Fertility & Reproduction. Vol. 01, No. 01, pp. 11-15 (2019) – 2019-03-06
Lan N. Vuong1,2,*, Tuong M. Ho2, Robert B. Gilchrist3, Johan Smitz4
Published: 6 March, 2019
Author information
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
2. HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
3. Fertility and Research Centre, School of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, Australia
4. Follicle Biology Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
Abstract
In vitro maturation (IVM) is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) whereby immature cumulus-oocyte complexes are collected and matured in vitro, without need for controlled ovarian stimulation and ovulation triggering. Advantages of IVM over in vitro fertilization (IVF) include mild or no stimulation, lower medication costs and less patient burden. However, early clinical outcomes with IVM were suboptimal. More recently, clinical studies reported live birth rates afer IVM of about 40%. New IVM culture systems are being used to improve the efcacy of IVM. Tese have been in widespread use for animals for many years and are now showing promise in the clinical setting. Patients more likely to beneft from IVM over IVF include those at risk of OHSS (e.g. women with polycystic ovary syndrome), when the time for ovarian stimulation is limited, or where sustained elevations of estradiol are contraindicated (e.g. oncofertility indications). Te main barrier to use of IVM to date was its relative efcacy compared with IVF, and there have also been concerns over the health of infants born following IVM. However, no differences in congenital abnormalities between IVM and other ARTs have been identifed. In addition, there is a lack of both experience and standardized protocols. Strategies to overcome barriers to the use of IVM include better training for clinicians, more and better funded research in the feld, and improved recognition of IVM by fertility specialists. Overall, IVM offers a valuable alternative for ART in select patient populations. New approaches to IVM appear to have the potential to achieve pregnancy outcomes equivalent to those afer IVF. Increasing the use of IVM in the future can be achieved with improved training and education for fertility specialists, and increased funding for IVM research, with the ultimate goal of improving fertility outcomes.
KEYWORDS:
Infertility; Assisted Reproductive Technology; In Vitro Maturation; Pregnancy Outcomes