What Is In Vitro Maturation (IVM)?
IVM is a fertility treatment in which immature eggs are retrieved from the ovaries before they fully mature naturally.
These eggs are then:
Because eggs are collected earlier in the ovarian cycle, IVM generally requires less ovarian stimulation medication compared with conventional IVF.
The treatment may help reduce the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in selected patients.
IVM may be considered for:
IVM is not suitable for every patient, and treatment recommendations depend on ovarian reserve, age, egg quality, reproductive history, and overall fertility goals.
At Umniya, fertility assessment helps determine whether IVM, IVF, Mini IVF, or another treatment approach may be more appropriate.
IVM may be recommended when reducing ovarian stimulation exposure is an important consideration.
This may include:
In some situations, conventional IVF may still offer higher success rates depending on egg quality, embryo development potential, and fertility diagnosis.
Treatment decisions are individualised based on fertility investigations and reproductive planning.
The IVM process begins with fertility assessment, ovarian evaluation, and treatment planning.
Treatment generally includes:
Mild Ovarian Stimulation or Natural Monitoring
Patients may receive minimal hormone stimulation or monitoring depending on the protocol used.
Egg Collection
Immature eggs are collected from the ovaries using a procedure similar to IVF egg retrieval.
Laboratory Maturation
The eggs are matured in specialised laboratory conditions before fertilisation.
Fertilisation and Embryo Development
Once matured, the eggs are fertilised using IVF or ICSI techniques and monitored as embryos develop.
Embryo Transfer or Freezing
Embryos may then be transferred or frozen depending on embryo development, uterine preparation, and treatment planning.
At Umniya, embryo freezing and genetic testing may also form part of selected IVM pathways depending on reproductive history and embryo assessment findings.
Although IVM and IVF are both fertility treatments involving egg retrieval and laboratory fertilisation, the main difference lies in how the eggs mature.
In conventional IVF:
In IVM:
IVM generally involves:
However, IVF may still offer higher success rates for certain patients depending on age, egg quality, and fertility diagnosis.
The most appropriate treatment is determined through detailed fertility assessment and consultation.
IVM success rates vary depending on:
IVM can be effective for selected patients, particularly women with PCOS or high ovarian response risk. However, success rates may differ from conventional IVF depending on the individual treatment situation.
As with all fertility treatments, embryo quality and overall reproductive health remain important factors influencing pregnancy outcomes.
IVM is generally considered a safe fertility treatment and may reduce the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome compared with conventional IVF.
Potential considerations may include:
Because the ovaries are stimulated less aggressively, recovery may be easier for some patients compared with conventional IVF cycles.
Your fertility specialist will discuss the benefits, limitations, and expected outcomes before treatment begins.
At Umniya, IVM treatment begins with fertility consultation and reproductive assessment to evaluate ovarian reserve, hormone levels, menstrual history, and fertility goals.
Assessment may include:
Patients are supported throughout treatment by fertility specialists, embryologists, nurses, and care coordinators working together across every stage of the fertility journey.
At Umniya, IVM treatment combines advanced embryology, fertility diagnostics, reproductive technology, and personalised care planning within one integrated fertility system.
The Umniya Method incorporates:
Treatment recommendations are tailored according to each patient’s reproductive profile, fertility diagnosis, and treatment goals.
IVM usually involves minimal or lower doses of hormone medication compared with conventional IVF, although some stimulation may still be required depending on the treatment protocol.
An IVM treatment cycle generally takes several weeks from ovarian monitoring to embryo transfer, depending on the treatment plan used.
Yes. IVM is commonly considered for women with PCOS because it may reduce the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
Costs vary depending on medication requirements, laboratory procedures, embryo freezing, and additional fertility treatments required. A personalised treatment plan and cost estimate are usually provided after consultation and fertility assessment.
If you are exploring fertility treatment options and would like to understand whether IVM may be suitable for your fertility profile, consultation and fertility assessment can help guide the next steps.
Book a consultation at Umniya Fertility in Abu Dhabi to discuss fertility investigations and personalised treatment options with a fertility specialist.
