What is In Vitro Maturation (IVM)?


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Developed in 2014


What is IVM?

In vitro maturation (IVM) is when a woman’s eggs are collected and matured outside the body. This is done as part of an in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure.

A woman’s eggs (also called oocytes) are formed before she is born. These eggs stay in a resting state in her ovaries until puberty, when normal hormonal changes cause an egg to mature (ripen) and be released each month.

When a woman undergoes IVF, she usually takes medicine to cause more than 1 egg to mature at the same time. These eggs are collected before they are released from the ovary, and are then paced with sperm in the laboratory in hopes of fertilization. In some cases, some or all of the oocytes (eggs) that are collected are not mature and ready to be fertilized. In years past, these eggs were not able to be used for IVF. Advances in science have allowed embryologists to take these immature eggs and sometimes “ripen” them in vitro (in the laboratory). This is called IVM. The eggs may be frozen for later use (as immature eggs, mature eggs, or embryos after they have been combined with sperm and fertilized). Or, they may be matured, fertilized, and placed into a woman’s uterus in hopes of pregnancy.

Are women undergoing IVM required to take injectable medicines to induce ovulation?

In the strictest type of IVM, no medications are given to stimulate additional eggs to grow; immature eggs are taken from unstimulated ovaries. However, in a modified IVM cycle, low-dose injectable medications may be given.

What is the purpose of using medicine to stimulate the ovary for IVM?

In recent clinical studies, low-dose ovarian stimulation for removal of immature eggs may yield more eggs and improve the lining of the uterus to receive the embryo.

Why use IVM?

To prevent ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) IVM may be considered for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or PCO- like ovaries. These women are at greatest risk of OHSS. OHSS is an exaggerated response to medicines used to induce ovulation, especially after the use of injectable gonadotropin agents when hCG is used for final follicular maturation (for more information about OHSS, see the ASRM patient fact sheet titled Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome [OHSS]). However, using different medication for final follicular maturation called leuprolide (GnRH agonist) instead of hCG greatly reduces this risk and can be used as an alternative to IVM.

In cancer patients

IVM may also be appropriate in women who cannot wait the necessary amount of time to obtain fully mature eggs before cancer treatment begins. In women with estrogen-sensitive cancers, IVM avoids the additional estrogen production that is seen with conventional ovarian stimulation. Retrieving immature eggs for later use is a way for these women to preserve their ability to have a child later.

Are there any benefits to IVM?

IVM requires less medication than conventional IVF and lowers the immediate cost of treatment; however, the pregnancy rates are also lower, so it is unclear whether IVM is more cost-effective. An IVM cycle also takes less time.

Is IVM available today?

At present, this treatment is still considered experimental and is not recommended as a replacement for conventional IVF. However, in certain situations, particularly when conventional IVF is not possible, IVM is an alternative treatment. It is becoming more widely available, although pregnancy rates are lower in most cases. There may be certain groups of women who have equal success rates.

Would IVM benefit all infertile women?

At the present time, it appears that women who ovulate normally are not as successful with IVM than with conventional IVF. Research in this area is ongoing.

Talk to your doctor to find out if IVM may be right for you.

Fact Sheets/Booklets

View more fact sheets and booklets written by the ASRM Patient Education Committee.
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Assisted Reproductive Technologies (booklet)

This booklet will help you understand in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technology (ART) that have become accepted medical treatments for infertility.
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Hormonal Contraception

Hormonal contraceptives contain a progestin (progesterone medicine) with or without an estrogen.
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What do I need to know about Zika virus and trying to have a baby?

Common symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain, conjunctivitis (red eyes), muscle pain, and headache.
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Third-Party Reproduction

The phrase “third-party reproduction” refers to involving someone other than the individual or couple that plans to raise the child (intended parent[s]) in the process of reproduction.

