and to respect the privacy of people receiving treatment.
How You Can Participate In World IVF Day 2026
You can participate in meaningful ways:
- Share accurate information from reputable medical sources.
- Avoid jokes or insensitive comments about infertility.
- Listen without offering unwanted advice.
- Respect a person's choice to keep treatment private.
- Acknowledge the work of embryologists and fertility professionals.
- Encourage balanced discussions about the benefits and limitations of IVF.
- Learn about reproductive health and preventive screening.
- Support someone attending appointments or recovering from a procedure.
Sometimes the most valuable support is a simple statement such as, "I am here to listen."
Conclusion
World IVF Day 2026 celebrates scientific progress while recognising the courage and patience involved in every fertility journey. IVF has expanded reproductive choices, but successful care depends on accurate testing, personalised treatment, ethical clinical practice and emotional support.
Understanding your fertility and general health markers can help you make informed decisions before, during and after treatment. Routine health screening is also useful for identifying conditions such as thyroid disorders, anaemia, diabetes and hormonal imbalances that may affect your overall well-being.
Metropolis Healthcare supports proactive health management through more than 4,000 tests, speciality testing, fertility hormone panels and full body checkups. Its NABL and CAP-accredited laboratories, advanced technology and expert pathologists help deliver accurate results with a quick turnaround time.
You can book tests through the website, app, call or WhatsApp. Home sample collection is also available through a strong network of more than 10,000 touchpoints, making reliable diagnostic testing more convenient throughout your fertility and wellness journey.
References
- World Health Organization. Infertility. WHO Fact Sheet. Updated 28 November 2025.
- Government of India. The Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021. Act No. 42 of 2021. Enforced 25 January 202
- ESHRE Guideline Group on Ovarian Stimulation, Ata B, Bosch E, Broer S, et al. ESHRE guideline: ovarian stimulation for IVF/ICSI: an update in 2025. Hum Reprod. 2026;41(4):498-514. PMID: 41732035.
- Illingworth PJ, Venetis C, Gardner DK, et al. Deep learning versus manual morphology-based embryo selection in IVF: a randomized, double-blind noninferiority trial. Nat Med. 2024;30(11):3114-3120. PMID: 3912296
- Yan J, Qin Y, Zhao H, et al. Live birth with or without preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy. N Engl J Med. 2021;385(22):2047-2058. PMID: 34818479.
- Ferreira Aderaldo J, da Silva Maranhão K, Ferreira Lanza DC. Does microfluidic sperm selection improve clinical pregnancy and miscarriage outcomes in assisted reproductive treatments? A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2023;18(11):e0292891. PMID: 37983267.
- Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Prevention of moderate and severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: a guideline. Fertil Steril. 2024;121(2):230-245. PMID: 38099867.
