Luteal phase oocyte retrieval and in vitro maturation is an optional procedure for urgent fertility preservation

Objective: To compare the results of in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes for fertility preservation performed during the luteal phase of the cycle with those of IVM performed during the follicular phase. Design: Retrospective chart review (August 2007 to June 2009). Setting: Academic tertiary referral fertility center. Patient(s): Cancer patients who underwent treatment for fertility preservation. Intervention(s): IVM treatment during either luteal or follicular phase. Main Outcome Measure(s): Number of oocytes, maturation and fertilization rates, and number of oocytes and embryos that were frozen. Result(s): Eighteen cancer patients underwent IVM fertility preservation, five in their luteal phase and 13 in their follicular phase. The baseline characteristics of both groups were similar. There were no significant differences in the number of retrieved oocytes, maturation rates, fertilization rates, or the total number of oocytes and embryos that were cryopreserved. Conclusion(s): These results suggest that IVM during the luteal phase can be offered to patients as an optional treatment for urgent fertility preservation when there is insufficient time for conventional follicular phase oocyte retrieval before chemotherapy must be initiated. (Fertil Steril (R) 2011; 95: 64-7. (C)2011 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)