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D3.1.7—In vitro fertilization (IVF)

IVF uses hormone treatment, egg collection, fertilization outside the body, embryo culture, embryo transfer and follow-up testing for pregnancy confirmation.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Objective
D3.1.7
Level
HL

Exam analysis

Chance of appearing3%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceMay 2023
Most common paperPaper1
Typical marks1–6

Common command terms

  • Outline

Scoring notes

Common mistake
Listing IVF steps but omitting either hormone stimulation, egg collection, external fertilization or embryo transfer.

Recent exam appearances

May 2023Paper1 ["HL"] · TZ221[ 1 ]D3.1.7—In vitro fertilization (IVF)
May 2022Paper1 ["HL"] · TZ213[ 1 ]D3.1.7—In vitro fertilization (IVF)
November 2014Paper2 ["HL"] · TZ08(b)[ 6 ]D3.1.7—In vitro fertilization (IVF)
Practice this objective

Coverage 2014–2023 · Updated 16 Jul 2026

Concept essentials

  • FSH stimulation is used to produce more eggs than in a normal cycle.
  • Fertilization and early embryo culture occur outside the body during IVF.
  • Ethical evaluation of IVF includes benefits, risks, equity and embryo status.
ConceptIB Biology HL