An emerging less-invasive infertility treatment is being offered in Australia for the first time, holding out hope for about 15% of women who cannot conceive naturally, including those who struggle with IVF.

Called CAPA-IVM (capacitation in-vitro maturation), the treatment differs from IVF because it involves retrieval of a woman’s eggs from the ovary while they are still immature and growing them in cell culture prior to fertilisation.

Leading reproductive biologist Professor Robert Gilchrist says he has improved on basic in-vitro maturation (IVM) by introducing the capacitation technology, which delays maturation to more closely mimic the natural process in the ovary, resulting in healthier and more fertile eggs.

The Royal Hospital for Women in Sydney is currently one of just five facilities globally to offer the treatment — after receiving TGA approval last year — with others set to follow.