CAPA-IVM
At Eva IVF & Women’s Centre, we are dedicated to offering innovative fertility treatments that minimize medication use while maximizing success rates. CAPA-IVM (Capacitation In Vitro Maturation) is an advanced, drug-free alternative to traditional IVF, providing a safer and more natural approach to fertility treatment.
This method is particularly beneficial for women with PCOS, high antral follicle counts, or those who cannot undergo hormonal stimulation. By allowing eggs to mature in a controlled laboratory environment, CAPA-IVM reduces health risks, prevents ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), and offers a cost-effective fertility solution.
This guide is specifically for couples considering CAPA-IVM as part of their fertility journey. We’ll walk you through the procedure, who needs it, success rates, and benefits to help you make an informed decision.
What is CAPA-IVM, and Who Needs It?
CAPA-IVM (Capacitation In Vitro Maturation) is an enhanced version of In Vitro Maturation (IVM) that allows immature eggs to develop in the lab without the need for extensive hormonal stimulation. Unlike traditional IVM, CAPA-IVM uses a pre-maturation phase to improve egg quality and embryo development, increasing the chances of pregnancy.
What is CAPA-IVM, and Who Needs It?
✔ Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) – Reduces the risk of OHSS by avoiding excessive hormonal stimulation.
✔ Patients Who Want a Drug-Free or Low-Hormone Fertility Treatment – Ideal for those who prefer minimal medication use.
✔ Women with High Antral Follicle Counts – Helps mature eggs from small follicles, improving embryo quality.
✔ Cancer Patients Preserving Fertility – Suitable for women needing urgent treatment who cannot undergo hormonal stimulation.
✔ Women with Poor Response to Hormonal Stimulation in Traditional IVF – Provides an alternative method for egg maturation.
💡 CAPA-IVM is ideal for women seeking a gentler, more natural approach to assisted reproduction.
How Does CAPA-IVM Work? (Step-by-Step Process)
1. Initial Assessment & Egg Retrieval
✔ The woman undergoes a natural or minimally stimulated cycle, with no or low-dose hormonal medications.
✔ Immature eggs are retrieved from the ovaries without the need for full follicle development.
2. Capacitation Phase – Pre-Maturation in the Lab
✔ The immature eggs are cultured with C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), which helps prepare them for maturation.
✔ This phase mimics natural egg development, leading to higher-quality embryos.
3. In Vitro Maturation (IVM)
✔ The capacitated eggs fully mature in the lab environment, ready for fertilization.
4. Fertilization & Embryo Transfer
✔ Mature eggs are fertilized with sperm using ICSI or IVF.
✔ The best-quality embryos are transferred to the uterus or frozen for future use.
💡 CAPA-IVM enhances the chances of pregnancy while eliminating the risks associated with high-dose hormonal stimulation.
CAPA-IVM vs. Traditional IVF – Key Differences
💡 CAPA-IVM is a gentler, cost-effective alternative to traditional IVF, particularly for PCOS patients and those wanting minimal drug use.
Success Rates of CAPA-IVM
How Effective is CAPA-IVM Compared to Traditional IVF?
✔ Higher Egg Maturation Rates – CAPA-IVM increases egg development success compared to standard IVM.
✔ Improved Embryo Quality – The pre-maturation phase enhances the chances of producing viable embryos.
✔ Better Pregnancy Outcomes in Women with PCOS – Lower OHSS risk and higher implantation rates.
✔ Successful Fertility Preservation for Cancer Patients – Offers a safe way to retrieve and mature eggs before chemotherapy or radiation.
💡 CAPA-IVM has shown significant improvements in embryo quality and pregnancy success compared to traditional IVM.
Benefits of CAPA-IVM – Why Choose This Treatment?
🌟 Minimizes or Eliminates Hormonal Medication Use – A safer, more natural fertility approach.
🌟 Reduces the Risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) – Ideal for PCOS patients.
🌟 Improves Egg Maturation & Embryo Quality – Enhances the chances of successful fertilization.
🌟 Cost-Effective & Requires Fewer Clinic Visits – More affordable than traditional IVF.
🌟 Suitable for Women Who Cannot Undergo Hormonal Stimulation – Great for fertility preservation in cancer patients.
💡 CAPA-IVM is a revolutionary, patient-friendly approach that offers fertility success without the risks of high-dose hormones.
Who is NOT Suitable for CAPA-IVM?
❌ Women with Very Low Ovarian Reserve (Extremely Low AMH Levels)
❌ Women Who Require a Large Number of Mature Eggs for Genetic Testing (PGT)
❌ Couples with Severe Male Factor Infertility (May Need Additional Techniques Like ICSI)
💡 A fertility specialist will assess your ovarian function before recommending CAPA-IVM.
Pre-Treatment Preparation – How to Improve Egg Maturation Before CAPA-IVM?
✔ Follow a High-Antioxidant Fertility Diet (Leafy Greens, Nuts, Fish, Berries)
✔ Take Egg Quality Supplements (CoQ10, Vitamin D, DHEA, Omega-3s)
✔ Quit Smoking, Alcohol & Reduce Caffeine Intake
✔ Maintain a Healthy Weight & Reduce Stress (Yoga, Meditation, Light Exercise)
💡 Optimizing ovarian health before CAPA-IVM enhances egg maturation success.
Post-Treatment Care – What Happens After CAPA-IVM?
✔ Monitor Hormone Levels & Ovulation Patterns for Natural Conception
✔ Proceed with Embryo Transfer or Freeze Embryos for Future Use
✔ Follow Up with Fertility Specialists to Track Pregnancy Success
✔ Continue a Healthy Lifestyle to Support Implantation & Early Pregnancy
💡 Most women experience improved embryo quality and higher implantation rates with CAPA-IVM.
Is CAPA-IVM Right for You?
While CAPA-IVM offers numerous benefits, it may not be suitable for everyone. Our fertility specialists at Eva IVF & Women’s Centre will conduct a thorough assessment to determine the most appropriate treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.