In vitro maturation of human oocytes for assisted reproduction.
OBJECTIVE
To describe and evaluate the current practice of in vitro maturation of oocytes for assisted reproduction.


METHODS
Review of the available and relevant literature regarding in vitro maturation of oocytes.


CONCLUSIONS
In vitro maturation of human oocytes retrieved from antral ovarian follicles is an emerging procedure quickly being incorporated into the realm of assisted reproductive technologies. This new technology has several potential advantages over traditional controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for IVF, such as reduction of costs by minimizing gonadotropin and GnRH analogue use, elimination of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, and simplicity of protocol. In vitro maturation of oocytes for assisted reproduction in human beings still is undergoing refinement but currently is providing efficacy and safety outcome comparable to that of traditional IVF in recent selected studies. Implementing in vitro maturation into an established IVF practice is feasible and requires only a few simple adjustments. Crucial to the advancement and optimization of the technology is a better understanding of how to maximize immature oocyte developmental competence and endometrial receptivity.
Jurema
Marcus W
MW
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Medicine and Infertility, Women and Infants' Hospital, Brown University Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island 02905, USA. mjurema@wihri.org
Nogueira
Daniela
D
D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009865:Oocytes / Q000502:physiology* / Q000637:transplantation*; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000166:cytology*; D011247:Pregnancy