In Vitro Maturation (IVM) is a fertility treatment in which immature oocytes are retrieved from the ovaries with little or no hormonal stimulation, and then matured in the laboratory to the metaphase-II stage before fertilisation. IVM is a valuable alternative for women in whom conventional ovarian stimulation is contraindicated or carries higher risk, particularly polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and certain oncology patients.
At UCARER Women’s Health Clinic, IVM is offered to selected patients in collaboration with the Acıbadem embryology laboratory. Suitability is assessed individually by Dr. Uçarer, taking into account ovarian reserve, antral follicle count, and the patient’s overall medical history.
Who Is IVM For?
IVM is most appropriate for women with PCOS who are at high risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) under conventional IVF, women with a high antral follicle count, oncology patients requiring urgent fertility preservation before chemotherapy, and patients who wish to avoid or minimise hormonal stimulation. It is not suitable for women with low ovarian reserve, as a sufficient number of immature oocytes is required.
How IVM Differs from Conventional IVF
In conventional IVF, ovarian stimulation lasts 10–14 days with daily injections to mature multiple eggs in vivo. In IVM, stimulation is minimal or absent — eggs are retrieved while still immature, then matured in a special culture medium for 24–48 hours in the laboratory. Once mature, fertilisation proceeds with ICSI, and embryo transfer follows the standard pathway.
The IVM Procedure
A short course of low-dose stimulation may be used in some IVM protocols. Egg retrieval is performed under ultrasound guidance with light sedation, similar to standard IVF. Immature oocytes are placed in maturation medium enriched with FSH, hCG and growth factors. Mature eggs are then fertilised with ICSI and embryos transferred on Day 3 or Day 5.
Outcomes and Safety
IVM clinical pregnancy and live birth rates are somewhat lower than conventional IVF in unselected populations, but comparable in carefully selected PCOS patients. The major advantage of IVM is the dramatic reduction in OHSS risk and a shorter, lower-cost cycle. Long-term outcome data on children born after IVM is reassuring, with no significant increase in congenital anomalies reported.
Prices
- €500
Our medical prices are fixed; your exact, all-inclusive price is confirmed in writing after your consultation. See our full price list →
Contact UCARER Women’s Health to book your consultation with Assist. Prof. Dr. Muzaffer Uçarer.