IVM

In-Vitro Maturation (IVM) is a safe and effective fertility treatment provided in our clinic. It is done as a part of IVF procedure.

What is In-Vitro Maturation (IVM)?

In vitro maturation (IVM) is when a woman’s eggs are collected and matured outside the body. In an IVM treatment, immature oocytes are retrieved from the ovaries and matured in the laboratory. Immature oocytes are retrieved either from a natural cycle or a low dose ovarian stimulation. This is an ideal therapy for patients who have a low level of tolerance for medication.

Who is In-Vitro Maturation (IVM) suitable for?

  • In-Vitro Maturation is best suited for the following candidates
  • Women who are at higher risk for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), including women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
  • Cancer patients who are unable to go through hormonal stimulation in IVF
  • Role in fertility preservation- IVM followed by embryo freezing, is the most effective option for women undergoing chemotherapy in order to preserve their fertility

Procedure of In-Vitro Maturation (IVM) Treatment

The IVM Process consists of the following steps:

  • Transvaginal ultrasound is performed between day 3 and day 5 of the woman’s menstrual cycle. A second ultrasound is performed between day 6 and day 9 of the cycle in order to assess the endometrium and measure the size and number of growing follicles
  • A HCG injection is given to the woman 36 hours prior to the immature oocyte retrieval. The immature eggs are usually extracted between days 9 and 14 of the cycle
  • Specially Designed needles are used with the assistance of ultrasound guidance to help retrieve the eggs from the ovaries
  • The immature eggs are then transferred to a maturation medium for a period of 24-48 hours
  • Depending on the requirement the mature eggs are then either frozen and stored for use at a later date
  • If the mature eggs are to be used immediately, they are fertilized using the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedure
  • Fertilised eggs/embryos are then transferred into the prospective mothers womb

Disadvantages of In-Vitro Maturation (IVM) Treatment

IVM does come with a fair share of its disadvantages. Since this procedure is relatively new the success rate of IVM procedures is not very well known. The immature eggs extracted from the ovaries are extremely fragile and need to be treated with the utmost of care. Another disadvantage is that being immature oocytes, the egg wall is very tough which makes it hard for sperm to penetrate through. This implies that IVM treatment requires you to opt for ICSI treatment for fertilization. Special expertise is needed to handle immature oocytes. Komali fertility center offers this advanced technique.