In vitro growth of primordial follicles (IVG-P) is an emerging area of fertility preservation research that aims to help women preserve and expand their future reproductive options. Although this technology is still investigational, Dr. Kutluk Oktay at Innovation Fertility Preservation and IVF in New York City is a leader in ovarian tissue research and in developing techniques that support the growth of immature follicles outside the body. Contact the office to learn more about current research and future advances in fertility preservation.
What is in vitro growth of primordial follicles?
In vitro growth of primordial follicles (IVG-P) is an investigational laboratory technique designed to grow all stages of ovarian follicles outside the body.
Women are born with a finite number of primordial follicles, each containing an immature egg. Most of these follicles remain dormant throughout a woman's life, and only a small number naturally develop into mature eggs capable of fertilization.
Researchers are working to recreate this natural process in the laboratory by supporting the growth and development of primordial follicles from an ovarian biopsy in the laboratory. The long-term goal is to produce healthy mature eggs that may eventually be used for in vitro fertilization (IVF) and fertility preservation.
While this technology is not yet available as a clinical treatment, it represents one of the most promising advances in reproductive medicine.
How does the process work?
Researchers are developing techniques that may allow primordial follicles to mature through several carefully controlled stages in the laboratory.
The process may include:
- Collecting a small sample of ovarian tissue
- Activating dormant primordial follicles that contain immature eggs
- Culturing the follicles under specialized laboratory conditions to encourage normal growth and development
- Continuing follicle maturation in the petri dish until healthy mature eggs can be obtained for in vitro fertilization
By growing follicles from ovarian biopsies outside the body, our research team hopes to expand fertility preservation options without requiring ovarian stimulation cycles or egg retrievals.
Who may benefit from this technology in the future?
Although additional research is needed, in vitro growth of primordial follicles has the potential to benefit many women, including those who:
- Wish to preserve fertility before cancer treatments or other medical or surgical treatments that can damage ovarian reserve
- Have previously frozen ovarian tissue and may one day use it without requiring ovarian transplantation
- Have diminished ovarian reserve but still possess dormant primordial follicles
- Are interested in expanding future reproductive options through fertility preservation
- May benefit from future advances in reproductive longevity research
- Are considering using donor eggs and wish to have access to a large reserve of eggs from a single donor
This technology could allow a relatively small amount of ovarian tissue to yield many more eggs than is currently possible with ovarian stimulation and egg retrievals.
Is this treatment currently available?
No. In vitro growth of primordial follicles remains an investigational technology and is currently available only in research settings.
Our scientists continue to study several important areas, including:
- Safe and reliable follicle growth
- Egg quality and developmental potential
- Laboratory methods that support healthy maturation
- Automation
Innovation Fertility Preservation and IVF (Innovation Fertility PC) is actively advancing research in ovarian tissue biology, fertility preservation, and follicle development. Dr. Oktay's laboratory has spent more than two decades pioneering ovarian tissue cryopreservation, transplantation, and fertility preservation techniques that continue to shape the future of reproductive medicine.
What is the future of in vitro growth of primordial follicles?
Researchers envision a future in which women who preserve ovarian tissue today may later generate mature eggs from that tissue in the laboratory. This approach could broaden fertility preservation options, improve access to assisted reproductive technologies, and support longer reproductive potential for women.
Although more research is needed before this technology becomes part of routine clinical care, in vitro growth of primordial follicles represents an exciting step toward the future of fertility preservation. If you'd like to learn more about ongoing research or future developments, contact Innovation Fertility Preservation and IVF to speak with a member of the team. Follow us on Instagram @Innovation_fertility_pc or @NoPauze. On X @kutlukoktay