IVF Without Two Weeks of Injections? Inside IVM

What if eggs could be collected before they mature and developed outside the body, potentially reducing the medications, time and physical burden involved in conventional IVF?In this episode of Knocked Up, fertility specialist Dr Raelia Lew is joined by CREI fertility specialist Dr Violet Kieu to explore in vitro maturation, known as IVM.Unlike conventional IVF, where hormone injections are used to mature eggs inside the ovaries before collection, IVM involves retrieving immature eggs and completing part of the maturation process in the laboratory.Raelia and Violet take listeners inside the Melbourne IVF CAPA-IVM study, explaining how the procedure works, who may be suited to it and why researchers are particularly interested in its potential for patients with high egg numbers.In this episodeWhat in vitro maturation is and how it differs from IVFWhy conventional IVF commonly involves hormone injectionsHow immature eggs can be matured outside the bodyWho may be eligible for the Melbourne IVF CAPA-IVM studyWhy patients with high egg counts may benefit from IVMIVM for people with PMOS Reducing the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndromeHow an IVM egg collection differs from a conventional IVF collectionThe step-by-step process of maturing an egg in the laboratoryWhy embryos created through IVM are frozen before transferThe potential role of IVM in fertility preservation before chemotherapyWhat international IVM research has shown so farThe limitations and unanswered questions surrounding IVMWhy age remains important when considering egg qualityThe future of IVM and elective egg freezingHow fertility technologies move from scientific research into patient careEpisode timestamps00:00 Could eggs be matured outside the human body?02:23 Who may be a suitable candidate for IVM?03:36 How an IVM egg collection works07:54 IVM for patients with PMOS, PCOS or high egg numbers12:50 Why IVM embryos must be frozen16:37 Melbourne IVF message19:11 What researchers hope to learn from the Melbourne study24:02 Dr Violet Kieu’s journey into fertility medicine228:16 Could IVM change when people freeze their eggs?About Dr Violet KieuDr Violet Kieu is a fertility specialist at Melbourne IVF with specialist training in reproductive endocrinology and infertility.She is involved in the Melbourne IVF CAPA-IVM study and has trained with international teams working in IVM research and clinical practice.In this conversation, Violet explains both the scientific possibilities of IVM and the importance of carefully evaluating its safety, feasibility and effectiveness.Resources and supportLearn more about fertility treatment, IVF and egg freezing through:Host: CREI Fertility Specialist, Dr Raelia LewGuest: Dr Violet Kieu Knocked Up Producer: Jess Clark  Follow us on Instagram @knockeduppodcast  @drraelia lew @womenshealthmelbournewww.youtube.com/@knockeduppodcastThis episode of Knocked Up is proudly brought to you by Melbourne IVF - where world‑class science meets personalised fertility support.” For more information or to book an appointment visit www.mivf.com.au The information discussed in this episode is general in nature and does not replace personalised medical advice. Eligibility for IVM, IVF or a clinical study depends on individual circumstances and must be discussed with a qualified fertility specialist.Subscribe to Knocked Up and leave a review to help more people discover evidence-based conversations about fertility, reproductive medicine and women’s health.