Oocyte in vitro maturation in normo-ovulatory women

Abstract

Objective: To review the scientific literature concerning the application of oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) as a treatment for normo-ovulatory women.

Design: Critical evaluation and comparison of the most relevant clinical studies.

Setting: Public IVF unit.

Patient(s): Normo-ovulatory women.

Intervention(s): Oocyte IVM and cryopreservation.

Main outcome measure(s): Maturation, fertilization, implantation, and pregnancy rates.

Result(s): Maturation rates in vitro are suboptimal and influenced by several factors. IVM oocytes fertilize and undergo development in vitro with rates similar to in vivo matured control oocytes. In IVM cycles implantation and pregnancy rates are lower compared with controlled ovarian stimulation treatments, but accurate patient selection can improve IVM clinical outcome.

Conclusion(s): In normal responders, IVM does not reach success rates similar to conventional ovarian stimulation regimens. However, it represents a milder approach to assisted reproduction treatment and an alternative intervention for specific conditions.