Clinical Research Directory

Implementing IVM for Fertility Treatment in Clinical Practice

Sponsor: Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre

Summary

The ovarian reserve consists of a finite pool of follicles that gradually declines throughout a woman's reproductive life. During conventional IVF, exogenous gonadotropins are administered for 10-14 days to support the growth and maturation of multiple follicles, followed by induction of final oocyte maturation before oocyte retrieval. In vitro maturation (IVM) offers an alternative approach in which immature oocytes are retrieved from small antral follicles and matured in the laboratory within 24-44 hours. IVM requires no or only minimal ovarian stimulation and may therefore reduce treatment burden, costs, side effects, and the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Recent advances in the retrieval of oocytes from small antral follicles, together with improved understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating human oocyte maturation, have renewed interest in IVM and improved its clinical potential. The overall aim of this project is to implement and optimize IVM as a clinical fertility treatment in Denmark. Specifically, we aim to: (1) evaluate the clinical success rates of IVM compared with conventional IVF; (2) characterize molecular differences between in vivo- and in vitro-matured oocytes and resulting blastocysts, as well as between follicular cells from small antral and preovulatory follicles; and (3) use new insights into the regulation of human oocyte maturation to optimize IVM protocols and improve treatment outcomes. Ultimately, the project aims to establish IVM as a safe, effective, and less burdensome alternative to conventional IVF for selected patient groups.

Key Details

Conditions

Interventions

Locations (1)