IVM

IUI - intrauterine Insemination IVF IVM Cryopreservation of embryo - KET

In vitro maturation of oocytes
IVM is a method of assisted reproduction in which immature oocytes are removed from the patient without a stimulation treatment. The oocytes mature subsequently under laboratory conditions in order to be capable of fertilization. After the maturation of oocytes the procedure is identical to the IVF / ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) process.

Difference between IVM and IVF
In a standard IVF procedure women take drugs for five weeks to stimulate the ovaries in order to produce oocytes. The oocytes are afterwards removed during an ultrasound control. The whole process takes a relatively long time and, moreover, there is a high risk of ovarian hyperstimulation for women with polycystic ovaries.
In IVM none or very few drugs are taken. Oocytes that are still immature are removed from the ovaries. They mature within 24 to 48 hours in a laboratory and are used for fertilization and implantation in the uterus.

Indications for IVM
IVM is indicated for young women who can be expected to produce a high number of oocytes, women who have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a high number of antral follicles, or women who had hyperstimulation syndrome during a previous treatment.
Another indication group includes patients with repeated failure in a conventional artificial fertilisation or patients whose health does not allow to administer hormones to stimulate the ovaries.
This method is not suitable for obese women with poor visualization of the ovaries.

Advantages of IVM 

  • Safety of patients 
  • Simplification of therapy, reduced costs, elimination of undesirable effects of the stimulation (OHSS, bloating, water retention, breast tenderness ...)                      
  • Can be successful for women with repeated failures in IVF cycles
  • Prenatal results are comparable with IVF / ICSI