The IVM Procedure

The IVM (in vitro maturation) procedure is the process of controlled maturation of oocytes outside the body, followed by artificial insemination. Treatment in Israel of infertility involves a wide range of treatment options. One of them is the IVM procedure that is performed by fertility experts at Herzliya Medical. The hospital uses innovative techniques aimed at restoring female and male reproductive function. Infertility treatment at the private hospital of HMC guarantees an unparalleled success rate. The high professionalism of doctors and rich clinical experience significantly reduces the chance of complications.

IVM Procedure at HMC

Herzliya Medical Center advises leading Israeli experts in the treatment of reproductive disorders. The hospital is well equipped with the latest technologies, allowing patients to choose (with their specialist’s assistance) the most suitable treatment option for infertility. Prior to treatment, the individual patient’s needs and clinical indications are taken into account. Specialists at The IVF Center at HMC have specialist knowledge regarding assisted reproductive technology (ART) and can provide full information regarding the associated procedures of ART.

Innovative Israeli techniques are applied and based on recent successful research within infertility treatment. In addition, prior to ART, a professional approach will help to achieve the desired pregnancy (if possible) to prevent complications of hormonal therapy, and significantly reduce the cost of further treatment. The IVM treatment in Israel is advantageous for infertile patients and the first form of ART before recommending the IVF procedure.

The IVM Procedure at HMC

This method of fertilization is preferable to the classical IVF procedure because it allows you to control the degree of maturity of a microscopic egg outside the body. IVM allows the implantation of viable embryos, as well as monitoring a developing pregnancy identical to conventional IVF/ intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Numerous scientific studies have established a difference in the state of embryos, as well as the likelihood of genetic diseases between patients who have undergone controlled oocyte maturation and become pregnant because of the application of classical methods of artificial insemination. IVM in Israel involves:

• Retrieving immature oocytes (eggs) by puncture of the ovarian follicles under ultrasound guidance
• Oocyte maturation in vitro (lab conditions) in a special solution containing patient serum and hormonal growth promoters

Once the oocyte achieves full maturation (usually 24-48 hours); it is then fertilized by the sperm using ICSI, after 4 days the viable embryos are then transferred to the uterus

The difference between IVM and IVF

Both procedures require retrieving a woman’s eggs from her ovaries, followed by fertilization in laboratory conditions (in vitro), and lastly the transfer of embryos to the woman’s uterus. The essential difference lies in the maturity of the eggs at retrieval: Maturation of eggs within the ovaries in IVF; conversely, maturity occurs in vitro (outside the body) in IVM. The table below highlights several other differences between the two procedures:

IVF/ ICSI both require extreme hormonal therapies prior (to hyper stimulate the ovaries and their maturation), as well as during treatment. IVF carries risks of a woman developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which can be costly and detrimental to their health.

Unlike IVF / ICSI, the IVM process does not allow the use of high doses of hormones or daily injections. Minimal hormonal therapy associated with IVM results in fewer side effects. Careful monitoring of the maturation process allows for the fertilization procedure to proceed at an optimum time without the need for the presence of the patient.

It is important to note that the collected immature oocyte is extremely sensitive, requiring a high professional level of specialists and the necessary medical equipment. The immature oocytes require a medium similar to the IVF hormones, in which to develop and fully mature outside the body. The successful holding of the IVM procedure is only possible in conditions of a specialized laboratory, such as that of HMC.

Who would benefit from the IVM procedure?

Herzliya Medical Center highly recommends IVM for the following cases:

• Patients who have undergone overstimulation (hyperstimulation) of the ovaries as a result of preparation for IVF
• Women with the polycystic ovarian syndrome – high risk of developing OHSS by the hormone treatment associated with IVF, OHSS can have a detrimental effect on a woman’s health if untreated
• Suitable for women in their mid 30’s
• Early remission cancer patients
• Fertility difficulties as a result of the malefactor
• Women with irregular menstrual cycles

The IVM procedure is also used in conjunction with traditional IVF procedures that can increase the number of eggs collected, thus significantly reducing the duration of treatment. Herzliya Medical Center treats each patient uniquely and with added care, the hospital is dedicated to the success in each patient’s treatment.