IVM--the first choice for IVF in Italy

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Embryology
• In Vitro Fertilization

Background:

• Italian assisted reproduction law (March 2004) restricts oocyte usage (max 3 per cycle) and prohibits embryo/pre-zygote selection and cryopreservation.
• These restrictions reduce success rates of conventional IVF and necessitate new therapeutic strategies.
• In-vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes emerges as a viable alternative, aligning with new regulatory requirements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of In-vitro maturation (IVM) as an alternative to conventional IVF.
• To assess IVM's potential to overcome limitations imposed by Italian assisted reproduction law.
• To determine if IVM can offer high success rates with reduced risks and costs.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of an In-vitro maturation (IVM) protocol in an IVF center.
• Monitoring of oocyte maturation, fertilization, embryo transfer rates, and pregnancy outcomes.
• Comparison of IVM outcomes with expected results from conventional IVF under the new law.

Main Results:

• IVM technique demonstrated significant success over one year of application.
• Achieved favorable maturation and fertilization rates.
• Reported successful embryo transfers, pregnancies, and healthy babies born.

Conclusions:

• In-vitro maturation (IVM) is a promising alternative to conventional IVF, especially under restrictive regulations.
• IVM avoids ovarian stimulation, reducing side effects like ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and lowering procedure costs.
• The IVM protocol facilitates spare oocyte handling and offers a high chance of success with minimal risks.