Created 2014/Revised 2023
What is IVM?
In vitro maturation (IVM) is when eggs are collected and matured outside the body. This is done as part of an in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure. Eggs (also called oocytes) are formed inside a developing fetus’ ovaries before birth. These eggs stay in a resting state in the ovaries until puberty, when normal hormonal changes cause an egg to mature (develop) and be released each month. During IVF, medications called “gonadotropins” result in more than one egg maturing at the same time. These eggs are then collected before they are released from the ovary and are then placed with sperm in the laboratory in hopes of fertilization. In some cases, some or all of the oocytes (eggs) that are collected are not mature and ready to be fertilized. In years past, these eggs were not able to be used for IVF. Advances in science are beginning to allow embryologists to take these immature eggs and sometimes “ripen” them in vitro (in the laboratory). This is called IVM.
Are women undergoing IVM required to take injectable medicines to induce ovulation?
In the strictest type of IVM, no medications are given to stimulate additional eggs to grow; immature eggs are taken from unstimulated ovaries. However, in a modified IVM cycle, low-dose injectable medications may be given.
What is the purpose of using medicine to stimulate the ovary for IVM?
In recent clinical studies, low-dose ovarian stimulation for removal of immature eggs may yield more eggs and improve the lining of the uterus to receive the embryo.
Why use IVM?
To prevent ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) IVM may be considered for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or PCO- like ovaries. These women are at greatest risk of OHSS. OHSS is an exaggerated response to medicines used to induce ovulation, especially after the use of injectable gonadotropin agents when hCG is used for final follicular maturation (for more information about OHSS, see the ASRM patient fact sheet titled Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome [OHSS]). However, using different medication for final follicular maturation called leuprolide (GnRH agonist) instead of hCG greatly reduces this risk and can be used as an alternative to IVM.
In cancer patients
IVM may also be appropriate when waiting for fully mature eggs is not possible before cancer treatment begins. Another proposed application is in patients with estrogensensitive cancers. IVM may avoid or minimize the additional estrogen production that is seen with conventional ovarian stimulation. However, antiestrogen medications are also available during more traditional stimulation for mature oocyte cryopreservation while may ultimately result in a higher chance of successful pregnancy in the future.
Are there any benefits to IVM?
IVM requires less medication than conventional IVF and lowers the immediate cost of treatment; however, the pregnancy rates are also lower, so it is unclear whether IVM is more cost-effective and it is not widely available. An IVM cycle also takes less time.
Is IVM available today?
It is becoming more available, although pregnancy rates are lower in most cases. There may be certain groups of women who have equal success rates.
Would IVM benefit all infertile women?
At the present time, it appears that women who ovulate normally are not as successful with IVM than with conventional IVF. Research in this area is ongoing. Talk to your doctor to find out if IVM may be right for you.
Fact Sheets/Booklets
View more fact sheets and booklets written by the ASRM Patient Education Committee.
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In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
Fertility Care Gets Important Win in California
ASRM celebrates California's SB 729, expanding IVF coverage for same-sex couples and singles, advancing equitable fertility care access.
View the Press Release
Nation’s Leading Professional Group for Fertility Care Professionals Calls for Passage of Right to IVF Act
ASRM applauds Majority Leader Schumer’s decision to seek reconsideration of the Right to IVF Act.
View the Press Release
SART Fertility Experts - Vanquishing Multiples
Learn how a variety of factors such as geography, race, and the availability of comprehensive infertility mandates affect access to effective infertility treatment. Listen to the Episode
Trump Calls for IVF Coverage, California Legislature Sends IVF Mandate Bill to Governor
The California General Assembly approved a bill mandating most private health insurance plans to provide coverage for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
View the Press Release
Advocacy in Action
Join the ASRM Advocacy in Action campaign by making a tax-deductible charitable gift Be part of Advocacy in Action
Get Vot-ER Ready This National Patient Advocacy Day!
Celebrate National Patient Advocacy Day by boosting civic engagement! Order your free Vot-ER badge to help patients register to vote and promote healthy communities.
View the Press Release
SART Fertility Experts - Global Access to IVF and the Status of Women
Around the world, there are vast differences in the number of IVF cycles performed per capita. Learn why these differences exist. Listen to the Episode
ASRM marks World IVF Day by doing what we do best – advocating for access to reproductive health care by calling for a House floor vote on the Right to IVF Act
ASRM observed World IVF Day, the day marking the birth of the world’s first IVF baby in 1978, by continuing its advocacy for improvements in IVF policy.
View the Press Release
Order your FREE Vot-ER badge to encourage your friends to vote!
ASRM) is pleased to announce our partnership with Vot-ER, a grassroots organization dedicated to driving civic engagement among healthcare professionals.
View the Press Release
ASRM Responds to Senate Vote on IVF Bill
ASRM is disappointed that a filibuster prevented the passage of the Right to IVF Act.
View the Press Release
ASRM Calls for Passage of Family Building Bill
It would increase access to IVF treatments for all Americans, including active-duty service members, veterans, and federal employees.
View the Press Release
ASRM publishes IVF one-pagers for media use
The documents lay out the clinical IVF process, summarize oversight of IVF in the U.S., and explain how lawmakers can support access to IVF.
