Drug-Free IVF

IVM (In Vitro Maturation): Drug-Free IVF

The drug-free IVF technique, known as In Vitro Maturation (IVM), is a modern method for treating infertility. In this approach, immature eggs are retrieved from the ovaries and matured in a laboratory under embryology supervision, instead of using large amounts of medications and hormones to stimulate the ovaries inside the body.

How Does Drug-Free IVF (IVM) Work?

In the conventional IVF process, medications, hormones, and vitamins are administered to stimulate the ovaries. Once the eggs fully mature, they are retrieved and used for fertilization. However, in IVM, eggs are retrieved before they reach full maturity. These immature eggs are then cultured and matured in a laboratory setting. This technique was developed primarily to protect the patient’s body from the potential damage caused by the medications typically used for ovarian stimulation.

During IVM, the patient receives either a very minimal dose of hormones or no medication at all. The growth of the ovaries is carefully monitored until the eggs reach a certain size. At this stage, the eggs are retrieved using a needle under anesthesia. These immature eggs are then placed in a culture medium to aid their maturation in the lab. Once the eggs reach full maturity, they are fertilized via intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) using sperm from the partner, and the resulting embryos are transferred back into the uterus.

When Should IVM Be Considered?

IVM is recommended for certain cases where conventional IVF may not be suitable, such as:

• Medication Sensitivity: Patients who are allergic to the drugs used for ovarian stimulation during conventional IVF.
• Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): For patients prone to OHSS, especially those with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
• Endometrial Inflammation: Patients suffering from uterine inflammation.
• Poor Response to Medication: Patients who respond poorly to fertility drugs.
• Male and Female Infertility Cases: This includes male infertility and cases involving endometriosis or poor response to traditional fertility treatments.
• Cancer Patients: This technique is particularly suitable for cancer patients who cannot undergo hormone therapy due to health risks.

Advantages of Drug-Free IVF (IVM):

1. Simpler and Easier Process: The procedure is less complex than conventional IVF.
2. Shorter Treatment Duration: The entire process takes only 8–9 days.
3. Minimal Side Effects: It eliminates side effects or complications for the patient.
4. Fewer Clinic Visits: Patients typically visit the fertility center only 2–3 times.
5. Reduced Hormone Use: Minimal or no hormonal injections are required.
6. No Uterine Bleeding: It does not cause uterine bleeding.
7. Lower Cost: IVM is significantly cheaper than other fertility treatments, primarily due to the reduced use of medications.

Disadvantages of Drug-Free IVF (IVM):

• Lower Egg Quality: In some cases, it may be challenging to retrieve high-quality eggs, which can reduce the success rate of the procedure.
• Lower Pregnancy Rates: The success rate of IVM is lower compared to other IVF techniques.

Important Notes:

1. IVM is not recommended for patients above the age of 27.
2. The success rate of IVM is approximately 30%.

Cost of Drug-Free IVF (IVM):

While the laboratory costs of IVM are similar to those of conventional IVF, the total cost is significantly lower—about 90% less—due to the reduced expenses associated with medications.