IVM | IVF Turkey

2018-12-04

Infertility Treatments – IVM What is IVM? In vitro maturation (IVM) is an infertility treatment that is offered to individuals who are diagnosed with high antral follicle count (AFC), ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), and polycystic ovary syndrome…

Infertility Treatments – IVM What is IVM?  In vitro maturation (IVM) is an infertility treatment that is offered to individuals who are diagnosed with high antral follicle count (AFC), ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In other words, IVM is an alternative type of IVF treatment that is performed without the use of heavy medication.  In Vitro is the description that tells the treatment will take place outside the body. Both procedures IVM and IVF carries the word "in vitro" which means the fertilization for IVF will be done in Petri dishes while maturation for IVM will be performed in Petri dishes instead of in the follicles.  IVM closely resembles conventional IVF treatment but differs in a key point. The IVM treatment requires minimal hormone stimulation when compared with the conventional in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. During the IVM treatment, the eggs are retrieved when they reach 14 mm in size while they are still in the immature stage and get matured in the laboratory. 

Who is the Best Candidate For IVM? 

IVM is the best treatment for the individuals who have; 
  • PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)
  • Acceptable anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) level, 
  • Hyperstimulation syndrome, (because of the egg stimulation injections, especially the young individuals may produce a large number of egg follicles (15+) during their IVF treatment that causes hyperstimulation syndrome,) 
  • A healthy weight (BMI) (The procedure is not recommended for the individuals who are over weighted) 
  • Cancer
Also;  The individuals who are at the greatest risk of over-stimulating (OHSS) may consider taking IVM treatment to reduce the risk. 

How is In Vitro Maturation (IVM) Done?

We at IVF Turkey, have a blood test to see the hormone levels; and a transvaginal ultrasound to see the uterus, ovaries, and egg cells are required. After the initial test results that show the existing problems, we plan the right treatment for the individual.  Usually, during the In Vitro Maturation IVM treatment, no hormone therapy is taken but according to the individual's needings, our doctors may ask you to start taking hormone medication for stimulation. The dose of hormone medications used for IVM is fewer than IVF injections.  The egg retrieval procedure for IVM is performed under sedation or local anesthesia. Eggs (oocytes) are collected from the ovary when they are immature. This is about 14 mm in size (unlike IVF where the size is usually 17-19 mm).  After collecting oocytes, the maturation period starts. The eggs will be put in a petri dish and with the help of stimulating hormone, they are matured in the laboratory for 24-48 hours.  The fertilization process closely resembles IVF. Once the eggs have matured they will be fertilized using the ICSI technique. Embryo transfer is the last step of the procedure. Embryo transfer is performed on days 2, 3, or 5 after the fertilization. The transfer day will be planned depending on the development of the embryo. Typically only one fertilized egg will be transferred into the uterus.  Around 12 days after embryo transfer, we invite the individual for a simple blood test (pregnancy test). During that time the individuals have to keep taking their medication.

Related Pages