In Vitro Maturation of Human Oocytes

The use of IVM in assisted reproductive technology continues to increase around the world. The major benefit of IVM is that significant numbers of oocytes can be collected from ovaries without recourse to ovarian stimulation. This reduces the costs, time, and risks associated with conventional IVF. Although initially limited to women with polycystic ovary syndrome who were at higher risk of problems following ovarian stimulation, IVM is increasingly used in women with normal ovulatory menstrual cycles. This authoritative text covers the current scientific knowledge of oocyte development and the understanding behind the techniques involved in the clinical application of IVM in assisted reproductive technologies.

Short Contents

Oocyte growth in the ovary. Interaction of oocytes and somatic cells. In-vitro development of small ovarian follicles. Mechanism of oocyte maturation. Gene expression during oocyte maturation. Epigenetic modification during oocyte maturation. Maturation of primordial follicles - the next step. Polycystic ovaries and polycystic ovary syndrome. Clinical aspects of polycystic ovary syndrome. Prediction and prevention of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
Clinical problems associated with ovarian stimulation (excluding OHSS). IVM for the treatment of infertility with PCOS. The first steps on the era of IVM. FSH priming in IVM cycles. Combination of FSH and hCG priming in IVM cycles. IVM oocyte collection - similarities and differences with IVF. Endometrial preparation for IVM. Laboratory aspects of IVM. Follow-up of children born after IVM. How do we improve implantation rate following IVM? Maturation of immature oocytes in stimulated cycles. IVM as an alternative for poor responders. IVM as an alternative for over-responders. Combination of natural cycle IVF with IVM. IVM for fertility preservation. Bibliographies & Index