Eggs, sperm & embryos
Fertilisation is the point at which a single sperm penetrates the outer layer of an egg and the genetic material of both combines. In natural conception this happens in the fallopian tube; in IVF it happens in the laboratory dish, and in ICSI a single sperm is injected directly into the egg. Fertilisation is confirmed the next morning in the laboratory by seeing two pronuclei.
Also known as: fertilization, egg fertilised
Related South Africa guides
Sources
- ESHRE/ICMART glossary of assisted reproductive terminology
Last reviewed: 8 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.