In Vitro Maturation (IVM) - Fertility Treatment

In vitro fertilization is a common term used in the fertility field, defining a process that joins a male sperm and a female egg in a laboratory environment. Eggs and sperm are collected separately and then placed together in a laboratory environment. Following fertilization, eggs are transplanted into a woman's uterus. In vitro maturation is a process in which ovarian follicles mature "in vitro". In vitro is a medical term that comes from the Latin term, ‘in glass’, meaning that an egg is fertilized in a laboratory environment.

The in vitro maturation process benefits couples hoping to achieve pregnancy and full-term gestation of a child. The best candidates for IVM procedures are younger women with ample egg containing follicles, or women who have previously attempted some type of stimulation in vitro fertilization to increase production of eggs. omen between the ages 30 and 35 typically have the most eggs. Additional candidates are women diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), or those who have a higher risk for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHS).

In vitro maturation, at its most basic definition, stimulates the ovaries to produce more eggs. The process is different than traditional in vitro fertilization procedures, where eggs are retrieved as soon as the woman approaches ovulation. During the in vitro maturation process, eggs are "captured" sooner than that, and when they are still classified as ‘immature’. The eggs are then matured for 24 to 48 hours in a laboratory environment using a medium that contains hormones. When the eggs have matured, they are fertilized with sperm.

In vitro maturation is often suggested for women who don't experience natural ovulation or regular menstrual cycles. During the in vitro maturation process, the woman is given an injection of hCG, and approximately 36 hours later, eggs are retrieved in a clinical environment.

Immature eggs are collected and placed in a petri dish containing a medium that promotes egg maturation. After the eggs have matured, they are injected with sperm. This technique is known as intracytoplasmic sperm injection or ICSI. The eggs are now left to culture for several more days, until an embryo develops. Embryos are selected and then implanted into the woman's uterus.

Infertility experts, or obstetricians and gynecologists are trained to implement the initial treatments of infertility treatments. Such a physician or fertility specialist should be board certified in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Couples should find specialists who are a member of endocrinologist organizations or technologies. As such, they have completed medical school programs, followed by four years of residency training in obstetrics and gynecology, and then, two to three years of training in fertility within an approved program that results in board certification.