What is in vitro maturation?
In vitro maturation is a relatively new procedure and not yet established as a routine procedure. In this procedure, immature eggs (oocytes) are removed from the ovaries and hormonally stimulated in the test tube for further maturation. If this is successful, these cells are available for artificial insemination.
The idea behind IVM is not to expose the woman’s entire body to hormonal drugs over a long period of time in order to stimulate the ovaries and then obtain mature eggs, but only the previously isolated eggs.
What is the procedure of in vitro maturation?
Once the eggs have matured sufficiently under laboratory conditions (after about 24 to 48 hours), they can be fertilized with the partner’s sperm. This is usually done by ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection). If the artificial insemination is successful, the doctor inserts the embryo into the uterus. Cryopreservation of the successfully fertilized eggs for a later wish to have a child is also possible in principle.
IVM puncture – i.e. the removal of immature eggs – is usually more complicated, requires considerably more experience and therefore usually takes twice as long as egg removal after hormonal stimulation, such as in IVF (in vitro fertilization).
For whom is in vitro maturation suitable?
In addition, due to the short therapy cycles, the method is particularly interesting for tumor patients immediately before chemotherapy or radiation, when there is no time left for a long hormone treatment with subsequent removal of mature oocytes. With in vitro maturation, immature oocytes – for example from previously collected and frozen ovarian tissue – can be matured, artificially fertilized and then implanted in the woman after she has successfully survived cancer.
In vitro maturation: chances of success
Advantages and disadvantages of in vitro maturation
The major advantage of in vitro maturation is the lower hormonal burden for the woman and the significantly shorter therapy cycles. Even though the puncture of the cells requires better ultrasound equipment and an experienced physician, IVM is generally considered safe to perform.
In practice, however, several cycles are usually necessary before success is achieved. And since in vitro maturation is not yet a standard procedure, health insurance companies do not cover the costs. If several attempts are necessary, it can be quite expensive for a couple.
In the case of special risk constellations such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCO) or a woman’s age up to 37 years, in vitro maturation is a now well-established method.
