In vitro maturation (IVM) of human oocytes.
In vitro maturation is a technique of assisted reproduction which in contrast to standard IVF or ICSI almost fully avoids hormonal stimulation. Immature oocytes will be fully matured in vitro within 24 h after oocyte collection. The method was introduced in the early nineties and is indicated in patients at high risk for ovarian hyperstimulation. Results are almost comparable to standard techniques. Up to now no elevated risk for fetal malformations has been described. IVM is a suitable alternative in IVF for an exactly defined subgroup of patients, in particular patients with PCOS, but still does not replace standard techniques.
Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 440, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany, thomas_strowitzki@med.uni-heidelberg.de.
Thomas
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Strowitzki
D000367:Age Factors; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D059471:In Vitro Oocyte Maturation Techniques; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D050498:Live Birth; D054315:Oocyte Retrieval; D009865:Oocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D016471:Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000150:complications; D011247:Pregnancy; D020554:Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic