By: Medical Team, Pars Med Travel
In recent years, IVM medical (In Vitro Maturation) has emerged as a promising alternative or adjunct to conventional IVF. This article covers what is IVM treatment, how it works, its advantages and drawbacks, IVM injection, IVM cost, IVM meaning, IVM supplement, IVM medicine, and the state of IVM in Iran in 2025. We also include comparison tables, frequently asked questions, and how Pars Med Travel supports you in undergoing IVM and related fertility services in Iran.
1. Introduction: Why IVM Matters in 2025
As fertility medicine evolves, new techniques are being researched to reduce side effects, cost, and complexity. One of the more exciting innovations is in vitro maturation (IVM), which allows immature eggs to be retrieved and matured in the laboratory, avoiding or greatly reducing hormonal stimulation. In 2025, patients and clinicians are increasingly interested in IVM as a safer, gentler approach, especially for women at risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).
Iran is well-positioned as a medical tourism destination for fertility treatments including IVM, offering advanced clinics, experienced specialists, and much more affordable pricing than many Western countries. As of now, Pars Med Travel is proud to offer IVM among its portfolio of fertility services in Iran.
2. What Is IVM? (IVM Meaning & Basics)
IVM meaning refers to In Vitro Maturation—a technique in which immature ovarian oocytes (eggs) are collected and matured outside the body (in vitro) before fertilization. Unlike conventional IVF, which relies heavily on hormonal stimulation to mature eggs in vivo, IVM collects eggs earlier and completes the maturation process in the lab.
Here’s how it works in principle:
- Small, immature follicles (often <10 mm) are identified, and eggs are retrieved with minimal or no hormonal stimulation.
- In culture media (sometimes preceded by a pre-IVM step), the eggs are matured over ~24–48 hours (via IVM medicine or hormones)
- Once matured, eggs are fertilized (usually via ICSI) and resulting embryos are cultured to the blastocyst stage for transfer into the uterus
In some protocols, adjuncts or IVM supplements (nutrients, growth factors) may be used in the culture media to support egg maturation. The aim is to mimic the natural follicular environment in vitro.
Because the eggs are matured outside the body, there is no need for a typical IVM injection “trigger shot” to finalize maturation (unlike in conventional IVF). This reduces drug use and side effects.
3. IVM vs IVF: Key Differences
Below is a detailed comparison table summarizing the main contrasts between IVM and IVF.
| Feature | IVM (In Vitro Maturation) | IVF (In Vitro Fertilization, conventional) |
|---|---|---|
| Stimulation requirement | Minimal to none | High-dose ovarian stimulation with FSH, LH, etc. |
| Trigger injection (“final maturation”) | Usually not needed | Yes — trigger shot given ~36 hours before egg retrieval |
| Egg retrieval timing | Retrieve immature oocytes from small follicles | Retrieve mature eggs from large follicles |
| Drug use & hormonal burden | Much lower | Higher — risk of side effects including OHSS |
| OHSS risk | Very low (nearly eliminated) | Possible, especially in PCOS or high responders |
| Number of eggs retrieved | Variable; may retrieve immature eggs fewer in number | Generally more mature oocytes, though depends on stimulation |
| Maturation in lab | Must mature in culture before fertilization | Maturation happens in vivo; eggs retrieved are mature or nearly mature |
| Success rates | Lower or more variable (still evolving) | Established, more consistent success rates in many settings |
| Cost | Potentially lower (fewer drugs, fewer monitoring visits) | Usually higher (meds, monitoring, visits) |
| Suitability | Especially beneficial for PCOS, OHSS risk, ovaries sensitive to stimulation | Broadly applicable, especially when stimulation is safe |
This table highlights that IVM is not necessarily superior for every patient, but can be advantageous in certain clinical contexts.
4. The IVM Process: Step by Step
In many modern IVM protocols (such as clinical trials), the process follows these general steps:
- Pre-cycle preparation: Hormonal contraceptives or oral pills to synchronize the menstrual cycle (a “One Day Work-up”).
- Baseline monitoring (Day 1): Ultrasound and blood tests to assess ovarian baseline and follicle count.
- Mild stimulation (Days 2–4): Some protocols use low-dose FSH (e.g. 150 IU daily) to gently recruit follicles, though this is far less than in IVF.
- Oocyte retrieval (Day 5 or similar): Immature oocytes are collected from small follicles.
- Pre-IVM / holding media: Oocytes are held in media that synchronizes their maturity and reduces heterogeneity.
- Maturation culture: Oocytes are cultured in specialized IVM media (containing hormones, growth factors) overnight or ~18–24 hours until matured.
- Fertilization (ICSI): Mature eggs are fertilized using Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection.
- Embryo culture & assessment: Embryos are cultured to blastocyst stage, then assessed for viability.
- Embryo transfer: One or more embryos are transferred to the uterus.
- Luteal support & pregnancy test: Hormonal support (estradiol, progesterone) and hCG testing ~10–12 days after transfer.
In the clinical trial of IVM at CCRM, participants undergo just three days of stimulation before retrieval and then follow the above sequence. (Data from CCRM trials)
5. IVM for PCOS and Other Indications
One of the most promising applications of IVM is for patients with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Because PCOS patients have many small follicles but may be prone to overstimulation, IVM can help:
- Enable retrieval of immature oocytes that would otherwise be at risk
- Reduce risk of OHSS (a frequent complication in PCOS under IVF stimulation)
- Increase chances of obtaining good-quality oocytes via lab maturation
Some criteria used in IVM clinical research include:
- Age 18–38
- BMI < 35
- AMH > 3.5 and Antral Follicle Count (AFC) > ~25
- Specific diagnosis of PCOS or normal ovarian reserve
In CCRM’s IVM clinical program, among PCOS patients treated, ~41% achieved live births or ongoing pregnancy in earlier studies.
Beyond PCOS, IVM may also be considered in:
- Patients with previous cycles canceled due to OHSS risk
- Ovaries sensitive or resistant to stimulation
- Fertility preservation prior to cancer therapy
- Cases where conventional stimulation is contraindicated
6. Advantages & Limitations of IVM
Advantages
- Lower drug usage and reduced hormonal burden
- Minimal risk of OHSS, making it safer especially for PCOS patients
- Lower monitoring burden (fewer blood draws, ultrasounds)
- Potential cost savings due to less medication and fewer visits
- Gentler on the body, shorter or less intensive protocols
Limitations
- Lower and more variable maturation rates (not all immature oocytes mature in vitro)
- Potentially lower overall success rates than optimized IVF in many settings
- Fewer eggs may result, limiting options
- Technique still evolving – standardization and long-term data are limited
- Not all clinics offer IVM, especially in many regions
7. Risks, Side Effects & Considerations
While IVM reduces many of the risks of IVF, some remain. Potential risks and side effects include:
- Cycle failure (i.e., no eggs matured or no viable embryos)
- Multiple pregnancies (if multiple embryos transferred)
- Mild side effects from medications used for stimulation or luteal support: bloating, cramping, breast tenderness, mood swings
- Standard procedural risks: bleeding, infection, damage during oocyte retrieval
- Psychological stress, especially in unsuccessful cycles
Because IVM is still relatively novel, long-term safety and efficacy data are more limited than for conventional IVF. Patients must be counseled carefully, and candidacy assessed case by case.
8. IVM Cost & Pricing in Iran (2025)
Estimating IVM cost is challenging because it depends on clinic fees, lab sophistication, medications, monitoring, physician expertise, and additional services (genetic testing, embryo storage).
Nevertheless, from industry data and medical tourism sources:
- Some clinics claim that IVM costs in Iran can be less than one-third of the cost in the U.S. or UK.
- Clinics note that fertility drugs used in IVF (which might cost up to £2,000 in the UK) are largely avoided in IVM, reducing expense.
- In general, IVF in Iran in 2025 is cited as ranging from USD $1,500 to $2,500 (depending on clinic, region, package)
- Therefore, as a rough estimate, an IVM cycle in Iran might cost USD $1,000 to $3,000 depending on the clinic, extent of lab work, monitoring, and supporting services (this is speculative, based on relative cost reductions).
Here is a sample cost comparison table (2025, approximate):
| Procedure / Package | Estimated Cost in Iran (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IVM (basic, no extras) | 1,000 – 3,000 | Minimal stimulation, basic lab work |
| IVM + Genetic Testing / Embryo Storage | 2,500 – 4,500 | Adds PGT / embryo freezing |
| Conventional IVF (no donor) | 1,500 – 2,500 | Standard IVF cycle in Iran |
| IVF + Egg Donation | 4,400+ | According to some Iranian packages |
Important: These are estimates. The actual cost will depend heavily on the clinic, the patient’s individual protocol, lab quality, currency fluctuations, extras (medications, monitoring, travel, accommodations), and success or failure rates.
9. How to Choose a Clinic in Iran
When selecting a clinic in Iran for IVM (or any fertility treatment), consider:
- Experience and reputation in assisted reproduction
- Lab quality and accreditation, embryologist expertise
- Success rates specifically for IVM (if available)
- Transparency of costs (medications, monitoring, extras)
- Support for international patients (language, travel, lodging)
- Safety standards, regulatory oversight, licensing
- Communication & follow-up policies
Pars Med Travel works only with vetted, high-quality fertility centers in Iran that meet international standards and provide clear, patient-friendly service for medical travelers.
10. How Pars Med Travel Helps You
At Pars Med Travel, we specialize in medical tourism for fertility and reproductive treatments. Here’s how we can assist you with IVM in Iran 2025:
- Match you with top Iranian fertility clinics experienced in IVM
- Provide full cost breakdowns and transparent packages
- Handle arrangement of visa, travel, accommodation, and local logistics
- Assist with translation, local support, and patient liaison
- Provide medical support, pre-treatment consultation, and follow-up
- Offer combined services with our other fertility treatments
You can also explore our related services here:
11. FAQs (10 Common Questions)
What is the meaning of IVM?
IVM stands for In Vitro Maturation, meaning immature eggs are retrieved and matured in laboratory culture before fertilization.
What is the difference between IVF and IVM?
IVF generally uses hormonal stimulation and retrieves mature eggs; IVM retrieves immature eggs and matures them in vitro. IVF uses a trigger shot; IVM typically does not.
What is IVM injection?
Unlike IVF, IVM typically does not require a trigger injection to finalize egg maturation in the body. Instead, maturation is done in the lab.
What is IVM cost?
The cost varies by country and clinic. In Iran in 2025, an IVM cycle might cost roughly USD $1,000–3,000 (estimate) depending on lab complexity and extras.
What is IVM supplement?
Supplements here refer to culture media additives, growth factors, or nutrients added to support egg maturation in vitro.
What is IVM medicine?
IVM may use low-dose hormones or growth factors in the culture media to support maturation; but systemic medicine use is far lower than in IVF.
Is IVM safe?
IVM generally has a lower risk of OHSS and a gentler protocol, but risks like cycle failure or side effects from retrieval still exist.
Who is the ideal candidate for IVM?
PCOS patients, those at high risk of OHSS, women with ovaries sensitive to stimulation, or patients seeking gentler protocols.
What is the success rate of IVM?
Success rates vary and are generally lower than optimized IVF in many settings. In some studies of PCOS patients, ~41% achieved live birth or ongoing pregnancy.
Can I undergo IVM in Iran in 2025?
Yes — although not all fertility clinics offer IVM, there are leading IVF centers and ART institutes in Iran with capacity for advanced treatments such as IVM.
12. Our Core Fertility Services
Beyond IVM, Pars Med Travel helps patients access a full spectrum of reproductive services in Iran:
- IVF in Iran – Conventional in vitro fertilization
- Surrogacy in Iran – Gestational surrogacy programs
- IUI in Iran – Intrauterine insemination
- ICSI in Iran – Intracytoplasmic sperm injection
- Egg Donation in Iran – Donor egg programs
We tailor each package to your medical needs, preferences, and budget.
13. How to Get Your Free Consultation
To receive a free consultation and personalized treatment plan:
- Fill out our contact form below
- Or message us on WhatsApp: https://wa.me/+989999938492
We will respond quickly to assess your case, propose clinics, and give you estimated cost and timeline.
14. Conclusion
In 2025, IVM in Iran represents a compelling option for those seeking gentler, lower-drug fertility treatment—especially for high-risk patients such as women with PCOS. While the technique is still maturing and success rates are variable, its advantages in safety, cost, and convenience make it an option worth considering.
At Pars Med Travel, we are committed to guiding you through the process, matching you with top-tier clinics, and ensuring a smooth, stress-free fertility journey. Whether you choose IVM, IVF, IUI, ICSI, egg donation, or surrogacy, we are here to support your dream of parenthood.
For a free consultation, fill the form or contact us on WhatsApp: https://wa.me/+989999938492.
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