Are you trying to get a positive pregnancy test? Then you should definitely know about IVM! IVM technology that was first performed in the early 90s.What exactly is IVM? In –vitro maturation (IVM full form) or IVM is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) that involves collecting eggs from a woman before they are matured with hormonal injections. It is the method of letting the contents of ovarian follicles &the oocytes inside mature in vitro. Here’s what you should know about the IVM process.

“In IVM, the retrieval process is done when the follicles and eggs are immature.”

How does IVM differ from in vitro fertilization?

• The IVM implantation process is just like IVF, but without additional injections
• During the IVM cycle the ovaries not stimulated with drugs
• In IVM process the eggs are matured in the laboratory, not in the body

“Current improvements in technology and techniques have made it feasible to perform IVF with immature eggs collected from the ovaries, which are then matured in the laboratory- a process known as in vitro maturation (IVM).”

IVM History

The concept of IVM was first described by Pincus and Enzmann (1935) and defined by Edwards 50 years ago. IVM was applied by others to produce the first healthy live births in mice (Cross and Brinster, 1970) and later in the humans in the early 1990s. Ch a et al was the first to succeed with IVM in humans.

IVM Success Rates

IVM (In –vitro maturation) success rates for women under 35 is 75 per cent, the success rates for a single cycle of IVM sit around 32%

Advantages of IVM as compared to IVF

The most significant benefit is cost savings; also you can try IVM month to month because no rest time is required between cycles, but in IVF, you need to wait for any residual ovarian cysts from the hormones to clear up. Also, in IVM side effects are minimal, because it requires little to no hormone injections, which also makes the procedure more affordable to many patients.

 “IVM could also reduce relapse risk as fewer hormones are used.”

Best candidates for IVM

• Women under the age of 35
• Women who went through IVF cycle before and produced a large number of eggs during that cycle
• Women with a large number of follicles per ovary (ideally>15)
• If you’ve had or are at risk for estrogen-sensitive diseases, such as breast cancer or a blood-clotting disorder
• Cancer patients who cannot tolerate hyperstimulation of ovaries

“IVM was originally planned for women with excessive egg counts who don’t ovulate, such as those who have polycystic ovary syndrome.”

Note – IVM is a simple and safe alternative for women who require IVF. It is very important to consult your fertility specialist so you can make an informed decision about IVM choice as a treatment option.

Here is how IVM Works  

• Initial blood tests and ultrasounds are performed to determine the best day to retrieve the immature eggs (some women may also be asked to take small doses of hormones before the procedure)
• On day 3-5 of the menstrual cycle, another ultrasound is performed
• Then after around thirty-six hours later, the immature eggs are retrieved using a minimally invasive procedure. Ultrasound imaging is used to guide a hollow needle through the pelvic cavity to remove the eggs. Medication is provided to lessen and remove slight pain.
• The immature eggs are placed in the cell culture and stimulated until the eggs reach maturity. It takes about 24-28 hours.
• The mature egg is fertilised by a fertilization technique
• The embryos are left to grow in the lab for 5-6 days
• The woman receives injections in preparation for the embryo transfer in cases where a fresh transfer was planned
• The embryos with the most chances to implant are transferred back to the uterus
• Pregnancy is confirmed within 1-2 weeks ( If the cycle is not successful, the couple or woman may opt to undergo another cycle of IVM)

“IVM is becoming more widely available and also an IVM cycle takes less time than IVF.”

Difference between the old and new IVM procedures

The old and new IVM procedures are very similar, the only difference is in one aspect. The old method used hormones to mature the eggs, while the new method uses a protein dimer called cumuli. The old IVM did not produce very healthy matured eggs, while the new method produces 50% more healthy eggs.

Common side effects/risks of IVM

There is little to no risks/side effects, just like any other fertility treatments, there is a minimal risk. Because the hormone stimulation used in IVM process is little to no, it almost greatly lessens the chance of developing ovarian hyperstimulation (OHSS) compared with IVF  patients. This is the risk that IVF patient face, particularly ones with the polycystic ovarian syndrome. OHSS is a rare but potentially serious complication.

“Younger women who are seeking assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are more likely to benefit since IVM is lower cost and has less associated risks than with IVF.”

The success rate of IVM

The success rate for a single IVM sits around 32%. The pregnancy rates with IVM procedure are similar to those with conventional IVF. And the children produced are as fit as after a conventional IVF.

“The current cost for an IVM cycle ranges from $5,000 to $7,000.”

Below are some commonly asked questions?  FAQ’S

What if I am unable to produce healthy egg and my husband is sterile?

 You can choose between donor eggs, sperm or embryo. But keep in mind to discuss with your fertility doctor about these donor issues. Make sure you are well informed about the legalities/legal rights.

 Is IVM safe?

   Yes!  It is a simple, effective and safe treatment; just make sure you consult best fertility specialist and best clinic.

     “Experts say IVM new method is equally as successful as IVF, and also less invasive.”

Will I benefit from IVM?

  Only your fertility specialist can decide about whether it can benefit you or not, as IVM is not meant for everyone, please make sure you consult your fertility doctor before taking any such decision.

 Does Fertility Decrease with age?

Yes, as you age, your fertility decreases. By age 30 years, the ability to get pregnant starts to decline.

“Normally, fertility begins to drop in your late 20s or early 30s.”

Is there any benefit to IVM in relation to cancer patients?

IVM treatment can be proved quite useful for cancer patients who can’t wait for the necessary amount of time to obtain fully matured eggs before cancer treatment begins. In women with estrogen-sensitive cancers, IVM keep away from the added estrogen production that is seen with conventional ovarian stimulation.

Leading Hospital IVF Spring offer groundbreaking IVM Technology

IVF Spring Clinic, located in Mumbai is proud to offer groundbreaking IVM technology and our fertility specialists’ expertise in IVM is great, they make sure to give you the treatment according to your needs; also IVF Spring Fertility Centre will be happy to provide you with more information related to IVM or any other fertility treatments. Contact us to book your consultation today!