A Pilot Study to Determine the Feasibility, Acceptance, and Effectiveness of In-vitro Maturation in Patients Without IVF Coverage

Breaking Down Financial Barriers: A Pilot Study to Determine the Feasibility, Acceptance, and Effectiveness of In-vitro Maturation in Patients Without IVF Coverage

The specific aim of this pilot study is to test the hypothesis that estrogen stimulated IVM will be non-inferior to traditional IVF, to determine the feasibility and acceptance of estrogen-stimulated in vitro maturation (IVM) among couples and if couples find value and satisfaction with IVM.

This project will determine the feasibility, acceptance, and cost-benefit of in vitro maturation (IVM) among 20 couples who have had unsuccessful attempts at pregnancy using oral medications or whose only option to achieve pregnancy is through in vitro fertilization (IVF) due to blocked fallopian tubes or low sperm counts.

Initial treatment for infertility often involves the use of ovulation induction with or without intrauterine insemination. This is particularly useful in the large number of PCOS patients seeking care. However, 30-50% of couples fail such treatments and are recommended to pursue in vitro fertilization (IVF). While IVF remains the most effective of all infertility treatments, it is also the most expensive. The CDC's 2014 report on the utilization of infertility services in the U.S. estimated that between 2006-2010 approximately 67% of reproductive-aged women sought infertility services (advice, evaluation, and/or treatment). Of these women, only 6.9% used artificial insemination and 2.6% used IVF.

In addition to improving access to IVF treatment by lowering costs, IVM has the potential to make IVF treatment safer for women. The injectable medications used in IVF often overstimulate the ovaries and can lead to developing a dangerous syndrome called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). OHSS is a condition in which significant fluid shifts occur within a woman's blood vessels which can lead to ascites, pulmonary edema, difficulty breathing, and in rare cases, death. OHSS also poses the risk of severe blood clotting which can lead to heart attack, stroke, and pulmonary embolism - all potential lethal complications.

In vitro maturation (IVM) is a technique where immature eggs are aspirated from the ovary without the use of injectable medications. The eggs are cultured to maturity in the laboratory which enables them to be fertilized. They are then fertilized in the laboratory and transferred back to the mother's uterus similar to traditional IVF. With improvements in IVM technique, recent data have shown that IVM can produce near comparable pregnancy rates to IVF and eliminate OHSS.

Our goal is to determine the feasibility, acceptance, and effectiveness of IVM in couples who have a female partner with PCOS or polycystic appearing ovaries (PCAO). With the cost of traditional IVF ranging anywhere from $12,000 - $15,000 per cycle, the estimated $2,500- $4,000 cost of IVM may be a more cost-effective and safer strategy among couples. The results of this study not only have the potential to improve equity among those seeking infertility treatment, but also present an opportunity to serve as a springboard for future research aimed at advancing the care of all patients who seek fertility treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients without insurance coverage for IVF
2. Female partner between age 18-3540
3. Female partner with a diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or polycystic appearing ovaries (PCAO) as defined by an antral follicle count ≥ 15
4. Presence of both ovaries
5. Female partner with body mass index (BMI) of 19-4035 kg/m2
6. Female partner with a normal uterine cavity as assessed by hysteroscopy, hysterosalpingography, or sonohysterography within the last 12 months
7. Female partner with a history of tubal sterilization OR Blocked fallopian tubes without evidence of a hydrosalpinx OR History of 3 or more previously failed cycles of ovulation induction with oral medications OR where IVF is recommended for the treatment of mild or moderate male factor infertility OR evidence of a polyp and infertility
8. Male partner between age 18-45
9. Male partner must be able to produce fresh semen sample
10. Male partner with sperm concentration ≥ 5 million sperm/mL and sperm motility ≥ 25%
11. English speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Frozen sperm source
2. Presence of ovarian pathology (i.e., endometrioma, fibroma)
3. History of HIV or acute hepatitis infection
4. History of chemotherapy or pelvic radiation therapy
5. Any active, uncontrolled, clinically significant medical condition as determined by the investigator
6. Contradiction to pregnancy
7. Adults unable to consent
8. Pregnant women
9. Prisoners