In vitro oocyte maturation for the treatment of infertility associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome: the French experience

Background: In vitro oocyte maturation (IVM) permits the use of immature oocytes in IVF. IVM does not require ovarian stimulation and so can be offered to patients at risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Methods: For this indication, we carried out 45 cycles of IVM in 33 women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Results: A total of 509 cumulus-oocyte complexes was obtained; 276 (54.2%) oocytes matured in 24 h and 45 (8.8%) in 48 h. The normal fertilization (2PN) rate of oocytes matured in 24 and 48 h was 69.5 and 73.3% respectively. Among the 214 embryos obtained, 103 were transferred and 30 were frozen. Forty transfers were performed (2.5 embryos/transfer). Eleven women had a positive beta-hCG test (26.2% of pregnancies/puncture, 27.5% of pregnancies/transfer) and nine women had a clinical pregnancy (20.0% of pregnancies/puncture, 22.5% of pregnancies/transfer). Five babies have been born and one pregnancy is ongoing. Results of the clinical examination carried out at birth were normal. Conclusions: Our results show that IVM may be offered as an alternative to conventional IVF and to ovarian drilling in women with PCOS. The role of IVM in the therapeutic armamentarium for this condition should be further clarified.