View the Press Release
ASRM Reacts to Cruz/Britt OPED
We are pleased to see Senators Cruz and Britt express their interest in protecting access to IVF.
View the Press Release
ASRM Files Amicus Brief in Texas Embryo Case
ASRM has filed an amicus curiae (friend of the court) brief in the case of Antoun v Antoun, which is pending before the Texas Supreme Court.
View the Press Release
Survey shows strong support for increased access to fertility treatments
A new public opinion poll reveals strong support for improved access to In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
View the Press Release
National Infertility Awareness Week 2024: Leave Your Mark
Next week is National Infertility Awareness Week, a federally recognized health observance founded to increase awareness of infertility.
View the Press Release
IVF-assisted pregnancies constitute 2.5% of all births in 2022
In 2022, the number of babies born from IVF increased from 89,208 in 2021 to 91,771 in 2022. This means that 2.5% of births in the US are a result of ART.
View the Press Release
SART Fertility Experts - Recurrent Pregnancy Loss and Implantation Failure
"I can get pregnant, but I can't stay pregnant," is echoed by patients with recurrent pregnancy loss. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - Navigating IVF as a Couple
Mary Casey Jacob, PhD is interviewed by Dr. Daniel Grow, and together they explore the emotional and practical support that couples need. Listen to the Episode
Fertility Rights and Responsibilities
Can a fertility program or clinic deny treatment to patient(s) if there is concern about the ability to care for the child(ren)? Yes. Fertility programs can withhold services if there are signs that patients will not be able to care for child(ren). View this Fact Sheet
Progesterone supplementation during IVF
Progesterone is a hormone produced by the ovary. View the fact sheet
Side effects of injectable fertility drugs (gonadotropins)
Gonadotropins are fertility medications given by injection that contain follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) alone or combined with luteinizing hormone (LH). View the fact sheet
What do I need to know about conceiving after surgery on my Fallopian tubes?
Fallopian tubes connect the ovary (where the eggs are stored and grow) to the uterus (womb), where the fertilized egg develops into a baby (fetus). View the fact sheet
Hydrosalpinx
The fallopian tubes are attached to the uterus (womb) on the left and right sides. View the Fact Sheet
In vitro fertilization (IVF): what are the risks?
IVF is a method of assisted reproduction in which a man’s sperm and a woman’s eggs are combined outside of the body in a laboratory dish. View the fact sheet
What is In Vitro Maturation (IVM)?
In vitro maturation (IVM) is when a woman’s eggs are collected and matured outside the body. This is done as part of an in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure. View the fact sheet
SART Fertility Experts - Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Candace discusses her experience with infertility, IVF, multiple pregnancy losses and ultimately a successful delivery with Dr. Julia Woodward.Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - Infertility Advocacy and Government Affairs
In today's episode, Dr. Mark Trolice interviews Sean Tipton about the fact that many infertility patients do not have insurance coverage for treatment. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - Behind the Scenes in the IVF Lab
Dr. Sangita Jindal, helps patients understand the importance of the IVF lab when choosing an IVF program. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - Your Infertility Nurse: Partner in Your Care
Infertility nurse practitioner and health coach Monica Moore explains the essential role of the infertility nurse in the IVF process. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - Genetics and IVF
Genetics is a significant part of advanced reproductive technology screening. Listen to the Episode
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
A procedure called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can be done along with in vitro fertilization (IVF) if a sperm cannot penetrate the outer layer of an egg. Read the Fact Sheet
SART Fertility Experts - Fertility and LGBTQ
In this episode, Dr. Daniel Grow interviews Dr. Mark Leondires, the founder of Gay Parents To Be. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - What is an REI?
These experts in infertility lead IVF programs, perform reproductive surgery, and perform research to enhance the field of reproductive medicine. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - What is IVF?
In this episode, we discuss the ins-and-outs of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Listen to the Episode
Preparing for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Lifestyle Factors
This SART micro-video discusses lifestyle factors that may affect in vitro fertilization, or IVF, outcomes. Watch Video
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (booklet)
This booklet will help you understand in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technology (ART) that have become accepted medical treatments for infertility. View the Booklet
The Difference Between IUI and IVF
It is important to know Intrauterine insemination (IUI) or In vitro fertilization (IVF) can both be successful at helping grow your family. Watch Video
Understanding the SART Clinic Report
During this video we will discuss the SART Clinic Report concepts and demonstrate some of the report features. Watch Video
Infertility: an Overview (booklet)
Infertility is typically defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected intercourse. View the booklet
Kristen Ritchie's Story
I spent seven years navigating infertility, which was tumultuous but also a period of tremendous personal growth in hindsight. Read the story
In Vitro Fertilization Infographics
ASRM has prepared infographics to illustrate the subject of in vitro fertilization (IVF) better. View the infographics
SART FAQ About IVF
Created by the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) the following are answers to frequently asked questions concerning in vitro fertilization (IVF). Learn the facts
It takes more than one
Why IVF patients often need multiple embryos to have a baby View the advocacy resource
What support for IVF looks like
Bipartisan support for IVF, that is responsible for the birth of over 2% of all babies born in the USA each year, will ensure that families continue to grow. View the advocacy resource
Oversight of IVF in the US
In the US, medical care is regulated by a complex and comprehensive network of federal and state regulations and professional oversight. View the advocacy resourceFind a Health Professional
