IVM vs IVF: What Is In-Vitro Maturation and Who Might Discuss It With a Fertility Specialist?

IVF and IVM have the same goal: to conduct lab-based fertilization for conception, which are effective methods of conception that combat various infertility problems. 

The slight difference between In Vitro Fertilization and In Vitro Maturation lies in how the eggs are retrieved and the stage at which the eggs are retrieved, but in the end you can still be able to have children via either of these processes. The most vital part is to know when either of these is applicable, which is determined after diagnosis and evaluation of the individual’s medical report on whether they could opt for IVM vs IVF treatment.

IVF and IVM are both significant and have been shown to be effective. You can go through this blog to understand IVF and IVM and the major differences and when they are applicable. 

What you should know about IVF 

One of the most effective conception methods that has been of great benefit to individuals or couples who are facing natural fertilization problems is IVF (In vitro fertilization). This procedure utilizes advanced methods to retrieve mature eggs and sperm and fertilize them in a laboratory with advanced techniques that mimic the natural method. Countless times, this procedure has proven to be a success in battling infertility problems. Here are the procedures involved;

• Stimulating the ovaries 
• Collecting mature eggs 
• Sperm retrieval and preparation 
• Lab-based fertilization and culture 

Facts you need to know about IVF 

Proven success rate: IVF is an established and approved procedure for all individuals or couples who desire to have children as a single parent or may have health or infertility problems. 

Age affects success rate and other health problems: This is because egg quality and quantity start to depreciate as a woman gets older, especially from the age of 35 and above. Health problems like endometriosis, fibroids, polyps, obesity and chronic stress, just to mention a few, can affect the success of IVF. 

The babies born are healthy: The IVF procedure has a high success rate in resulting in healthy babies, even under surrogacy. 

It does not cause early menopause: The procedure mainly collects eggs that are meant to be used for that particular cycle; as such, it does not lead to menopause. 

Doctor, apart from the IVF procedure, what is the alternative if an individual has severe PCOS or is prone to estrogen-sensitive cancers? 

Individuals battling severe health problems such as PCOS, resistant ovary syndrome or estrogen-sensitive cancers such as breast cancer can undergo the IVM procedure. 

What you should know about the IVM procedure 

IVM is an advanced alternative that is used when IVF is not a viable option. In the process of in vitro maturation, the eggs are retrieved at an immature stage and taken to an advanced lab where they are developed. This procedure eliminates the need to undergo hormonal therapy. Individuals facing health problems related to hormonal shifts can avoid hormonal therapy. 

Fewer injections: The IVM procedure significantly reduces or eliminates the hormonal injections, which prevents hormonal spikes. 

Lower risks: The individual can be able to conceive safely whilst avoiding ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome 

Shorter time: The retrieval process is reduced to a few days instead of weeks.

Take note of this misconception: IVM is completely experimental and is unproven everywhere.

Fact: IVM is a recognized, approved and attested viable procedure in clinics that have the advanced technologies and expertise to conduct such a complex procedure. 

When is IVM applicable?

This procedure is slightly different from the IVF procedure; it involves collecting immature eggs so that they develop in the lab without injecting hormonal stimulants. It is required when an individual is;

• Experiencing severe PCOS 
• Diagnosed with estrogen-sensitive cancers 
• Experiences severe medical risks due to estrogen spikes 
• Experiencing severe OHSS 

What is the significant difference between IVF and IVM? 

Both of the procedures are effective, but the major difference is in the treatment comparison.

Hormonal stimulation: The IVF procedure requires a procedure to stimulate the eggs in the body through hormonal injections, whilst IVM stimulates the immature eggs in the lab and has little to no hormonal prescription. 

Egg maturation: The IVF process ensures the eggs are stimulated in the body for maturity, whilst IVM ensures the eggs mature in the lab. 

Timeline and visits: The IVF process can take a month due to various ultrasounds, injections and blood tests, whilst the IVM takes less than a week due to fewer procedures. 

The IVM vs IVF treatment differences offer an opportunity for those having health problems that do not require hormonal stimulation so that they can be able to have children whilst avoiding any health risks. The success of IVM is based on the maternal age of the individual, their underlying diagnosis and the timing of the egg collection. 

Final thoughts 

IVM procedure is an effective alternative that helps women facing severe problems that make the standard IVF procedure complicated. It is there to reduce the risks whilst helping individuals have their children. Understanding IVM helps you know what to expect from the procedure. Experiencing health problems like severe PCOS or estrogen-sensitive cancers should not stop you from being able to have children; you can always opt for IVM to experience parenthood. The change of procedure does not affect the health state of the baby or reduce your egg quantity. 

This advanced procedure is conducted by specialists who have the required labs and technology to handle the procedure safely, such as SOFAT Infertility and Women Care Centre, where Dr. Sumita Sofat will guide you through the IVM vs IVF treatment in Ludhiana at every stage of the procedure so that you can live the reality of parenthood. 

References 

The provided information is sourced from sources that have thoroughly researched and attested to the procedure: Oasis Fertility and the National Institute of Health. 

FAQ’s 

How long does the IVM process take?

The IVM process can take around a few days. 

Is it viable to undergo the IVM process whilst battling breast cancer?

It is possible to undergo the IVM process when diagnosed with cancer, as long as the process is done before the treatments. 

How long are the eggs developed in the lab?

The immature eggs are developed in the lab for around 24 or 48 hours, during which they are enriched with nutrients and small amounts of hormones. 

Is it a one-time process?

You can always undergo the IVM process after successfully having a child through the same process. The doctors advise a resting period, and the process is quicker. 

Will I be able to undergo the IVM process after receiving the fibroid treatments? 

You will be able to undergo the IVM process after undergoing proper fibroid treatments.