New steps in science

IVF with Less Hormonal Treatment: What Are IVM and Fertilo?

Medication and frequent monitoring are common concerns during IVF. Research improving egg maturation outside the body aims to make treatment less demanding.

A gloved embryologist holding a culture dish over a clean laboratory workbench

Stage of evidence

Early clinical data · Further comparative evaluation underway

Mehmet Çolakoğlu website · Information article ·

How IVM differs

In vitro maturation means collecting immature eggs and maturing them in the laboratory. Moving more of maturation outside the body could reduce medication requirements. This is a research aim, not a promise of injection-free treatment or better success for everyone. [3]

What Fertilo changes

Fertilo uses ovarian support cells derived from stem cells to improve the environment around existing eggs. It does not create a new egg. It should not be interpreted as restoring ovarian reserve or rejuvenating eggs. [1]

What the 2026 study found

A Cell Stem Cell cohort study reported improvements in some maturation and reproductive outcomes compared with traditional IVM. It did not establish superiority over conventional stimulated IVF. The registered FIRST trial is also evaluating the approach. [1] [2]

Questions about suitability

Why is reducing medication important to you? How did you respond to previous stimulation? Could another protocol address the same concern? Ask separately about mature eggs, embryos and live-birth expectations. Reviewing your own reports is more useful than choosing by a technology name alone.

Thinking about timing

Access, research participation and regulatory status vary by country and centre. Ask for a plan covering medication, monitoring, collection and transfer. The possibility of a less demanding future treatment is not, on its own, a reason to delay assessment today.

Frequently asked questions

Does Fertilo make eggs from stem cells?

No. Stem-cell-derived support cells are used to help existing eggs mature outside the body.

Is it more successful than standard IVF?

Adequate comparative evidence has not established that. Findings against traditional IVM do not demonstrate superiority over standard IVF.

Can I reduce my medication myself?

No. Changes to medication or monitoring should be made with your treating clinician.

Scientific sources

  1. Paulsen et al. · Cell Stem Cell (2026): ovarian support cells for IVF ↗
  2. ClinicalTrials.gov · FIRST, NCT06858111 ↗
  3. Gameto · Fertilo: technology and research programme (developer) ↗

Published and updated:

Prof. Dr. Mehmet Çolakoğlu

Prof. Dr. Mehmet Çolakoğlu

Discuss medication burden and your treatment options

Tell Prof. Dr. Mehmet Çolakoğlu which parts of previous treatment were difficult and discuss your current investigations. Complete the initial consultation form to explore appropriate stimulation and monitoring options.

Konya · Private practice | Ankara · A Life Hospital – Etimesgut

Describing a research approach does not mean it is offered at the practice or hospital. Options appropriate to you are discussed during an individual assessment.

The first step towards your dream of a child

Consultation and Contact Form

Use this form to request an appointment, arrange an initial consultation or ask a general question. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Çolakoğlu’s team will contact you.

Prof. Dr. Mehmet Çolakoğlu
A newborn grasping a mother’s finger with both parents’ hands supporting gently
Let us get to know you

Please do not include identity numbers, medical reports or documents. You can discuss details during your consultation.

New developments in IVF

Explore new developments
WhatsApp