IVF egg preparation. Technician's hands using a pipette and microscope (upper centre) to prepare a human egg cell for in vitro fertilisation (IVF). The corona radiata cells are being removed here. The corona radiata is a layer of cells which nourishes the egg, but is removed for IVF to facilitate fertilisation. For IVF, fertility drugs are given to stimulate the woman's ovaries to produce more eggs. These are fertilised in a laboratory with fresh or frozen sperm. If this is successful, the resulting embryo is implanted into the woman's uterus. Several eggs are taken from each woman to increase the chances of success.