In-vitro Maturation of Immature Oocytes for Infertile Women with PCOS

Immature oocyte retrieval followed by in-vitro maturation (IVM) is a promising potential treatment option, especially for women who are infertile through polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Although the pregnancy and implantation rates of IVM treatment are not as high as conventional IVF treatment, IVM treatment has many advantages for infertile women with PCOS, because this group of patients is extremely sensitive to stimulation with exogenous gonadotrophins and is at increased risk of developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Different protocols have been used before immature oocyte retrieval, indicating that there are beneficial effects with FSH or LH priming on oocyte maturation. To date, the clinical pregnancy and implantation rates obtained from IVM treatment in infertile women with PCOS are approximately 30-35% and 10-15% respectively. Therefore, as an option, IVM treatment can be offered to women with PCOS instead of conventional IVF treatment with ovarian stimulation.