A British scientist received the Nobel Prize in Medicine, Monday, for his work to develop in-vitro fertilization.

Robert Edwards co-discovered the fertilization procedure in the 1950s. Since then, in-vitro has led to 4 million births among infertile couples, according to the prize committee.

In-vitro involves fertilizing egg cells outside of the body, then implanting them into the mother's womb. The committee added that 10 percent of all couples suffer from infertility.

Edwards achieved his first success on July 25, 1978, when Louise Edwards -- unrelated to the scientist -- was born in the United Kingdom.

The 85-year-old was too ill to speak to the media about his award.