In vitro maturation (IVM) is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) in which immature eggs (oocytes) are retrieved from a woman's ovaries and matured outside the body in a laboratory setting before being fertilized. Unlike traditional in vitro fertilization (IVF), which requires the use of fertility drugs to stimulate the ovaries to produce mature eggs, IVM involves retrieving eggs while they are still immature, thus minimizing or eliminating the need for hormonal stimulation. Once the immature eggs are collected, they are cultured in the lab until they reach maturity, after which they can be fertilized with sperm, and the resulting embryos can be transferred to the uterus for implantation. IVM is particularly beneficial for women who are at risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), a condition that can occur with the use of fertility drugs, such as women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It is also an option for women who wish to avoid the physical and financial burdens of intensive hormonal treatments. Despite its advantages, IVM is a relatively newer and less commonly used technique compared to traditional IVF, and its success rates are generally lower. Potential complications include a lower likelihood of egg maturation and successful fertilization, which can reduce the overall chances of achieving a pregnancy. Additionally, there is still ongoing research to optimize the conditions and protocols for IVM to improve outcomes. However, for certain patients, IVM offers a promising alternative to conventional fertility treatments, reducing the risks associated with ovarian stimulation while still providing an opportunity for conception.
