Fertility basics
Fertilisation happens when a sperm penetrates the outer layers of a mature egg and the genetic material of both combines. In the body it occurs in the fallopian tube. In IVF it takes place in the laboratory, either by mixing prepared sperm with eggs (conventional insemination) or by injecting one sperm into each mature egg (ICSI). Australian laboratories confirm normal fertilisation the following morning by looking for two pronuclei.
Also known as: fertilization, egg fertilised
Related Australia guides
Sources
- Healthdirect Australia (healthdirect.gov.au)
- Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ranzcog.edu.au)
Last reviewed: 10 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.