Resources For You

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) is committed to providing patients with the highest quality information about reproductive care.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

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SART Fertility Experts - Recurrent Pregnancy Loss and Implantation Failure

"I can get pregnant, but I can't stay pregnant," is echoed by patients with recurrent pregnancy loss.   Listen to the Episode
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SART Fertility Experts - Navigating IVF as a Couple

Mary Casey Jacob, PhD is interviewed by Dr. Daniel Grow, and together they explore the emotional and practical support that couples need. Listen to the Episode
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SART Fertility Experts - Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Candace discusses her experience with infertility, IVF, multiple pregnancy losses and ultimately a successful delivery with Dr. Julia Woodward.
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SART Fertility Experts - Infertility Advocacy and Government Affairs

In today's episode, Dr. Mark Trolice interviews Sean Tipton about the fact that many infertility patients do not have insurance coverage for treatment. Listen to the Episode
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SART Fertility Experts - Behind the Scenes in the IVF Lab

Dr. Sangita Jindal,  helps patients understand the importance of the IVF lab when choosing an IVF program.   Listen to the Episode
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SART Fertility Experts - Your Infertility Nurse: Partner in Your Care

Infertility nurse practitioner and health coach Monica Moore explains the essential role of the infertility nurse in the IVF process.  Listen to the Episode
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SART Fertility Experts - Genetics and IVF

Genetics is a significant part of advanced reproductive technology screening.  Listen to the Episode
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SART Fertility Experts - Fertility and LGBTQ

In this episode, Dr. Daniel Grow interviews Dr. Mark Leondires, the founder of Gay Parents To Be.  Listen to the Episode
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SART Fertility Experts - What is IVF?

In this episode, we discuss the ins-and-outs of in vitro fertilization (IVF).   Listen to the Episode
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Infertility: an Overview (booklet)

Infertility is typically defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected intercourse. View the booklet
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Progesterone supplementation during IVF

Progesterone is a hormone produced by the ovary. View the fact sheet
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What is intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)?

A procedure called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can be done along with in vitro fertilization (IVF) if a sperm cannot penetrate the outer layer of an egg. Read the Fact Sheet
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In vitro fertilization (IVF): what are the risks?

IVF is a method of assisted reproduction in which a man’s sperm and a woman’s eggs are combined outside of the body in a laboratory dish. View the fact sheet
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What is In Vitro Maturation (IVM)?

In vitro maturation (IVM) is when a woman’s eggs are collected and matured outside the body. This is done as part of an in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure. View the fact sheet
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Fertility Rights and Responsibilities

Can a fertility program or clinic deny treatment to patient(s) if there is concern about the ability to care for the child(ren)? Yes. Fertility programs can withhold services if there are signs that patients will not be able to care for child(ren). View this Fact Sheet
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Preimplantation genetic testing (including preimplantation genetic diagnosis and preimplantation genetic screening)

Your embryos can be tested for abnormal chromosomes before they are transferred to the uterus. View the fact sheet
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What do I need to know about conceiving after tubal surgery?

Fallopian tubes connect the ovary (where the eggs are stored and grow) to the uterus (womb), where the fertilized egg develops into a baby (fetus). View the fact sheet
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Hydrosalpinx

The fallopian tubes are attached to the uterus (womb) on the left and right sides. View the Fact Sheet
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Side effects of injectable fertility drugs (gonadotropins)

Gonadotropins are fertility medications given by injection that contain follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) alone or combined with luteinizing hormone (LH). View the fact sheet
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Kristen Ritchie's Story

I spent seven years navigating infertility, which was tumultuous but also a period of tremendous personal growth in hindsight. Read the story
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In Vitro Fertilization Infographics

ASRM has prepared infographics to illustrate the subject of in vitro fertilization (IVF) better. View the infographics
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SART FAQ About IVF

Created by the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) the following are answers to frequently asked questions concerning in vitro fertilization (IVF). Learn the facts
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It takes more than one

Why IVF patients often need multiple embryos to have a baby View the advocacy resource
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What support for IVF looks like

Bipartisan support for IVF, that is responsible for the birth of over 2% of all babies born in the USA each year, will ensure that families continue to grow. View the advocacy resource
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Advocacy Resources

ASRM has prepared resources to help explain and advocate for reproductive rights and the continuation of in vitro fertilization and other fertility treatments. View the advocacy resources

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