IVM maturation of eggs
IVM, In vitro Maturation , is the latest technology that helps infertile couple to have children. In this treatment, immature eggs are retrieved from the ovary and are matured in the laboratory. Once they are fully developed, IVF or ICSI is then performed to assist in fertilising these eggs.
Who should have IVM?
* Women less than 35 years old
* Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
* Women with a history of hyperstimulation on fertility medications
* Women with a history of poor oocyte (egg) quality
* Women planning to have chemotherapy
Benefits
It is more natural because it requires no hormone injections as in the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), IVF or ICSI technologies.
IVM is a minimally invasive surgery (MIS) which means less pain for the patients.
The entire process takes shorter period than that required by the IVF technique. Women basically turn up and have the egg collection
It can also be repeated in a very short period if the first try does not work out. The patient does not need to wait for a long time like in IVF technology.
IVM is less costly too. Generally it is 30% lower than IVF.
Disadvantages
Lower success rate compared to IVF. Maximum success rate for IVM is 30-35% while IVF’s success rate is 40%.
The eggs collected via IVM are extremely sensitive, they need to be handled very carefully in the lab or risk losing them.
Long term effects using immature eggs and maturing them in a laboratory is unknown, but researchers believe no long term health concerns is eminent.
