In vitra maturation (IVM) involves removing eggs from an ovarian follicle, which are then matured in a laboratory for a few days and fertilised.

The technique, unavailable in New Zealand until recently, is an alternative to in vitro fertilisation (IVF), where mature eggs are collected and fertilised straight away.

Dr Simon Kelly, of Fertility Associates, says this will mean becoming pregnant with their own eggs will be possible for about five per cent of women for whom conventional IVF treatment is more challenging.

“IVM is commonly used for women who have polycystic ovarian disease, or who many be about to undergo treatment for cancer where it’s known IVF drugs may stimulate the growth of the existing cancer,” Dr Kelly says.

“While we expect initial numbers to be quite low, we expect to see more women opting for IVM as the process improves and understanding of IVM increases.”

The fertility technique has been used overseas for about 12 years.

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