In vitro maturation

• Published in: Best practice & research. Clinical obstetrics & gynaecology 2018-11, Vol.53, p.60-72
• Main Authors: Walls, Melanie L., Hart, Roger J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Embryo; Female; Fertility Preservation - methods; Fertilization in Vitro - methods; Humans; ICSI; In Vitro Oocyte Maturation Techniques - methods; Infertility, Female - etiology; Infertility, Female - therapy; IVF; IVM; Oocyte; Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome - etiology; Ovulation Induction - adverse effects; PCOS; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - complications; Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic - methods
• ISSN: 1521-6934; 1532-1932
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2018.06.004

In vitro maturation (IVM) is an in vitro fertilisation (IVF) technique modified to collect immature oocytes from antral follicles, with the final stages of meiosis completed during in vitro culture. The primary benefit of IVM is that it reduces gonadotrophin stimulation in the patient, thereby eliminating the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in high-risk patients such as those with polycystic ovaries (PCO) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). IVM has additional benefits for fertility preservation, particularly in oncofertility patients. IVM research has progressed in recent years to significantly improve success rates and to provide evidence of safety in terms of neonatal and childhood outcomes. More recently, pre-maturation protocols and the discovery of new culture media additives have demonstrated potential to maximise maturation and oocyte developmental competence. In this chapter, we discuss current methodologies used in clinics routinely performing IVM, target patient populations and areas of future research that may improve IVM success. •IVM treatment eliminates the risk of OHSS.•Where indicated, IVM treatment appears to be a safe treatment option for both the mother and baby.•Where indicated, IVM treatment is an efficacious alternative to IVF treatment for oncofertility patients.