Posted: 2/18/2009
Internationally recognized fertility clinic educates Delaware Valley on breakthrough fertility treatment: IVM

MARLTON, NJ – On February 11, 2009, Dr. George Taliadouros, founder of Delaware Valley Institute of Fertility & Genetics (DVIF&G), appeared on CBS 3 with health reporter Stephanie Stahl to discuss the clinic’s success with in vitro maturation (IVM), a modification of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Also appearing on camera were Christine and John Mozes, daughter Riley, and son J.T., the first baby born in the United States as a result of IVM.

As of the air date of the CBS 3 piece (www.cbs3.com/health/Health.Alert.Stephanie.2.932957.html), DVIF&G has welcomed eight healthy babies into the world through use of the IVM procedure, starting with J.T. Mozes in July, 2006. DVIF&G’s specialists continue to employ this breakthrough procedure, and anxiously await their ninth birth in March, 2009.

Because of DVIF&G’s documented success with IVM, Dr. Taliadouros, along with Jessica Macdonald, DVIF&G’s Supervisor of Reproductive Laboratories, participated in an international IVM experts meeting with other physicians and scientists from 11 countries. Only one practice from each country was invited to participate, based on experience and rates of success: DVIF&G was chosen to represent the United States.

IVM is a modification of the traditional IVF procedure. During a traditional IVF procedure, the patient is treated with hormones (gonadotropins) for 10-14+ days, after which mature oocytes (unfertilized egg cells) are extracted and fertilized in vitro. Unfortunately, for some women this hormone therapy causes severe complications, such as Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), a condition in which ovaries can become swollen, causing dangerous amounts of excess fluids to move from the blood vessels to the stomach and chest, which may result in kidney and respiratory problems. Often, these complications require extensive medical treatment, hospitalization, or surgical procedures, and the termination of the cycle.

In contrast, an IVM treatment at DVIF&G begins with only 3 days of hormone therapy, and is followed by the extraction of immature oocytes. The immature oocytes are then matured in the laboratory using a special culture solution. Once matured, the oocytes are fertilized in the same manner as a traditional IVF procedure. This limits the patient’s exposure to the hormones and their potential side effects and complications.

“Our goal is always to help parents have healthy babies,” said Dr. Taliadouros, “and while not all women are candidates for IVM, it has been a blessing for some women at the highest risk of complications due to traditional IVF.” To read more about DVIF&G’s pioneering IVM treatment, visit http://www.startfertility.com/treatments_fld/treatments_in_vitro_maturation.asp.

About DVIF&G

Founded in 1994, the Delaware Valley Institute of Fertility & Genetics is one of the leading fertility practices in Southern New Jersey and the Greater Philadelphia area. DVIF&G provides a full spectrum of care tailored to fit the specific needs of each individual patient or couple. From testing to surgical intervention, DVIF&G can help you conceive the baby you always wanted. To learn more about DVIF&G, please visit our Web site at: www.startfertility.com.